Claude Allen, Why?

CrimsonTide4 · #1 03-13-2006, 08:47 AM

http://www.latimes.com/news/printedi...news-a_section

EXCERPT

Former Top Bush Aide Arrested
Claude Allen, who quit last month as domestic policy advisor, allegedly ran a retail scam. The president is 'shocked' and disappointed.
By Nicole Gaouette, Times Staff Writer
March 12, 2006

WASHINGTON — President Bush expressed disappointment, sadness and shock Saturday over the arrest of his former domestic policy advisor, Claude A. Allen, who resigned in February, citing a need to spend more time with family.

Allen, 45, was arrested last week in suburban Maryland on charges he stole merchandise from Target and other stores, in what police said was a scheme that lasted months and netted him more than $5,000 in goods that ranged from a Bose home theater system to $2.50 trinkets.

"If the allegations are true, something went wrong in Claude Allen's life, and that is really sad," Bush said Saturday at the White House. "When I heard the story last night, I was shocked. And my first reaction was one of disappointment, deep disappointment…. Shortly thereafter, I felt really sad for the Allen family."

The arrest marks an Icarus-like fall for Allen, a conservative star and born-again Christian father of four who rose from a working-class childhood in the nation's capital to become one of the administration's most senior African American members. Bush twice nominated Allen to a federal appeals court seat.

The charges also are another blow for the president and the GOP: Allen is the third member of the administration to face criminal charges. I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, has been indicted on charges related to the leaked identity of a CIA officer. David H. Safavian, who headed procurement for the U.S. General Services Administration, is fighting charges that he obstructed a federal investigation and made false statements in connection with the corruption probe linked to lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

Congressional Republicans also face inquiries, including Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), who resigned as majority leader after being indicted last year on money laundering charges. He awaits trial on charges that he illegally channeled corporate donations to Republican candidates in Texas.

Allen was arrested Thursday in an affluent Maryland suburb north of Washington and released on his own recognizance. His police mug shot shows him tie-less, his collar askew and his eyes averted from the camera.

He faces two charges in connection with the alleged thefts and ongoing scheme, each of which carries maximum penalties of a $25,000 fine and 15 years in prison. His lawyer did not return calls for comment.

According to the Montgomery County police, a Target store manager spotted Allen strolling the aisles Jan. 2 with an empty Target bag in his shopping cart. The manager watched as Allen placed items in the bag, then went to guest services and presented a receipt to receive a refund for those items.

After receiving the refund, Allen left the store without paying for other merchandise and was stopped by an employee, police said. A subsequent investigation showed that Allen had fraudulently returned more than $5,000 worth of goods at Target and department stores over the last year.

Police said Allen "would buy items, take them out to the car, and return to the store with the receipt. He would select the same items he had just purchased, and then return them for a refund." Some of those crimes were caught on video surveillance tapes, police said.

Honeykiss1974 · #2 03-13-2006, 09:03 AM

sensa_diva · #3 03-13-2006, 09:23 AM

WHAT!!!!

Does it seems as if this man has a problem? How does a "rational" person conduct himself in such a "schizophrenic" manner?

ladylike · #4 03-13-2006, 10:07 AM

Will all of the top officers in this administration end up with a "record"?

nikki1920 · #5 03-13-2006, 10:14 AM

well, look at the leader. He's a crook too...

But I was like

when I heard this story. I mean TARGET, of all places.

unspokenone25 · #6 03-13-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by ladylike
Will all of the top officers in this administration end up with a "record"?

By the end of Bush's administration...Yes. I can't wait until my former boss kicks Delay's azz in November.

BrnSuga · #7 03-13-2006, 01:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by nikki1920
well, look at the leader. He's a crook too...

But I was like when I heard this story. I mean TARGET, of all places.

I must agree, I have thought from the beginning that he was a little crooked. Also being a Florida native, I experienced his brother first hand during his election into office. There was some real SHADY stuff going on in FL at that time.

As for Claude, this is the kind of thing that can make the entire race look bad. I just hope he learns something from this and seeks help for his problem. He obviously has one. I also pray that this has no reflection on society's view of African American's in high ranked positions. Not all of us are this way.

Honeykiss1974 · #8 03-13-2006, 01:12 PM

I don't get it. This man was "stealing" stuff that he could easily buy - $2.50 trinkets???

Huh?

mulattogyrl · #9 03-13-2006, 01:30 PM

Steeltrap · #10 03-13-2006, 03:31 PM

Clown-a**. He just seems like one of these sanctimonious bootstrap folks. There is nothing wrong with self-help and doing for yourself, but you d*** well better be living an upright life.

ladygreek · #11 03-13-2006, 04:01 PM

Whenever I hear about thefts like this I immediately wonder what is going on elsewhere in the person's mind and life. An interesting point for me is that he moved to within a few blocks of his church and other church members bought homes in the same neighborhood. Made me wonder if there is a cult brewing.

AKA2D '91 · #12 03-13-2006, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Steeltrap
Clown-a**. He just seems like one of these sanctimonious bootstrap folks. There is nothing wrong with self-help and doing for yourself, but you d*** well better be living an upright life.

When will folks learn?

Is he eligible for the '2 steps back' honor?

#13 03-13-2006, 05:59 PM

Police said Allen "would buy items, take them out to the car, and return to the store with the receipt. He would select the same items he had just purchased, and then return them for a refund." Some of those crimes were caught on video surveillance tapes, police said.

Nothing new. People used to do that in college all the time. Buy their books with cash, go back to the store and pick up the same book, take it to the register and say they wanted a refund. Since they paid in cash they always got a cash refund. There were no cameras in our book stores though

WenD08 · #14 03-14-2006, 05:20 PM

a twist on this story: apparently Mr. Allen has an identical twin brother, Floyd. Floyd isnt as successful as his brother and has had his own dealings w/the law. the story is that perhaps Floyd is the allegedly guilty party and not Claude.
not saying Claude Allen isn't guilty but it does make one wonder.

CrimsonTide4 · #15 03-14-2006, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by WenD08
a twist on this story: apparently Mr. Allen has an identical twin brother, Floyd. Floyd isnt as successful as his brother and has had his own dealings w/the law. the story is that perhaps Floyd is the allegedly guilty party and not Claude.
not saying Claude Allen isn't guilty but it does make one wonder.

Intriguing. That would suck if it is Floyd doing all of this and not Claude.