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WASHINGTON (AP) — District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray is denying accusations by federal prosecutors that he was aware of an off-the-books "shadow campaign" during his 2010 bid for mayor.
Gray tells WRC-TV (http://bit.ly/1nCCaVQ ) he was not involved or aware of any illicit campaign activity, saying "these are absolute lies." Gray says he thought all the fundraising for his campaign was being done in a legitimate way.
Gray says he thought donor Jeffrey Thompson wanted to conceal his donations to Gray for fear of retribution from former Mayor Adrian Fenty's administration.
Thompson pleaded guilty to two conspiracy charges Monday.
Gray tells WJLA-TV (http://wj.la/1kHMCNi ) that he suspects Thompson's was motivated to strike a plea deal to get a lighter sentence.
The charges against Thompson come as Gray seeks re-election for mayor.
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