An information technology aide for Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. – at the center of a congressional computer equipment scandal – was arrested while trying to flee the country and charged with bank fraud, Fox News reported.
Imran Awan was arrested at Dulles International Airport in suburban Virginia, and pleaded not guilty Tuesday to one count of bank fraud during his arraignment in federal court in Washington, D.C., Fox News reported.
Law enforcements authorities have been looking into how Awan might have double-billed the House for equipment like computers, iPads, monitors, keyboards and routers, Fox News reported.
Several relatives of Awan worked for House Democrats and were fired months ago, but Awan was kept on staff by Wasserman Schultz, the former Democratic National Committee chair, as a part-timer.
Wasserman Schultz's spokesman, David Damron, told Fox News in a statement Tuesday that Awan has now been fired.
"Mr. Awan previously served as a part-time employee, but his services have been terminated," the statement asserted.
Fox News also reported the counsel for Wasserman Schultz recently began negotiating with Capitol Police for access to her laptop in the case.
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