DeLay failed to fully disclose legal defense contributions News
DeLay failed to fully disclose legal defense contributions

[JURIST] US Representative Tom DeLay [official website; JURIST news archive] has informed US House of Representative officials that he neglected to disclose all contributions made to his legal defense fund as mandated by congressional rules. DeLay told House officials that he began an audit which uncovered an unreported amount of $20,850 contributed in 2000 and 2001 to the defense fund. Another $17,300 was listed in the defense fund's quarterly report, but was not disclosed in DeLay's 2000 annual financial disclosure report, and other donations that actually totaled $4,450 were understated as totaling $2,800. Congressional rules require the disclosure of donations in quarterly reports and mandate disclosures of donations over $250 on annual reports. DeLay said that he first realized the inconsistencies last February and called for a "full and complete" audit at that point. Meanwhile, DeLay has decided to personally attend a hearing next Tuesday on whether the judge overseeing his trial should be replaced [JURIST report]. DeLay is facing money laundering and criminal conspiracy charges for allegedly helping to funnel corporate donations to GOP candidates for the Texas Legislature in violation of Texas state law. His attorney said DeLay wants to be present at the hearing because "he wants to be involved in every facet [of the case] particularly when something is very important." AP has more.

ALSO ON JURIST

 Op-ed: Tom DeLay's Challenge to Texas Grand Jury Process