Los Angeles senator won’t face investigation
SACRAMENTO — California’s ethics watchdog will not investigate Sen. Kevin de Leon (D-Los Angeles) after finding no evidence that he played a role in a controversial $25,000 political donation.
The Fair Political Practices Commission notified the senator of its decision in a letter Monday.
The commission’s review began after the leaking of a FBI affidavit involving Sen. Ron Calderon (D-Montebello), who is facing a bribery investigation but has not been charged.
The document included allegations that De Leon tried to resolve a dispute over who would lead the California Latino Legislative Caucus by directing a $25,000 donation to a nonprofit tied to Calderon’s brother.
If De Leon solicited the money, his role would have needed to be disclosed under state law.
In response, a lawyer for De Leon said the senator “did not request the contribution, did not recommend the contribution, and was not part of any vote or decision to make the contribution.”
Gary Winuk, chief of enforcement for the Fair Political Practices Commission, said officials would continue probing whether any other elected officials directed the $25,000 donation.
ALSO:
Ethics watchdog advises De Leon of possible probe
Sen. Kevin De Leon denies role in contribution to Calderon group
Tom Calderon nonprofit received $25,000 from Latino caucus panel
Twitter: @chrismegerian
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