Federal Subpoenas Delivered To DC Councilmembers: Reports

WASHINGTON, DC -- D.C. Councilmembers reportedly have received federal subpoenas relating to an investigation into Councilmember and Metro Board Chair Jack Evans.

The subpoenas order all Councilmembers to preserve all "potentially relevant" documents and communications relating to the federal investigation into Evans.

"Because the subpoena requests all manner of documents and communications, including electronic communications, you are advised to preserve all materials and information relating to the subject matters referenced below," states the subpoena, a screenshot of which was shared by WAMU's Martin Austermuhle on Twitter.

In case you’re curious what the subpoena to the D.C. Council regarding communications with @JackEvansWard2 looks like, here it is. pic.twitter.com/MuiiwDsLyO
— Martin Austermuhle (@maustermuhle) March 8, 2019

The Washington Post reports that Mayor Muriel Bowser also received a subpoena.

The Washington City Paper reports that three private clients of Evans -- Colonial Parking, EastBanc Inc., and Willco Construction Co. -- received subpoenas seeking details of what Evans did for them.

As we reported earlier this week, WMATA will conduct an ethics investigation of Metro Board Chair Jack Evans over allegations that he may have benefited financially from his official role.

Evans, a member of the D.C. Council, "faces a potential reprimand, removal from committees or potentially harsher penalties (including request to DC Council for his removal), as laid out in Metro's code of ethics," Washington Post transportation reporter Faiz Siddiqui tweeted.

Here's what happens now. Note: the exec committee meeting referenced here also happened today and board was briefed on the probe. #wmata pic.twitter.com/frzOxvohTz
— Faiz Siddiqui (@faizsays) March 6, 2019

Evans used a news conference earlier this week to apologize after he was accused of using his elected position to benefit financially. He did not respond to questions, WTOP reported.

D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson proposed a reprimand, but D.C. Council Member David Grosso said the reprimand didn't go far enough, and "true consequences" were necessary in this case, according to the report.