Reports: Feds investigating Landis' defense fund

SAN DIEGO (AP) -- Cyclist Floyd Landis is being investigated by federal prosecutors for possible wire and mail fraud connected to a defense fund he set up to fight doping charges, according to multiple reports.

U-T San Diego first reported on the case, and said late Thursday that Landis confirmed he has received a letter from the U.S. attorney's office informing him he is a target of a federal probe.

Landis was stripped of his 2006 Tour de France title for performance-enhancing drug use but then raised money through the Floyd Fairness Fund to try and clear his name. ESPN says the fund wound up raising more than $1 million.

Landis lost his appeal, however, and later admitted to doping.

Landis did not immediately respond to an Associated Press email seeking comment Thursday.

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