FBI Agent Probing Alleged Senate Corruption Contacted Huizar’s Office

An undercover FBI agent identified as a Los Angeles-based film studio owner and linchpin in a federal sting operation against state Sen. Ron Calderon contacted the office of Councilmember José Huizar in 2012, according to the Los Angeles Daily News.

The agent, identified as Rocky Patel, contacted the CD 14 office for permits for a film studio in Downtown Los Angeles, the Daily News quoted Huizar’s director of communications and senior advisor Rick Coca as saying.

“Patel was reportedly known to some Sacramento politicians, but until now it has been unclear whether he had relationships with Los Angeles council members, particularly those members involved in local film legislation,” the newspaper said Friday.

Patel’s real identity was disclosed in an FBI affidavit regarding an investigation into Calderon’s finances. The affidavit was posted online Wednesday by the cable news network Al Jazeera America.

Huizar’s staff explained to Patel the process for requesting permits and the options available, Coca reportedly told the Daily News, adding that one staff member even met with Patel but that the FBI agent did not get in touch with CD 14 thereafter.

Click here to read the full Daily News story.

Related: Senator Kevin de León Named in FBI Affidavit Alleging Corruption