Jul 21, 2014 1 min read

HARRISBURG (AP) – The Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission tells a citizen activist that it is investigating allegations that four state lawmakers were caught in a cash-for-favors sting.

Gene Stilp on Monday distributed copies of an ethics commission letter he received last week. In it, it says it’s investigating the complaints Stilp filed in March, two days after The Philadelphia Inquirer first revealed the sting’s existence.

Rob Caruso, the ethics commission’s executive director, says the agency otherwise doesn’t discuss its investigations.

The ethics commission cannot impose criminal penalties, but it can fine public officials for violating state ethics laws and refer cases to law enforcement agencies for potential criminal prosecution.

Attorney General Kathleen Kane declined to press charges, saying the investigation was too flawed, but Philadelphia District Attorney Seth Williams says he’s investigating.