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Dems question suspect’s political donations
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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Maryland Democrats are questioning tens of thousands of dollars donated to Republican candidates by Maryland businessman Alan Fabian, who was indicted last week in a $32 million fraud case.
Fabian, who served as former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele’s finance director during his 2006 bid for U.S. Senate, has donated more than $44,000 to the state’s Republican Central Committee and various GOP candidates since 2001, the year federal prosecutors say he began one of the largest fraud schemes in Maryland history.
“I think it’s incumbent for anyone who he contributed to should return the money because it could turn out to be tainted, dirty stolen, money,” said David Paulson, spokesman for the state’s Democratic Party. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty, but if it turns out that money belongs to somebody else, it seems there should be a lot of Republicans writing many checks very soon.”
Between 2001 and 2004, Fabian gave Steele and former Gov. Robert Ehrlich two donations each of $4,000, the maximum amount allowed for an individual contribution.
Ehrlich was unaware of the investigation when he accepted the contribution, said Henry Fawell, Ehrlich’s former spokesman and a consultant for a law firm where Ehrlich works.
The firm represents the Centre for Technology and Management, a company Fabian founded with allegedly fraudulent funds. Through that company, Fabian recently opened a free computer center for residents in the Druid Hill neighborhood.
Fabian, 43, also donated $25,000 to Barbara Bush's Foundation for Family and $65,000 to New Jersey’s Cambridge School for children with learning
disabilities, Fawell said.
"Alan is about empowering individuals in tough situations to better their lives," Fawell said.
Steele did not return telephone calls seeking comment.
Prosecutors said Fabian, a certified public accountant, created two companies to purportedly purchase $32 million in computer hardware and software for other businesses. But Fabian’s companies never purchased the equipment or bought much less expensive equipment, according to the indictment.
Fabian's defense attorney, David Irwin, said he hopes the indictment won’t jeopardize his good deeds.
“You’ve got one document [the indictment] that makes him out to be a bad guy and the rest of his life is full of philanthropy,” Irwin said.
lbroadwater@baltimoreexaminer.com
jmalarkey@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
11:46 AM MST on Tue., May. 20, 2008 re: "Maryland businessman pleads guilty in ‘massive’ fraud"
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Examiner Reader said:
the guy is a certified narcissist. I was attending a party at one of the private schools that his children go to AFTER he had been indicted. He wore a very trendy, very loud plaid sport jacket. He has a jesus fish on his car. He is(or was) truly laughing all way to the swiss bank.
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Examiner Reader said:
What does Alan Fabian's political leanings have to do with his alledged crimes? Did he commit these alledged crimes while holding political office?
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The Scarlet Pimpernel said:
When will the recipients of Bruce Bereano's "donations" give their LOOT back?? It's really funny how the Dems can even open their pie holes and even say that with all of the CROOKED donors they have had for years......It's me the Scarlet Pimpernel....;)
67 agree | 59 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
You have to be joking, Dixon is the best bet. we just need to take back our city, if a pay off occurs, it should be to snitches to turn in the dealers and move em out!
60 agree | 55 disagree
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Examiner Reader said:
Who ever wrote the below must be a child, do adults still announce there BDAY. Heres a hat and candles ^ !!!!!!!!
64 agree | 63 disagree
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Christine said:
David Paulson, today is my birthday and, if you would be so kind, I would greatly appreciate you and all your fellow demorats taking a long walk on a very short pier. That will be the icing on my cake if you will so oblige. Thank you.
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Examiner Reader said:
Not Surprised at all. Where is the juicy gossip on this Republican. Not enough accusations and slander like in your dem bashing articles.
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