Nofziger, Partner Subpoenaed in Probe Into Conflict of Interest

Lyn Nofziger, a former top political aide to President Reagan who is under investigation for possible conflict-of-interest law violations, has been subpoenaed along with his business partner by a federal grand jury in New York, federal officials said Friday.

But the subpoena has been put “on hold” until the Justice Department determines whether U.S. Atty. Rudolph W. Giuliani should continue his inquiry or the investigation should be referred to a court-appointed independent counsel, the officials said.

Nofziger, a Washington public relations executive, is under federal scrutiny for allegedly lobbying his former White House colleagues on behalf of Wedtech Corp., a Bronx military contractor.

Nofziger’s contact with the White House allegedly occurred in May, 1982--four months after he left his Reagan staff position. Federal conflict-of-interest law prohibits such lobbying for one year after a high-ranking official leaves public office.

The officials, who declined to be named, said the subpoena also applies to Mark A. Bragg, Nofziger’s partner in the public relations business. A subpoena does not imply wrongdoing but indicates that a grand jury is seeking to question persons to whom they are issued.