FBI seeks records on nonprofit, taxi industry
By: Michael Neibauer
Examiner Staff Writer
September 25, 2009
FBI agents searching the office of D.C. Councilman Jim Graham's Chief of Staff Ted Loza had on their list of items to seize records related to Fiesta D.C., a nonprofit that received a six-figure city financial grant and has close ties to the councilman.
Agents raided the office of Graham's right-hand man shortly after noon. Loza was arrested at his home earlier in the day and charged with two counts of bribery on suspicion of accepting cash and trips from individuals in the taxicab industry. Loza is alleged to have attempted to influence taxi-related legislation on behalf of the bribers.
Authorities were searching for any documents, computer files, telephone records and toll records related to the taxicab industry. The warrant was signed Sept. 16 by U.S. District Chief Judge Royce Lamberth.
But the warrant also targeted any connection between Loza and Fiesta D.C., the nonprofit organizer of the annual Latino Festival in Mount Pleasant. Fiesta D.C. received a $200,000 taxpayer earmark this year, $100,000 of which was to be used for the festival.
Loza sits on Fiesta D.C.'s board. His wife, Ligia Munoz, works on Fiesta D.C.'s executive committee. And Graham is a Fiesta D.C. honorary board member, according to the nonprofit's Web site.
The search warrant also sought any information about United Fleet Management, one of the District's licensed taxicab meter installers, and about D.C.-based advertising firm Prisma Communications. Prisma lists Fiesta D.C. as a client.
