116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Republican lawyer to defend former Democratic aide accused of identity theft
A prominent Republican attorney is representing a Democratic operative charged with stealing the identity of Iowa's Republican secretary of state as part of a plot to link him to unethical behavior.
Attorney Matthew Whitaker, who served as U.S. Attorney during the Bush administration, confirmed Thursday Zachary Edwards is his client. But Whitaker said he wasn't authorized to say anything about the case.
Edwards was arrested last week and fired from his job at Link Strategies, a Democratic consulting firm. Edwards worked as director of new media for President Barack Obama's Iowa campaign in 2008.
A criminal complaint
says the 29-year-old fraudulently used or attempted to use the identity of Secretary of State Matt Schultz or his brother Thomas with the intent to obtain a benefit. No other details were given.
Matthew Whitaker and Zachary Edwards
Daily Newsletters