Justice asked to investigate Scott

20 Sep 2007 // A Washington watchdog group on Thursday asked the Justice Department to investigate Rep. David Scott (D-Ga.) for possible tax violations and improper use of his House office and staff.

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics (CREW) filed the complaint here just two days after declaring Scott among the 25 “most corrupt” congressmen here for mingling personal and campaign interests, failing repeatedly to pay personal and business taxes and, as one of his former aides claimed, using his House staff to work on his campaign.

“We urge the Justice Department to commence an investigation immediately,” Melanie Sloan, CREW’s executive director, said in a statement.

Scott’s office rejected CREW’s claims as “inaccuracies” and unproven accusations, adding, “a review of the record will clear up these allegations.”

Scott’s office said he’s paid all back property taxes on his home in historic Inman Park and “significantly reduced” the taxes still owed by his family’s advertising business, Dayn-Mark.

“CREW basically recycled a 5-month-old news story and added no new insight or additional review of Congressman Scott’s record,” Scott’s office said.