EXCLUSIVE: FBI Raided Lobbying Firm Connected to Murtha

ABC News ^ | February 9, 2009 | By EMMA SCHWARTZ and JUSTIN ROOD

[Oldeconomybuyer]

The FBI raided the offices of a defense lobbying firm with close ties to Democratic Rep. John Murtha (Penn.), sources tell ABC News.

The FBI searched the Virginia headquarters of the PMA Group in November, according to the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. PMA was founded by former Murtha aide Paul Magliochetti and specializes in winning earmarked taxpayer funds for its clients.

Good government groups have long criticized Murtha's cozy relationship with a handful of lobbyists and defense firms, ties that see millions of dollars in government spending go out from Murtha's office, and hundreds of thousands in campaign donations come in. Murtha has said his earmarking has helped revive his economically depressed district.

PMA is the second company with close ties Murtha to be raided by federal agents recently. In January, agents from the FBI, the IRS and the Defense Criminal Investigative Service searched the office of Kuchera Industries and Kuchera Defense Systems, as well as the homes of the firms' founders. The companies reportedly have received over $100 million in earmarks, thanks to Murtha's efforts.

Investigators have not commented on their interest in the companies, and no official has suggested Murtha was involved in any suspected wrongdoing by the companies. [snip]

[FlingWingFlyer]

No big deal. Obama’s Gestapo will tell the FBI to back off.

[max americana]

I’m more surpised that this was even reported. Usually the MSM would cover this up when a Dem is in trouble.

[Gene Eric]

ping

[Michael.SF.]

I hope the agent in charge is a former Marine!

[MadMax, the Grinning Reaper]

Friends of Rep. John “Porkulus” Murtha? I’m shocked.

[yazoo]

I wondered what that brown stain was on the back of Murtha’s pants.

[jazusamo]

I’m happy to see this is getting more coverage and surprised ABC is reporting on it, Murtha and his cronies can’t be happy about it.

Thanks for the ping, GE.

[stentorian conservative]

When the going gets tuff, they'll sacrifice their own. I'm wondering what's on the horizon if they get him.

Plus they'll put anything on the TV to cover up Obama's bungled answers to soft questions.

[Old Sarge]

Oh, please. Murtha’s bulletproof.

[BlackjackPershing]

I hope they leak the evidence and cook the bastard.

[Chode]

Who am I... and WHY AM I HERE???

ohh, yeah...
THE PORK!!!

[anniegetyourgun]

Couldn’t happen to a bigger jerk.

[max americana]

Hussein did screw up his 1st ever. Just like a virgin on prom night, he wet himself before the nation. Murtha is tonight’s scapegoat.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

PMA is the SECOND company with close ties Murtha to be raided by federal agents recently.
_____________________________________________

Yes. Notable.

[penelopesire]

ROTFLOL!!

[4yearlurker]

I live in Murtha’s district and would LOVE to see this sack of S*#t go down hard! However, Murtha is entrenched and well connected with the unions.

[freema]

Ping

[444Flyer]

Comeuppance. That which you sow you shall also reap.