Feds probe former acting U.S. Attorney Magid on illegal fundraising

In December 2008, then-acting U.S. Attorney Laurie Magid e-mailed her support staff, requesting an "alum list" of federal prosecutors in Philadelphia.

She wasn't planning to invite them to the Christmas party.

The e-mails, sent from Magid's Justice Department account, were part of her on-the-job Republican fundraising efforts for now-U.S. Rep. Pat Meehan, according to the federal agency that investigates government employees who engage in prohibited political activity.

The U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) is seeking disciplinary action against Magid for allegedly using her position to solicit campaign cash for Meehan - the former U.S. attorney in Philadelphia - and then-U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter through fundraisers designed to further her career.

If the charges stick, Magid could lose her job as an assistant U.S. attorney.

The OSC complaint, filed this week with the U.S. Merit Systems Protection Board, alleges that Magid repeatedly violated the Hatch Act, which limits the political activities of government employees.

The complaint says that Magid and her husband, caterer Jeffrey Miller, decided to raise money for Specter after she was denied a position on the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals about five years ago. Magid believed that her "lack of connection" to Specter was one of the reasons she was not selected, the report states.

The couple held two fund-raisers at their home: for Specter in January 2008 and for Meehan in January 2009. Meehan, who was running for governor at the time, had previously served as Specter's campaign manager and special counsel. Meehan was elected in November to represent Delaware County's 7th Congressional District.

Magid violated the Hatch Act, according to the OSC, by soliciting and accepting campaign contributions from employees who worked under her - including one hand-delivered check at work and a check left on her office chair.

Performance evaluations were in progress when employees received invitations to the Meehan fundraiser at their office address, and several employees said that they "felt pressure to attend" or to make a political contribution, the OSC complaint states.

Magid, a Republican, became acting U.S. attorney when Meehan stepped down in July 2008. She served as interim U.S. attorney from February to May 2009.

"It is my understanding that prior to the fundraiser back in early 2009, Laurie Magid received guidance from the very office that is now stating her actions were improper," Meehan said.

"I know Laurie to be a genuine and honest person, and this is an unfortunate situation."

Magid declined to comment when reached at her office yesterday, as did Patty Hartman, spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's Office.