Graham Aides Won't Be Testifying After All

The two staffers for D.C. Council member Jim Graham (D-Ward 1) who were subpoenaed as part of the federal investigation of the city's taxicab industry will not be testifying before the grand jury, according to sources in Graham's office.

David Vacca and Steve Hernandez, both of whom work for the Committee on Public Works and Transportation, were scheduled to appear before the grand jury today. But Hernandez, the committee clerk, and Vacca, a legislative analyst, have since been told they will not be questioned.

Instead, Vacca and Hernandez turned over documents related to taxicab legislation that was pending before the committee.

Graham's chief of staff, Ted G. Loza, was arrested two weeks ago for allegedly accepting $1,500 in bribes to try to influence legislation that would have favored the taxicab industry.

Neither Vacca nor Hernandez nor Graham has been charged with wrongdoing. The fact that Vacca and Hernandez will not be testifying could be another indication that the federal investigation is not heavily focused on Graham or his office.

-- Tim Craig

By Gene Fynes |  October 8, 2009; 12:55 PM ET  | Category:  City Life , D.C. Council , D.C. Taxis , Tim Craig
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