Stenger did not respond to calls and texts from reporters on Saturday and Sunday. None of his senior staff members or press contacts responded to calls and texts on Sunday. Krane also could not be reached.

Page said he learned about the existence of the subpoena on Thursday and asked Krane on Friday to let him see it. He said Krane agreed to show him the subpoena but told him that the U.S. attorney had asked that the contents not be disclosed. But Page said attorney Elkin Kistner, who represents members of the council in several disputes with Stenger, advised him that he was not bound to confidentiality.

Page said he agreed to talk with reporters about the subpoena because he wanted to be transparent with the public.

“The County Council has been demanding accountability and transparency for two years,” Page said. “This latest development indicates the council’s concerns were not misplaced … I hope the Stenger administration takes this matter seriously and cooperates fully.”

Both Page and Stenger are Democrats, but a bipartisan council bloc has pushed back against the administration in setting the budget and other matters over the last two years.