Columbia, SC (AP) - An official says a friend of the white man accused of shooting nine black churchgoers to death in Charleston is being investigated by federal authorities.
A federal law enforcement official briefed on the investigation told The Associated Press on Wednesday that a letter was sent last month telling Joey Meek he was under investigation for lying to law enforcement and misprision of a felony, which means authorities believe Meek knew about a crime before or after it was committed but didn't report it.
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The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the official was not authorized to speak publicly.
Meek has said Dylann Roof stayed with him in Lexington County before the June 17 shootings at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The investigation was first reported by The State newspaper.
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Lindsey Fry, Meeks girlfriend, says he is worried about going to jail. She said Meek is trying to get a lawyer after getting a letter from federal agents saying he is under investigation for lying to law enforcement.
She says Meek has a new job fixing air conditioners and is trying to save money to find a new place to live and a new car.
