DHS watchdog refers its Corey Lewandowski investigation to Justice Department for review

The Department of Homeland Security inspector general has referred its investigation of former “special government employee” Corey Lewandowski to the Justice Department, according to a person familiar with the investigation.

The DHS investigation stems from questions about how a $220 million contract for an advertising campaign featuring then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was awarded. At his Senate confirmation hearing, now-Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin testified in March that the department’s inspector general was looking into the contract.

That investigation then expanded, according to a source familiar with the matter, after NBC News reported that Lewandowski was alleged to have sought payment in exchange for protecting and growing the interests of a company, the GEO Group, that was seeking government contracts unrelated to the ad campaign.

In response to an inquiry from NBC News, Adam Trigg, an attorney for Lewandowski, said Thursday, “Mr. Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation, and he denies any wrongdoing when he was proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity.”

The Wall Street Journal was first to report that the allegations are under review by the Justice Department.

Sources previously described to NBC News two meetings with the GEO Group…

Original source: https://www.nbcnews.com/business