Maryland’s Democratic Governor Martin O’Malley has authorized the state’s attorney general to investigate ACORN.

“The Office of the Attorney General is authorized to use all necessary subpoena powers, to present to an appropriate grand jury any evidence and testimony considered necessary to carry out this authorization and directive, and to act with the full powers, rights and privileges possessed by a State’s Attorney,” O’Malley said in a news release.

O’Malley’s announcement came in response to a request from Attorney General Doug Gansler to conduct an investigation into criminal allegations. Baltimore employees with the Association of Community Organizers for Reform Now (ACORN) were caught on video tape telling undercover investigators posing as a pimp and prostitute how they could sidestep tax laws and obtain illegal loans.

ACORN has fired four of the workers, including two from Baltimore. But it claims the tapes released on BigGovernment.com have been “doctored” and “edited.” Employees in Washington D.C., Brooklyn and San Bernardino have also been implicated.

“If criminal conduct is uncovered by this probe, the Office of Attorney General is authorized to bring and to prosecute appropriate charges in any court of this State against any and all persons and entities involved in or associated with the crimes,” according to O’Malley.