August 23, 2007
Foley Refuses To Turn Computers Over To Investigators
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement announced today that its criminal investigation into alleged misconduct by Mark Foley is being hampered by the former Republican lawmaker's refusal to let investigators examine his congressional computers.
Foley ignited scandal and resigned from Congress last September after it was brought to light that he was having inappropriate conversations with young, male congressional pages on the Internet. Foley could face criminal charges if investigators find that he attempted to seduce any boy under the age of 18.
FDLE spokeswoman Heather Smith told reporters today that the department has "requested to review federally owned computers that Mr. Foley used during his time as a representative, but the U.S. House of Representatives... cited case law restrictions that prohibited them from releasing those computers.” Only Foley can grant law enforcement officials permission to search the computers in question.
Investigators are proceeding carefully in the case, as earlier this month a federal appeals court ruled that a raid of Democratic Louisiana Rep. William Jefferson's congressional office was unconstitutional.
Foley's attorney, David Roth, made no comment on Wednesday, citing the ongoing investigation. Foley, who entered rehab after his resignation, has remained out of the public eye.
