WASHINGTON (AP) — Documents obtained by The Associated Press show the Justice Department is conducting a criminal investigation into possible contract rigging by the general counsel at the government agency that distributes foreign aid.

Memos from the inspector general of the United States Agency for International Development also reveal that the IG is investigating whether Deputy Administrator Donald Steinberg tried to interfere with the internal investigation.

The documents said Steinberg told the IG's office it shouldn't have investigated the alleged rigging, nor should the matter have been referred to the Justice Department.