The FBI has arrested a leading Democratic figure in Washington, D.C., according to multiple reports. D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson has confirmed that the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrested Councilmember Trayon White on Sunday afternoon.
Mendelson told local outlet Fox 5 that he is currently unaware of the reasons for White’s arrest, as well as the specific charges and the location where White was taken into custody. The council chairman noted that the arrest happened around 2 p.m. and expressed surprise, stating that he had no prior knowledge of any ongoing investigation into White. “I’m anxious to get more details to understand what the situation is,” Mendelson told FOX 5. “You all know as much as I know.”
“Sunday afternoon multiple reports came out that White had been arrested in Southeast, D.C. We sent our crew to 1000 South Capitol, when they arrived they spoke with residents of the 10K Hill South apartment building who say the FBI raided the building,” WUSA9 reported. Shortly after the raid, residents received an email from the building management.
“Dear Resident, We wanted to inform you about a recent police presence at 10K Hill South. Please be assured that this was a localized procedure and does not pose any risk to our community. If you have any questions or need assistance, our team is available at the front desk to help with anything you may need. Thank you for your attention, and we appreciate your cooperation. 10K Hill South Management,” the email said.
White, who has represented Ward 8 since 2016, faced controversy earlier this year when the D.C. Office of Campaign Finance imposed a $20,000 fine on him and his campaign treasurer. Additionally, White reportedly owed nearly $59,000 in public funds received through the D.C. Fair Elections Program. This program, designed to provide public financing for campaigns, mandates rigorous auditing and reporting requirements, according to a report from the Washington Informer.
White has encountered several other campaign finance issues in recent years. During the last two election cycles, including his unsuccessful bid for mayor, his campaigns have been flagged for multiple instances of noncompliance with city regulations due to incomplete financial records, according to the Washington Informer.
“In the absence of a complete list of financial records and documentation necessary to fully conduct the Audit, the Audit Staff cannot exhaustively substantiate the information contained in the Trayon White for Mayor 2022 Reports of Receipts and Expenditures,” reads an audit of White’s campaign finances.
This is a developing story.
Disclaimer: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.