Washington State Rep. John McCoy (D) has been cleared in an ethics investigation that centered over his membership in the Tulalip Tribes.

McCoy was accused of improper lobbying and using public funds in support of a bill that would benefit the tribe. Philip Brendale, a private citizen, claimed that McCoy would have personally benefited from millions in taxes that would go to the tribe.

The state Legislative Ethics Board dismissed the complaint in a report released on Wednesday. The board said McCoy will not receive any money directly as a result of the bill.

Get the Story:
McCoy cleared by ethics board (The Everett Herald 8/25)
Ethics board tosses complaint after probe (The Olympian 8/25)

Relevant Links:
Rep. John McCoy - http://www1.leg.wa.gov/House/mccoy
Tulalip Tribes - http://www.tulaliptribes.com

Related Stories:
Editorial: Tribe deserves share of state taxes (03/30)
County opposes tax bill benefiting Tulalip Tribes (3/29)
Non-Indians want Tulalip Tribes to pay for homes (02/07)
Tulalip tribal member re-elected in Washington (11/03)
Indian lawmaker challenged over tribal support (10/20)
Non-Indians fight Tulalip Tribes jurisdiction (06/02)
Indian lawmaker in Wash. provides hope to students (01/09)
Supreme Court rejects state jurisdiction appeal (03/11)
Indian land case being reviewed (3/3)
Indian fee land free from state control (09/19)