A House IT staff member, connected to the Clinton camp, has been charged with bank fraud.
The former aide, who had worked for the former DNC chairwoman, Debbie Wasserman Schultz (Fla.) and many other House Democrats, was arrested while attempting to try to leave the country.
Fox News reported that officers from the FBI, U.S. Capitol Police, and Customs and Border Protection assisted in the arrest of Imran Awan at the Dulles airport in Virginia.
Awan had already appeared in court in D.C., when he pled not guilty earlier this week to one count of bank fraud. He was released, but was given a GPS monitor and a strict curfew. He also wasn’t permitted to travel.
“Law enforcement authorities for months have been looking into how Awan may have double-billed the House for equipment like computers, iPads, monitors, keyboards and routers. Several relatives of Awan worked for House Democrats and were fired months ago. Awan, however, was kept on staff by Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., even though he was no longer allowed access to the House server network,” writes Fox News.
Then on Tuesday, a Wasserman Schultz spokesperson “said” he was fired.
“Mr. Awan previously served as a part-time employee but his services have been terminated. No charges, evidence or findings from the investigation have been formally shared with our office, so we cannot comment on them,” said David Damron, a Wasserman Schultz’ spokesman.
Awan was in an “advisory” role where he provided “advice on technology issues” according to Dameron.
“In March, a group of House Democrats fired Awan and one other staffer over their alleged involvement in the scheme and the looming criminal investigation. However, Fox News reported Tuesday that Wasserman Schultz still has Awan on her staff’s payroll despite him being barred from accessing the House’s computer system since February,” writes The Hill.
Awan was attempting to travel to Doha, Qatar and then Lahore, Pakistan and then “return” in early January.
A few Democrats have come forward to defend Awan in regards to the recent firing from House Democrats.
“As of right now, I don’t see a smoking gun,” said Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.) to Politico back in March. “I have seen no evidence that they were doing anything that was nefarious.”
“He needs to have a hearing. Due process is very simple. You don’t fire someone until you talk to them,” said Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio.)
Wasserman Schultz has also shown to be uncooperative with authorities as of late. She has been negotiating with Capitol Police for her laptop back and won’t let the USCP look at her computer. She has also threatened consequences if the computer isn’t returned promptly.
Author’s note: People don’t run unless they have something to hide. Wasserman Schultz has been exposed as a bias corrupt Clinton aide and the members of her team most likely did her dirty work.
Editor’s note: Wasserman Schultz shows her incompetence and gullibility, seemingly over and over again. It’s a bit funny that later reports say she “fired” him. Really? You go girl!