Mayor, Safety Director Deny Accusations Made By Retired Bodyguard

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- There are new accusations today from a former bodyguard to Pittsburgh Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

The bodyguard says the mayor knew the debit cards that were being used were linked to a non-governmental account.

However, those are accusations that Mayor Ravenstahl strongly denies.

"Fred Crawford and his statements are a complete lie, 100 percent lie," said Mayor Ravenstahl. "I look forward to the day that the truth ultimately prevails."

The Fred Crawford the mayor refers to is one of his former bodyguards who is now retired.

He told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette the mayor knew his bodyguards had debit cards linked to what has been described as an illegal account at the Greater Pittsburgh Police Federal Credit Union.

"Every statement that he made is false, and that these cards were never used inappropriately by members of my security detail," the Mayor said.

The former bodyguard also indicated that Pittsburgh Public Safety Director Michael Huss knew about the cards and there improper use.

"Everything that Freddy Crawford said was untrue. I know it was untrue; I didn't even have to think about it," said Huss. "I would have never had a conversation anywhere near that what him. I stand behind that. I've done nothing wrong. He has no credibility, and I think that will be proven. And honestly, Fred might be concerned about some things that he may have been involved with."

RELATED LINKS:
Mayor Denies Misusing Funds, City Controller Requests Records (2/22/13)
Lamb Makes Formal Request For Mayor's Bodyguards' Debit Card Records (2/22/13)
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