Fed investigators probe Baltimore's Sheila Dixon, Washington Times, 5-31-04

The Washington Times

Federal investigators probe Baltimore's Dixon

Published May 31, 2004

Federal investigators probing the practices and finances of the Baltimore City Council are examining the travel records of council President Sheila Dixon, her attorney said.

In response to a public information request filed by the Baltimore Sun, lawyer Neal M. Janey wrote in a letter dated May 24 that records "concerning travel undertaken by the City Council president" are not available "until after completion of the federal grand jury investigation."

"If you need access to those records before that time," Mr. Janey wrote, "you should contact the United States attorney."

U.S. Attorney Thomas DiBiagio began the probe with subpoenas for documents issued in September and October, according to copies of subpoenas the newspaper has obtained. Earlier this year, Mr. DiBiagio broadened his search by issuing subpoenas to several minority developers for information detailing their dealings with Miss Dixon and three former city officials.

Mr. DiBiagio also has subpoenaed most of the council members to testify before the grand jury, the newspaper has reported.
His office has refused to confirm or deny an investigation.

The initial subpoenas to council members required them to turn over documents detailing gifts, loans or outside income they received in the past five years. Investigators also requested information on council members' hiring practices, office budgets, expense accounts and relations with two local businessmen: banker Edwin F. Hale Sr. and Arrow Parking owner Benjamin Greenwald.