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Search home of U.S. Sen. Stevens

FBI, IRS

July 30, 2007
  • FBI, IRS search home of U.S. Sen. Stevens
FBI, IRS search home of U.S. Sen. Stevens

by The Associated Press
Channel 2 News staff
Monday, July 30, 2007

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Agents from the FBI and the Internal Revenue Service are searching the Girdwood home of U.S. Sen. Ted Stevens.     

Execution of a search warrant was confirmed this afternoon by Dave Heller, FBI assistant special agent in charge of the Alaska office, who said agents arrived shortly before 2:30 p.m.

Heller says he can't comment on the nature of the investigation and referred inquiries to the Public Integrity Section of the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.

Calls placed to spokesmen for Stevens in the Capitol were not immediately returned.     

In the past, Stevens has said it is his long-standing policy not to comment on the federal investigation to avoid the appearance that he might influence the investigation.

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Stevens, who is 83, is the longest-serving Republican senator in the U.S. Congress.

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 Bill Allen, a contractor who has pleaded guilty to bribing Alaska state legislators.     

Allen founded VECO Corp., an Alaska-based oil field services and engineering company that has reaped tens of millions of dollars in federal contracts.     

A Washington, D.C., law enforcement official familiar with the case confirms the raid is focused on records related to the ongoing VECO investigation.

In response to the search warrants, Stevens released the following statements:

"My attorneys were advised this morning that federal agents wished to search my home in Girdwood in connection with an ongoing investigation. 

"I continue to believe this investigation should proceed to its conclusion without any appearance that I have attempted to influence its outcome. I will continue my policy of not commenting on this investigation until it has concluded.

"I know Alaskans are interested in my views on the investigation. While I understand this interest and would like to discuss these issues in great detail, the interests of justice and our state are best served if I make my comments after federal officials complete their work.

"I urge Alaskans not to form conclusions based upon incomplete and sometimes incorrect reports in the media. The legal process should be allowed to proceed so that all the facts can be established and the truth determined.

"For over 50 years I have worked hard for Alaskans as part of our territorial, state and federal governments. And I will continue to do all I can to assure that government meets our people's unique needs."

Watch the "5:00 Report with John Tracy" and the "NewsHour" for the complete report.

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