However, in his letter, Jones asks only for a review of the activities of Adediran — not his own. The state police came away with a similar understanding, thanking him in a response later that month for asking the police “to review and evaluate the activities and records of the Richmond Department of Public Works.”

State police spokeswoman Corinne Geller declined to comment, as did a spokeswoman for the FBI.

Steven D. Benjamin, a defense attorney and frequent legal commentator, questioned the suggestion that the grand jury’s action would naturally follow Jones’ request for review.

“This is significant because it suggests a broader investigation than requested by the mayor, and a desire by law enforcement to protect the results of their investigation from future challenge,” Benjamin said. “Grand jury authorization for an investigation of an elected official is not part of the normal process of investigating a city employee or department.”

Emails obtained by the Richmond Times-Dispatch showed Jones was copied on numerous emails sent by Adediran during working hours about the project at First Baptist Church of South Richmond, where the mayor is senior pastor. The emails also included quotes from contractors for church purchases that listed the city of Richmond as the billing recipient.