The Virginian-Pilot
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A federal grand jury is investigating the controversy over Del. Phil Hamilton's $40,000-a-year job with Old Dominion University.
The Newport News school division was served with a subpoena and search warrant on Wednesday, division spokeswoman Michelle Price said Friday.
"We will be cooperating fully," she said, adding that she was not able to offer details.
The investigation is the latest development in the growing storm hovering over the Newport News Republican, who has been under pressure from both Democrats and Republicans to resign his seat.
Hamilton no longer works at the university but remains employed by the school system. He used his Newport News e-mail account to negotiate the ODU job.
An FBI spokesman would neither confirm nor deny that an investigation is under way.
The Virginian-Pilot first reported in July about Hamilton's job at ODU. E-mails obtained later by the newspaper showed that he negotiated a position for himself at the school while securing startup funding in 2007 for a teaching center at the university.
The ODU Center for Teacher Quality and Educational Leadership has since received $500,000 a year in state funding.
Hamilton has rejected calls to resign from the House seat he ha s held for two decades. He faces a challenge this November from Robin Abbott, a Democrat. Friday was the last day that the Republican Party could have nominated a substitute to appear on the ballot, according to a state election official.
The House ethics panel also has begun an inquiry.
ODU spokeswoman Jennifer Mullen said that, to her knowledge, the university had not received a subpoena or search warrant related to Hamilton as of Friday evening.
A federal subpoena requires the recipient to turn over documents. A search warrant allows federal agents to conduct their own search and remove documents and other evidence. Unlike state grand juries, which are presented evidence after an investigation has been conducted by police, federal grand juries are used as an investigative tool. A federal grand jury investigation can last months or even years and may or may not result in criminal charges.
News of federal involvement in the Hamilton saga brought swift reaction from House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, D-Henry.
"Obviously, federal officials are very interested in the activities of Del. Hamilton, and it's a pretty serious matter that clearly needs further investigation," he said.
Virginia Republican Party spokesman Tim Murtaugh declined to comment.
Murtaugh's boss, state GOP chairman Pat Mullins, is among the Virginia political officials who have called on Hamilton to resign.
Friday evening, Hamilton expressed the belief that he ultimately will be vindicated.
"Considering the amount and the tone of news coverage afforded this story by certain media outlets, it is understandable that an investigation would be initiated," Hamilton said in a statement issued through a campaign adviser.
"I welcome the inquiry. It is my hope that it will be completed swiftly," he said.
"I am confident that the investigation will confirm my innocence, and I look forward to continuing my service to the people of Newport News and James City County."
Pilot writers Tim McGlone, Patrick Wilson and Bill Sizemore contributed to this report.
Julian Walker, (804) 697-1564, julian.walker@pilotonline.com
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Hamilton's bloated face
Why does Phil Hamilton always look like he has been out all night? Is the pressure of holding down all these jobs driving him to drink?
He and his wife, Jesse and Linda Johnson in Suffolk
Simple, JAIL TIME!! Enough of rotten, law breaking politicians. Put them in jail!! Make an example out of them. Kickback jobs for grants, wives making big bucks for doing nothing, "family" land deals in Suffolk, while our economy is tanking, these thieves are stealing from honest, hard working people. Put them away.
Ooops
Sorry for the typo.
Consulting gig...
What is the job Newport News public schools, and what were his unique qualifications for it?
It's become a cliche in these scandal situations, but
it almost boils down to "What did he/she know, and when did he/she know it?"
Insert: Hamilton, Runte, Broderick, Graves, Blackburn, wherever you see "he/she."
A clear picture of what transpired should emerge.
ODU/Hamilton
I agree Hamilton should resign, but shouldn't all the people at ODU who were complicit also resign? Hamilton could not have done this alone -- people at ODU were very welcome to pay him $40,000 for $500,000. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
Great point! Why are those at ODU being held accountable?
Hum, the Left leaning Pilot goes after a Republican - but where is their "investigation" of those at ODU that went along with this scam/corruptions?
The Canadian Connection
Can Runte be subpoena'd from Canada?
If so, does she have to respond?
I'm sure she has a quite a bit of helpful information in this matter. That is, if her "recollection" is better than Hamilton's was.
ODU and Hamilton
It is not unusual for public education institutions to hire government officials, especially if their work experiences are related to education. What is strange in this case is the fact that upper level ODU officials claimed no knowledge of the hiring of Del. Hamilton. Had they been truthful at the beginning of this inquiry, their dealings with Del. Hamilton would not have taken on the appearance of impropriety. If he was hired to do a job, they need to give the specifics of that job. Dr. Runte and Mr. Broderick appear to have a great deal to hide and claiming ignorance just does not wash. It takes two sides to make a conspiracy. After the problems ODU faced during the Marchello administration (1980's), the university was quick to establish very specific guidelines for dealing with government officials and those guidelines served the university well until now. It is hard to believe Runte and Broderick remained clueless for more than two years or that they did not have a hand in the negotiations. We can only hope that this investigation will clear the air for all concerned.
Rules of conflict of interest
Rules regarding conflict of interest are on the books at nearly every level of government in every state of the union. It is a question, like with many rules, of whether or not they are enforced. In this case, Hamilton and officials at ODU got caught with their hands in the cookie jar thanks to the investigative efforts of the Virginia Pilot. With a case this blatant with e-mail evidence proving it, state wasn't given any choice but to investigate it.
The sad part about this is the punishment for violation of conflict of interest rules is comparatively mild, more like a slap on the wrist as an earlier poster pointed out. The punishment needs to be increased considerably with automatic dismissal from office with no chance of obtaining a government job or position again for ten years being a part of it.
Conflict of interest rules have been ignored to the point that I don't doubt many politicians scoff at them. Hopefully this case will get them to take them more seriously.