Report: FBI probing Mahoney statements

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., Dec. 30 (UPI) -- FBI investigators are probing whether U.S. Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fla., made false statements about putting a former mistress on his payroll, sources say.

Unnamed sources told ABC News Tuesday that FBI agents are questioning witnesses as part of investigation into whether any laws were broken by Mahoney, who admitted to secretly paying campaign staffer Patricia Allen $120,000 to prevent her from filing a sexual harassment claim against him.

ABC News said it wasn't clear how many people the FBI have questioned, but it reported that agents based in West Palm Beach, Fla., flew to Washington this month to question people who have worked with Mahoney. Agents also reportedly questioned people in Florida, but the investigation does not appear to have reached a grand jury, the U.S. broadcaster said.

The investigation appears to be focusing on whether Mahoney made false statements about his relationship with Allen. Mahoney lost his November reelection bid to Republican Tom Rooney.