La. Lawmaker Says FBI Investigating Him

NEW ORLEANS — A Louisiana legislator said yesterday he is being investigated by the FBI and claimed it may be because he wouldn't give agents information about possible wrongdoing by Rep. William Jefferson and the New Orleans mayor, Ray Nagin.

State Senator Derrick Shepherd denied any wrongdoing and said he has no evidence against either Messrs. Jefferson or Nagin. He has not been charged with a crime.

Earlier this week, an FBI agent testified in a court hearing that Mr. Shepherd, a Democrat from suburban Marrero, helped a convicted felon launder more than $140,000 in bogus construction bond fees last year and kept nearly half the money. Mr. Shepherd said FBI agents visited his home months ago asking if he could provide evidence of wrongdoing by Messrs. Jefferson or Nagin.