Politics & Government

Former Gov. Rowland Subject of Federal Probe

John Rowland, who had to resign his governorship and did jail time after his corruption conviction, is being investigated by a federal grand jury.

Former Gov. John G. Rowland is being investigated by a federal grand jury for his role in the 5th Congressional District campaign of Republican

Kevin Rennie, a former Republican legislator-turned newspaper columnist and blogger, reports on his blog Daily Ructions, that a grand jury is looking into consultant work that Rowland did for Wilson-Foley.

The criminal grand jury investigation, Rennie says on his blog, began after questions were raised in April about Rowland's volunteer work for the and the paid consulting work he did for a company Wilson-Foley and her husband own, Apple Rehab.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Rowland had to give up his job as governor in 2004, and later spent time in jail, after he was convicted on corruption charges. Besides working as a paid consultant, Rowland also co-hosts an afternoon radio program on WTIC 1080.

Rowland's critics have said he uses the program, State and Church, to promote Republican causes and candidates.

Find out what's happening in Westportwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

This is the second federal investigation into campaign issues. About three weeks ago federal authorities the finance director for the campaign of Democrat Chris Donovan, Connecticut's House Speaker. The FBI alleges that Robert Braddock Jr., hid the source of questionable campaign donations to Donovan's campaign. Braddock's arrest has raised questions of whether some donors have sought to buy Donovan's influence in the state House.

While that federal investigation continues, Donovan, , insists he about the campaign donations and has denied his influence was for sale.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here