Advisor to Bush Charged with Theft

The top domestic policy adviser to President Bush has been charged with theft for allegedly receiving phony refunds at department stores. Claude Allen would purchase items at a store such as Target, take the items to his car, return to the store with his receipt, pick up the same item that he had purchased, and take it to customer service for a refund, pocketing the money. He is believed to have performed 25 of these types of scams. Allen resigned abruptly on Feb. 9, saying he wanted to spend more time with his family. Sure.

Allen, who was a rising star in the Republican party, had previously been nominated by Bush to a judicial position on the U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit. The nomination reportedly did not make it to vote in the Senate due to his lack of judicial experience, strong views, and connection with the religious right. After the failed nomination, he worked for the White House and was named as top domestic policy adviser in the White House last year. Allen reportedly was paid $161,000 per year working for the White House.