Agents from the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service are searching the Girdwood home of U.S. Senator Ted Stevens. The search was confirmed this afternoon by Dave Heller, FBI assistant special agent in charge of the Alaska office.
Heller says he can’t comment on the nature of the investigation. Federal investigators previously confirmed they were reviewing a renovation project at his home that more than doubled its size.
The remodeling of Stevens’ home in 2000 was overseen by VECO Executive Bill Allen, who has pleaded guilty to bribing Alaska state legislators. Stevens has only commented once on the investigation while speaking to reporters in Washington, D.C. two weeks ago.
Today, Stevens’ communications director Aaron Saunders replied to e-mailed questions with a written statement from Senator Stevens. Stevens reiterated that he will not comment on the investigation to avoid the perception that he may be trying to influence it. His statement today urged Alaskans not to draw conclusions until the investigation is complete.
The Associated Press and David Shurtleff, APRN – Anchorage
