Agencies investigate canceled inaugural ball

updated 6:59 p.m. ET Feb. 8, 2009

WASHINGTON - Federal officials and the Washington, D.C., attorney general were investigating the promoter of a canceled inaugural ball.

The Washington Post reported that Darryl Dante Hayes advertised the Veterans Presidential Inaugural Ball as a fundraiser for injured veterans where President Barack Obama would appear.

But the ball was canceled and a St. Regis Hotel official says a $50,000 check for a security deposit bounced.

Officials want to know whether Hayes used Obama's name and sympathy for veterans groups to raise money and whether he actually intended to hold a ball.

The 52-year-old said he canceled the ball because most of his corporate sponsors pulled their support. He said he never meant to mislead donors and intends to give their money back.

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