Watchdog Group Calls For Criminal Investigation Of California Lawmaker

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) is calling for a criminal investigation of Rep. Laura Richardson (D-Calif.).

Citing internal emails and interviews with former staffers, CREW alleges that Richardson required her Congressional staff to work re-election events, a violation of federal laws prohibiting lawmakers from using government resources for campaigns.

“Rep. Richardson didn’t just violate House rules, she likely committed crimes,” Melanie Sloan, the Director of Crew, said in a statement. “While the House Ethics Committee is already investigating – for all the good that ever does – the FBI should step in and conduct its own inquiry.  The Department of Justice has a responsibility to ensure members of Congress who violate the law are held accountable.”

Emails provided by CREW can be read here.