Feb 8, 6:34 PM EST


Agencies investigate canceled inaugural ball



WASHINGTON (AP) -- Federal officials and the Washington, D.C., attorney general are investigating the promoter of a canceled inaugural ball.

The Washington Post reports that Darryl Dante Hayes advertised the Veterans Presidential Inaugural Ball as a fundraiser for injured veterans where President Barack Obama would appear.

But the ball was canceled and a St. Regis Hotel official says a $50,000 check for a security deposit bounced.

Officials want to know whether Hayes used Obama's name and sympathy for veterans groups to raise money and whether he actually intended to hold a ball.

The 52-year-old says he canceled the ball because most of his corporate sponsors pulled their support. He says he never meant to mislead donors and intends to give their money back.


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END of Associated Press Release