Clinton's brother-in-law in cash-for-pardons row
Bill Clinton's brother-in-law received nearly $400,000 for lobbying for a pardon that the former US President granted on his last day in office.
The money, equivalent to £275,000, was returned yesterday at the Clintons' request, legal sources told The Associated Press.
Clinton and his wife, Hillary Rodham Clinton, said they were unaware of the arrangements with Hugh Rodham and were "deeply disturbed" by what had happened.
Mr Rodham, a lawyer, contacted the White House at least once in connection with one of the cases, legal sources said.
Mr Rodham's attorney, Nancy Luque, said: "The Clintons' request to return the money, presumably made because of the appearance of impropriety, is one he cannot ignore. There was, however, no impropriety in these matters."
Legal sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, told the AP that Mr Rodham was paid for months of work on the prison commutation request of Carlos Vignali and received a "success fee" for helping win the pardon of Almon Glenn Braswell.
The former President said: "Neither Hillary nor I had any knowledge of such payments. We are deeply disturbed by these reports and have insisted that Hugh return any monies received."
Mrs. Clinton said: "I was very disturbed to learn that my brother, Hugh Rodham, received fees in connection with two clemency applications. Hugh did not speak with me about these applications. I believe that the payments should be returned immediately, and I understand he has taken steps to do so."
A source close to Clinton said then-White House adviser and Clinton confidant Bruce Lindsey had been contacted by Mr Rodham and was aware of Mr Rodham's involvement with the Vignali request. The source said Lindsey did not know about the presidential relative's involvement in the Braswell matter.
The Braswell pardon has generated controversy because after it was granted on January 20 it was disclosed that the businessman was under investigation on new allegations.
