The FBI is getting involved in the case of embattled Utah State Representative Justin Miller. The democrat is accused of stealing from Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams reelection campaign.
Miller’s attorney Steven Shapiro says he doesn’t think the federal government would get involved in a simple case of alleged theft.
“And so I would assume that their investigation would be focused on something other than just Justin,” Shapiro says. “And of course we’re hopeful that that’s the case.”
McAdams accused Miller of stealing roughly $30,000 from his 2012 campaign. Miller denies the allegations, calling them retaliatory. Months before Miller was fired from his job at Salt Lake County, he challenged the legality of the mayor’s contracts with public affairs firm The Exoro Group. Miller has indicated he plans to sue the county for wrongful termination.
Utah House Democrats called for Miller’s resignation earlier this month saying the investigations impair his ability to effectively represent his district. Representative Brian King leads the Democratic Caucus in the Utah House. He maintains there’s not enough evidence to prompt an ethics investigation.
“I think that having called publicly for Representative Miller’s resignation is probably our most important, most high-profile thing that we could do,” King says.
Miller said in a phone interview Monday, he will not resign his seat “especially now”, referring to the federal investigation.
Davis County Attorney Troy Rawlings says his office will resume its investigation and screen for possible charges.
