Ryan: Donations will be returned if they’re illegal

WARREN (AP) — Democratic U.S. Rep. Tim Ryan of Niles, D-17th, says he will return campaign contributions linked to a Washington lobbying firm if federal prosecutors determine the firm acted illegally.

The PMA Group plans to close next month amid an investigation into whether it funneled contributions through sham donors. Federal authorities raided the group’s offices in November.

Ryan says he received about $54,000 from PMA employees or donors. He’s one of more than 100 lawmakers who helped get federal earmarks for PMA clients.

Ryan, of Niles, says he secured funding for a Kent company that uses liquid crystals in defense and alternative energy work.

Three Democratic lawmakers from Indiana, Florida and California announced this week that they will return campaign cash linked to PMA.