Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) is leading a Republican House Judiciary Committee probe into Justice Department (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz’s alleged involvement in the FBI seizure of the cell phone of Congressman Scott Perry (R-Pa.).
In a letter dated Aug. 29, Jordan, who serves as the Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, said the move “creates a serious conflict of interest for the OIG [Office of Inspector General] in reviewing the Department’s actions.”
The lawmaker went on to raise concerns over the OIG’s independence regarding the seizure, noting that its “decision to assist the FBI in this politically charged matter demands a full and complete explanation about your unusual actions.”
He further states that the OIG “used its laboratory in Northern Virginia to assist the FBI in conducting a forensic review” of Perry’s phone, which was then “imaged after the search” to create a forensic copy of the contents, including “protected” communications.
