Ex-White House Aide -- Claude Allen Admits Fraud

Target Corp. investigator, Pete Schomburg, said he stopped Allen on January 2 outside a company store in Gaithersburg. Schomburg alleges that Allen received a refund for items using a reciept from an earlier purchase.

George Bush and Allen Photo

Schomburg says that Allen admits "committing fraudulent returns" according to documents filed March 7, two days before Allen was charged with theft and theft scheme.

Allen's lawyer denies the charges, saying they were the result of problems with Allen's credit cards. Allen, 45, is scheduled to go on trial April 27.

Allen, who resigned his $161,000-a-year job in Februay at the white House, wanted to spend more time with his family. The allegations were made prior to his White House resignation.

CNN says tha Bush used the words that it would be "deeply disappointing" if Allen had not told the truth to the White House about what happened. Allen notified White House chief of staff, Andy Card, the night of the January 2 incident, saying it was a misunderstanding.

As always well wishes,

F. Stanley Boyd