A shadow of investigation loomed over Kyrsten Sinema shortly after she severed ties with the Democratic Party. Internal communications reveal the Justice Department and FBI seriously contemplated a criminal probe into the then-Senator’s campaign finances.
The discussions, occurring in February 2024, centered on potential violations related to Sinema’s spending. Emails obtained show a direct line of communication between DOJ’s Criminal Division, a prosecutor within the Washington D.C. U.S. Attorney’s office, and agents at the FBI’s Washington Field Office.
The catalyst for this scrutiny was a report detailing Sinema’s significant campaign expenditures. These included substantial sums allocated to a personal security detail, upscale hotels, transportation, and even concert tickets – a lifestyle that drew immediate attention.
Matthew Graves, the U.S. Attorney for Washington D.C. at the time, reportedly brought the initial report to the attention of officials within the Biden-era Justice Department and the FBI. This action effectively initiated the internal debate regarding a formal investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Aloi specifically discussed the possibility of pursuing a case against Sinema under the Federal Election Campaign Act (FECA). An FBI special agent, Walter Giardina, quickly expressed his desire to participate in the potential probe.
Sinema’s chief of staff, Daniel Winkler, voiced strong concerns about the motivations behind the consideration of an investigation. He characterized it as a politically driven attempt to retaliate against Sinema for her independent stance and her decision to protect the filibuster.
Winkler pointedly noted Giardina’s history of involvement in politically sensitive investigations, suggesting a pattern of targeting those who challenged the prevailing political narrative. He asserted that Giardina’s efforts ultimately failed and his actions are now public.
Federal Election Commission filings revealed the extent of Sinema’s campaign spending. Nearly $800,000 was allocated to hotels, a new vehicle, and entertainment, while over $265,000 was dedicated to security measures.
Despite the initial discussions and internal deliberations, federal prosecutors ultimately decided against opening a formal investigation. The matter was quietly closed, leaving Sinema to complete her term without facing criminal charges.
Sinema had already announced her decision not to seek re-election, paving the way for Democrat Ruben Gallego to succeed her in the Senate. The episode, however, remains a stark reminder of the potential for political pressures to influence the justice system.
Requests for comment from the Justice Department, Sinema, and Winkler went unanswered. The FBI declined to provide any statement regarding the matter, leaving many questions surrounding the episode unresolved.
