Justice Department prosecutors are investigating allegations that Corey Lewandowski profited from his role advising the Department of Homeland Security, according to multiple people familiar with the matter who spoke to CNN. The probe follows a criminal referral from the DHS inspector general’s office.
Lewandowski served as the de facto chief of staff to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem until the pair were ousted in March, following infighting at the agency and questions about spending decisions. The inspector general has been examining contracting practices at DHS during their tenure. One person familiar with the matter said Washington, DC, US Attorney Jeanine Pirro told her office she wanted investigators to look into claims of kickbacks connected to DHS contracting.
Asked about the inquiry Thursday, Trump told reporters at the White House: “All I know is, I want my people to be honest, and if they’re not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted.”
Lewandowski’s attorney Adam Trigg told CNN that his client “has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation, and he denies any wrongdoing when he was proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity.” The Justice Department declined to comment, and the DHS inspector general’s office said it does not discuss specific investigative matters.
Source: CNN
