Controversial Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas had privately sold his childhood home, where his mother resided, to billionaire Harlan Crow in 2014. The sale was undisclosed until recently, raising several ethical questions, Business Insider reported.
Thomas, who owned a third of the property, sold it to Crow despite the potential conflict of interest. The sale was only brought to light through ProPublica’s investigative reporting.
Following Thomas’ latest financial disclosure detailing ties to Crow, his lawyer defended the sale. Elliot S. Berke stated that Crow, a longtime friend of Thomas, visited the property in 2014, witnessing the deplorable state of the neighborhood.
Berke also mentioned that Crow had proposed preserving the home for a potential museum. As part of the deal, Crow assured Thomas’ mother, a co-owner of the property, that she could continue living there indefinitely.
Thomas’ mother, now 94, reportedly still resides in the property. It remains uncertain if the surrounding neighborhood’s condition has improved. ProPublica reports signs of gentrification, with new homes, an artisanal coffee shop and a Mediterranean bistro nearby.
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