UPDATE: Campaign contribution request now being referred for criminal probe

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KMSP) - St. Paul Mayor Chris Coleman has asked Police Chief Todd Axtell to look into allegations raised in a FOX 9 Investigation that Dai Thao's former campaign manager, Angela Marlow, solicited an illegal campaign contribution. 

Asked about the request, Chief Axtell released a statement to FOX 9 saying to avoid a conflict of interest, he has referred the case to the Bureau of Criminal Apprension for further investigation.

St. Paul Police gave Fox 9 the following statement about the probe:

I've watched FOX 9's story and heard from community members who are concerned about the allegations made against Dai Thao.  After carefully considering the information in your report and discussing this with Mayor Coleman I've come to the conclusion that further investigation is warranted. It's my duty and obligation as police chief to follow up any time allegations of criminal activity are made -- regardless of who is involved or what position they hold. In addition, I have to avoid conflicts of interest. That's why I have made the decision to ask the BCA to investigate this allegation.  I'm confident the BCA will deliver a thorough and impartial investigation that provides answers to St. Paul's residents.