ATLANTA (AP) — Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal is blasting accusations that his inner circle tampered with a wide-ranging investigation into his use of campaign money.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution published a report (http://bit.ly/1bsa9x4 ) suggesting that Deal's choice to lead the state ethics commission conspired with the governor's aides to make the case go away. It ended in a settlement last year.

One former ethics commission employee told the newspaper he was fired after refusing orders from Commission Director Holly LaBerge to remove documents from Deal's case file.

Deal told reporters Thursday that no documents were removed and that the recent story is based on hearsay from disgruntled former employees. He said ethics complaints can be used as political tools and often get too much attention.