Rep. Joe Neguse brought an unexpected name into the debate over Republicans’ new federal fraud division: rapper Boosie BadAzz.
A recent 60 Minutes investigation found Boosie paid $600,000 to political operatives Jack Burkman and Jacob Wohl after, he says, being led to believe they could help secure a presidential pardon. The pardon never came, and Boosie is now seeking a refund.
The brokers deny wrongdoing and dispute his claims. Neguse used the case to press Republicans on whether alleged pardon-brokering schemes would fall under the proposed National Fraud Enforcement Division — asking why DOJ’s new anti-fraud operation wouldn’t scrutinize that kind of conduct too.
The House passed the bill creating the division on Sept. 16.
