The Investigative Subcommittee investigating allegations related to the conduct of Representative William J. Jefferson has communicated to the Chairwoman and Ranking Member that, after careful deliberation, the Investigative Subcommittee has voted to refrain at this time, from attempting to interview or depose witnesses linked to the criminal proceedings involving Representative Jefferson. The unanimous determination of the Investigative Subcommittee followed the receipt of multiple communications transmitted by the United States Department of Justice expressing concern that such investigative actions might create legal or factual issues that would complicate or impede the criminal prosecution and related law enforcement efforts in this matter.
The Investigative Subcommittee’s scope of jurisdiction involves review of factual allegations that are the subject of the criminal indictment of Representative Jefferson in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia which is currently set for trial on January 16, 2008. While recognizing that the allegations involving Representative Jefferson are of the most serious nature and must be addressed by the House of Representatives acting under its rules and precedents, the Investigative Subcommittee concluded that it cannot move forward in this matter at this time without engaging in investigative activities that would risk interfering with the criminal prosecution and related ongoing investigation. This determination follows a review of the Committee’s historical handling of investigations involving Members under examination by law enforcement or regulatory authorities.
The Investigative Subcommittee will remain in effect to continue to monitor the criminal proceedings and will consider pursuing avenues of inquiry that it concludes do not interfere with the criminal indictment pending against Representative Jefferson.