Federal Investigation of Congressman Continues

Rep. Alan Mollohan, Democrat of West Virginia, has recused himself from working on the budget of the Justice Department, amid allegations that he directed federal money to nonprofit groups he helped start, reports the Associated Press.

Mr. Mollohan was recently named chairman of an Appropriations subcommittee that controls the Justice Department’s budget.

At least $202-million of federal funds have gone to five nonprofit organizations in Mr. Mollohan’s district. A significant portion of the money has been directed to groups led by people who have contributed to Mr. Mollohan’s campaigns.

Representative Mollohan and a political action committee he controls have received more than $146,000 in the past 10 years from donors affiliated with these nonprofit groups, according to the article.

Mr. Mollohan refuted all allegations of wrongdoing at a private meeting with fellow Democrats, saying, “These charges are rubbish, and whatever financial success my wife and I have had is a result of my wife’s expertise and her years of experience in real estate.”