Wasserman-Schultz fires IT staffer following fraud arrest

In this May 24, 2017, file photo, House Budget Committee member Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. questions Budget Director Mick Mulvaney on Capitol Hill in Washington during the committee's hearing on President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 federal budget. Fellow committee member Rep. Susan DelBene, D-Wash. is at left.
In this May 24, 2017, file photo, House Budget Committee member Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla. questions Budget Director Mick Mulvaney on Capitol Hill in Washington during the committee's hearing on President Donald Trump's fiscal 2018 federal budget. Fellow committee member Rep. Susan DelBene, D-Wash. is at left.

WASHINGTON (AP) - Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz has fired an information technology staffer following his arrest on a bank fraud charge at a Virginia airport where he was attempting to fly to Pakistan.

Wasserman Schultz spokesman David Damron says Irman Awan was fired by the Florida Democrat Tuesday.

Awan's attorney, Chris Gowen, confirmed that his client was arrested at Dulles Airport Monday. He says Awan was cleared to travel and had informed the House of his plans to visit his family before the scheduled trip.

Gowen says the federal bank fraud count stems from a "modest real estate matter" and is motivated by anti-Muslim bigotry. He's confident Awan "will soon be able to clear his name and get on with his life."

An arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 21, according to Gowen.