WASHINGTON -
Another D.C. councilmember is in the spotlight over campaign funding.
D.C. Police are investigating some unauthorized disbursements from At-Large councilmember Michael Brown's campaign coffers.
It was the councilman himself who says he noticed the alleged theft.
He says while reviewing his campaign records, he discovered some unauthorized disbursements had been made from the campaign bank account by someone who has assisted his campaigns for more than five years.
"I immediately contacted the Metropolitan Police Department and have since been working in cooperation with the MPD investigation of this matter," Brown said in a statement.
D.C. Police spokesperson Gwendolyn Crump says the allegation was brought to their attention and they are indeed investigating.
Brown's statement says he has personally taken over as campaign treasurer -- overseeing more than $148,000 that elections records have been taken in so far. The person who had been working in that capacity, Hakim Sutton, is no longer with the campaign.
"To demonstrate my commitment to operate the campaign books transparently and ethically, I will bring in an independent auditor to ensure that all campaign finance activities meet the strictest fiduciary standards, "Brown says.
The Michael Brown 2012 re-election campaign issued the following statement on behalf of Michael A. Brown:
"While personally reviewing my campaign finance records on June 22nd, I discovered information which indicated that unauthorized disbursements had been made from the campaign bank account by an individual who has assisted my campaigns for over five years. Upon discovering this disturbing fact, I immediately contacted the Metropolitan Police Department and have since been working in cooperation with the MPD investigation of this matter."
"As the one who discovered the alleged theft, I have decided to personally take over as the treasurer of my re-election campaign. To demonstrate my commitment to operate the campaign books transparently and ethically, I will bring in an independent auditor to ensure that all campaign finance activities meet the strictest fiduciary standards."
"At this time, neither I, nor my campaign will have any further comment on the ongoing criminal investigation. However, I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to our hardworking and talented Metropolitan Police Department."
D.C. Councilmember Michael Brown
