U.S. House Launches Probe Of North Carolina's Rep. Pittenger

The US House Ethics Committee in acting on a request for an investigation, from the congressman they are investigating. The committee says it's forming a panel to look into allegations regarding U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger's family business.

The committee announced its probe Thursday but said it was delaying action at the request of the U.S. Justice Department.

Pittenger has said the FBI was looking into the real estate company he founded.

He said he cut ties with the company right after he was elected to the U.S. House in 2012. His wife continued to run the company.

 The congressman had requested an Ethics Committee investigation.

House rules generally prohibit paid work in fiduciary services such as accounting, real estate or the law. The rules make some exceptions for relationships with family-owned businesses.

Pittenger represents the 9th District, which includes areas of Charlotte, and parts of Mecklenberg, Rowan and Iredell Counties.

The Associated Press contributed to this report