Prominent Washington, D.C., businessman Jeffrey E. Thompson, a major player in local politics, is under investigation for possibly funneling money illegally to Democrat candidates through so-called "straw donations."
From the Washington Post:
Thompson, who has done billions of dollars in business with the city over the past two decades, is under scrutiny after his name was prominently featured on grand jury subpoenas delivered last week to several elected District officials days after his home and offices were searched by federal agents.
Combined, the raids and subpoenas cast attention on Thompson’s donor network and his role in funding local political campaigns, and indicate that an ongoing federal probe sparked by the allegations of a minor mayoral candidate has unfolded into a broader inquiry of campaign finance in the city.
In particular, the recent use of money-order donations by Thompson-connected individuals and firms — including to Mayor Vincent C. Gray, D.C. Council members Michael A. Brown and Vincent B. Orange, and former member Harry Thomas Jr. — has raised questions about whether contribution limits were circumvented through "straw donations," or giving money to others who in turn donate the cash under their own names.