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.
