FBI investigating Gibbons-Trepp Connection

WSJ has an update on Trepp-gate this morning. The FBI is investigating whether Gibbons took unreported gifts from Warren Trepp as reported in a WSJ article on Nov. 1. According to the new piece, the FBI has some suspicious e-mails:

New evidence has emerged that includes emails to Mr. Trepp -- the majority owner of eTreppid Technologies LLC and the former chief trader for convicted junk-bond dealer Michael Milken -- discussing a payment or gift to then-Rep. Gibbons. They also show Mr. Gibbons repeatedly using his congressional office to help the firm seek classified military and civilian contracts.

The emails show that since at least 2003, Mr. Trepp maintained close ties to Mr. Gibbons, who helped eTreppid get no-bid software contracts from the Air Force, U.S. Special Operations Command and Central Intelligence Agency. The software was used in video tracking of military targets and other, classified applications.

Messrs. Trepp and Gibbons have denied any wrongdoing, and no charges have been filed; indeed, such investigations sometimes end without official action.

A look at the e-mails shows that even in-Treppid knew they were hinky:

1. An eTreppid executive named Len Glogauer wrote on Sept. 25, 2003, that "Jim really hit the ground running on that one." He adds, "we need to take care of him like we discussed." That's just after the Gibster was "particularly helpful" with a contract.
2. In a March 22, 2005 email, Trepp's wife Jalé sent this to hubby just before that Caribbean cruise: "Please don't forget to bring the money you promised Jim and Dawn," referring to Mr. and Mrs. Gibbons. Trepp responds in minutes: "Don't you ever send this kind of message to me! Erase this message from your computer right now!" The WSJ points out that Gibbons never disclosed the cruise or travel on Trepp's jet as required by House rules.
3. On Sep. 23, 2003, Gibbons sent an email to Trepp saying he was "greatly impressed" with Trepp's products and to show how accommodating he can be, Gibbons gave Trepp his private e-mail address as "a direct link to my desk and does not go through anyone else."
4. Gibbons discusses meetings with goons from Homeland Security, the Pentagon, and "a top defense intelligence official" with the Tepp-oids. An in-Treppid exec responds: "now if we can get into the Navy, it would be great."

The FBI is in preliminary stages, according to WSJ, but the spooky side of Washington is watching. John Negroponte, a former Intel head goon, said in a "court filing" in the case that (cue spooky music) "exceptionally grave damage" to national security will result in the case is pursued.

Well, at least grave damage to a certain dysfunctional Governor.