Hank Silverberg, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – Loudoun County Democrats are calling for Republican Supervisor Eugene Delgaudio to step down now that a grand jury is investigating allegations he misused his office staff for political fundraising.
The Washington Post reports that Arlington Commonwealth’s Attorney Theo Stamos, who was appointed to investigate the allegations, has convened a grand jury that will hear evidence against Delgaudio to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.
Delgaudio, a Sterling Republican, has been under scrutiny for almost a year. In January, the board diminished his role on the board by denying him committee assignments this year. That decision followed an October vote to investigate Delgaudio’s conduct.
Last April, a special prosecutor recommended no criminal charges be filed following a review of the allegations.
Since the charges were first made public, Delgaudio has maintained that his staff was raising money for a youth football league and not for his political activities. He is accused of using a county employee for campaign fundraising on county time.
County Democratic Chair Evan Macbeth says Delgaudio can’t effectively represent his Sterling constituents while he is under investigation.
“I can only hope that Supervisor Delgaudio will recognize that this grand jury investigation and the allegations against him make it impossible for him to fulfill his duties and responsibilities, and he will resign,” Macbeth said in a written statement.
MacBeth also called for Stamos to investigate “any possible cover-up” by board Chair Scott York, R-at large.
Democrats criticize York for not acting sooner to address the alleged misconduct.
Related Stories:
- Loudoun County supervisor stripped of committee assignments
- Loudoun supervisors may investigate one of their own
- Loudoun board votes to investigate Delgaudio
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