New Details Released In FBI's Investigation Into John Wiley Price
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - We have a better idea where the feds are headed in their investigation of Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price.
The search warrants executed at Price's house and at his county office mention big companies and at least one other powerful politician, State Senator Royce West.
The search warrants request any and all documents pertaining to Senator West - an influential and powerful state lawmaker.
It's the first time West's name has surfaced officially during the investigation. Senator West said in a statement any projects he and Price worked on can "meet and withstand public scrutiny."
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The FBI was also looking for information related to Price's annual Kwanzaa Fest celebration, and some of its sponsors, such as American Airlines.
Price's attorney, Billy Ravkind, says it's a broad search. He says he's asked his client very direct questions. "I said 'John have you ever accepted a bribe?' He said 'Bill I have never accepted a bribe.' I said 'okay, now, I start looking for - is it true?' That's what I'm doing right now."
Also included in the documents, several businessmen accused of pressuring a South Dallas County developer involved in the Inland Port project and logistics hub - a major warehouse and distribution center.
Two prominent businessmen associated with port and their firm are mentioned in the warrant.
The warrant says the FBI searched for bank records, large amounts of cash, jewelry and computer data.
Agents also searched for information involving Price's numerous vehicles, land dealings, and a birthday fundraiser.
An American Airlines spokesman says he couldn't talk about specific investigations, but that it does regularly comply with law enforcement requests.
