WASHINGTON, May 25 (UPI) -- Law enforcement earmarks from U.S. Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., to a company that has little experience in the field have drawn scrutiny, sources say.
Federal law enforcement sources who spoke anonymously to the Washington Post said the earmarks from Murtha, the powerful head of the U.S. House subcommittee that controls defense appropriations, to Mountaintop Technologies of Johnstown, Pa., are being examined.
The sources said the connection has drawn investigators' attention because the firm has received Murtha earmarks to distribute grants to local law enforcement agencies despite being a defense contractor with little experience in police work. Taxpayer advocates told the Post the company appears to be an unnecessary middleman in handing out federal money in fields as diverse as defense, law enforcement and healthcare.
The newspaper said Mountaintop has received at least $36 million in earmarks and military contracts since 2001, all without competition and with the backing of Murtha, who did not respond to a request for comment.
Mountaintop Technologies founder David Hyock told the newspaper there's nothing improper in the police grants or in any of the company's contracts.
"We get the work because Congressman Murtha and his staff are well aware of our capabilities," he said.
