WASHINGTON, D.C. — Authorities are investigating the theft of more than $100,000 from Cincinnati-area Republican Congressman Steve Chabot’s re-election campaign.

Mark Braden, an attorney for Chabot’s campaign, released a statement on Wednesday that said the congressman was "shocked and deeply disappointed to be informed yesterday afternoon that his campaign committee may be the victim of financial malfeasance and misappropriation of funds.

“Unfortunately the misappropriation of funds by some campaign treasurers has been far too common an occurrence over the years," Braden’s statement continued. "Chabot for Congress is prepared to fully cooperate and assist both law enforcement and the Federal Election Commission to ensure that those responsible are held to account and to correct any inaccurate filings about the campaign’s finances as quickly as possible if any occurred. The campaign will refrain from further public comment until this matter is concluded.”

FEC records list Chabot’s campaign treasurer as Jim Schwartz. An Aug. 27 letter to Schwartz from the FEC noted that an amended report filed by Chabot’s campaign showed a $123,625.72 increase in receipts and asked Schwartz to clarify why the money wasn’t originally disclosed.

FEC deputy press officer Christian Hilland said Chabot’s campaign has not yet responded to his agency’s letter, and no response is due until Oct. 1. He said he couldn’t comment on whether the commission is probing Chabot’s campaign accounts.

“Any matters before the agency remain confidential until the matter has been closed,” said Hilland.

The news about missing money from Chabot’s campaign is the second time a U.S. representative in Ohio has run into such a problem in recent months.

Last week, Bainbridge Township Republican Congressman Dave Joyce’s former campaign treasurer admitted embezzling $160,000 in re-election funds. Scott Coleman, who formerly served as mayor of Highland Heights, pleaded guilty to grand theft charge in Geauga County Common Pleas Court. The fourth-degree felony carries a penalty of up to 1 1/2 years in prison.

Prosecutor James Flaiz said Coleman stole the money over a three-year period.