WASHINGTON, D.C.—Democracy Defenders Fund (DDF) has submitted another series of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests concerning the alleged bribery scheme involving Tom Homan. The first request seeks records from the Department of Justice (DOJ) related to the DOJ’s investigation of Homan, including case files, interview reports, and summaries, as well as any communication between the DOJ, the White House, and Trump’s White House transition team. The second request seeks documents from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that could provide insight into contractors who may have benefited from the alleged pay-to-play scheme.

Last Fall, it was reported that Homan received $50,000 in cash from undercover FBI agents in exchange for assistance in winning government contracts. Despite the ostensibly damning reports, the investigation was abruptly ended by Trump appointees. Homan has since been put charge of Operation Metro Surge, a DHS operation that has resulted in the death of two American citizens.

“Tom Homan was sent to Minnesota to restore order, but he arrives under a serious cloud of alleged corruption. Months after reporting described a bribery sting involving $50,000 in cash from undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation agents, the Trump administration is still keeping the public in the dark about what happened and why the investigation was closed," said Virginia Canter, chief counsel and director of ethics and anti-corruption at Democracy Defenders Fund. “Homan comes with a lot of baggage, and transparency is essential. The American people deserve to know what kind of person is in charge and whether they can be trusted to wield that power.”

Last September, DDF filed an initial FOIA requesting all records related to the FBI’s investigation of Homan’s alleged corruption including original and unedited audio recordings, video footage, and photographs taken or collected in connection with his communications with FBI agents concerning promises to provide government contracts.

DDF also sent a formal letter to the Office of Government Ethics (OGE) requesting an investigation into whether Homan falsified his required public financial disclosure report by failing to disclose the $50,000 payment. Following additional reports indicating that Homan participated in contract discussions related to detention services with several of his former clients, DDF sent an additional letter to OGE urging them to widen its probe.

Here is a link to the FOIA sent to the DOJ.

Here is a link to the FOIA sent to the DHS.

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Democracy Defenders Fund brings together a nonpartisan team to work with national, state, and local allies across the country to defend in real-time the foundations of our democracy.