D.C. Council Chairman Kwame Brown's finances are being scrutinized again.
The Office of Campaign Finance and Ethics is investigating whether Brown failed to disclose more than $250,000 in campaign contributions and expenses during his run for reelection to the council in 2008, The Washington Post reported.
The office launched a probe in September around the time former council member Vincent B. Orange (D) questioned the integrity of Brown’s reports. Orange, who competed against Brown (D) for chairman last year, wanted to know why his amended finance reports showed he was using his 2008 account for expenses in 2010. Those expenses were related to printing, consultants, an office alarm system and a credit card machine.
As is customary for an Office of Campaign Finance investigation, the audit of Brown’s 2008 account is being conducted out of public view. But there have been growing signs that the office is wrapping up its investigation, and officials have said a final report could be issued soon.
During the campaign last year, NBC Washington'sTom Sherwood reported that Brown had been sued by credit card companies for $50,000 in late payments and fees.
Last month, it was revealed that twoSUVs had been leased for Brown
at a cost of almost $4,000 a month. The second was ordered because Brown didn't like the interior of the first. Both SUVs were returned, but the city still owed money on them.
Brown said he's working to clear up the issues and regain the trust of District voters.
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