Brown, Newsom caught up in donations probe
Gov. Jerry Brown and Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom are among the officials being pulled into a state investigation into whether a powerful Sacramento lobbyist made improper campaign donations, multiple sources said Friday.
The state's Fair Political Practices Commission is expected to announce a fine Monday against Kevin Sloat and his firm, Sloat Higgins Jensen and Associates, while dozens of politicians have been told to expect warning letters for failing to disclose the true cost of lavish fundraisers held at the lobbyist's Sacramento home.
In addition to the civil fine, the allegations against Sloat - whose firm represents the San Francisco 49ers, Pacific Gas and Electric Co. and other prominent clients - have drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies including the FBI, said an attorney for a former employee whose accusations led to the probe.
Brown and Newsom are among the current and former officeholders who are expected to receive warning letters for accepting gifts from Sloat's firm by underreporting the cost of fundraisers, said sources close to the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the commission has not announced its penalties.
Also expected to receive warning letters are state Sen. Jerry Hill, D-San Mateo; state Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento; state Sen. Kevin de León, D-Los Angeles; and state Sen. Roderick Wright, D-Inglewood (Los Angeles County), who was recently convicted of felony perjury and voter fraud in an unrelated case.
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