Mayor's Former Bodyguard Makes New Accusations
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- KDKA Investigators are learning more about how Mayor Luke Ravenstahl's bodyguards operated; it's information that could be contributing to the mayor's concern about where various investigations could be headed.
KDKA's Marty Griffin talked extensively with former Ravenstahl bodyguard, Fred Crawford.
Crawford tells KDKA that he has documents, dates and times, and is ready to speak with the FBI.
When he does, Crawford says he will tell agents he was told to lie about when he worked overtime.
Crawford alleges the bodyguards were told to do so to "cover for" the mayor's late night activities.
"Fred Crawford and his statements are a complete lie, a 100 percent lie," Mayor Ravenstahl said last week during a press conference. "I look forward to the day that the truth ultimately prevails."
That was last week, Mayor Ravenstahl responding to claims by Fred Crawford that he knew of credit cards used by his bodyguards from what has been described as an illegal slush fund set up at the Pittsburgh Police Federal Credit Union.
"Every statement he made is false," said Ravenstahl.
Now, the former bodyguard says there's more.
Crawford says he was ordered to lie about working late nights.
He said there was concern about media coverage of the mayor's late nights; "partying at 4 or 5 o'clock in the morning," says Crawford.
Crawford says bodyguards were to "never mark that you worked past midnight" on their time cards.
Crawford also says the bodyguards were then ordered to submit "false" time cards in order to get paid.
Crawford says he has dates, times and documents to prove his claims.
He says we will "take a polygraph administered by the FBI" if need be.
Crawford, a 24-year police veteran who is now retired, is out of the country but says arrangements are being made for him to speak with the FBI.
Meanwhile, there's been no comment from the Office of the Mayor.
RELATED LINKS:
Mayor, Safety Director Deny Accusations Made By Retired Bodyguard (2/22/13)
More on the City Hall Scandal
