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.â€
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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