Loudoun Land Deals Subject of U.S. Probe

"I embrace the investigation and look forward to the outcome," Tulloch said. "The sooner, the better." The allegations "need to be brought forward and people's names cleared," he said.

Supervisor James Burton (I-Blue Ridge) said that because of Plowman's ties to other Republican officials, Burton is "glad that someone other than the commonwealth's attorney is involved. . . . The public trust has been severely damaged. We need something to clear it up as soon as possible."

Chairman Scott K. York (I) asked that the board hold a closed meeting this month to discuss whether to sue a real estate agent and others over the purchase of 101 acres in Ashburn from the Islamic Saudi Academy Inc., a company affiliated with a conservative religious school in Fairfax County funded by the Saudi government. The county paid $13.5 million for the land with the urging of Tulloch, who had close ties with the broker.

The Post's series reported that the purchase price was substantially more than what another buyer said he was under contract to pay for the land.

Tulloch defended his actions and those of his friend Dale Polen Myers, a former supervisor who represented the Saudis in the sale.

"I'm proud of everything I've done on this board," Tulloch said. The land purchase "was a good deal for the county, and I don't regret that vote," he added, noting that the purchase had been approved unanimously by the board.

Supervisor Stephen J. Snow (R-Dulles), whose actions were also part of The Post's reports, defended his close communications with developers as proper and in the service of the community. Evoking his years in the Army, he said he lives by the strict code of ethics of a soldier and an officer.

"I don't take life casually," Snow said. "I don't take all of what we do here frivolously. A lot of blood, sweat and tears goes into this job."

Staff writer David S. Fallis contributed to this report.