Source: Authorities investigating Limbaugh for money laundering

<br>WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ Authorities are investigating whether Rush Limbaugh illegally funneled money to buy prescription painkillers, a law enforcement source who spoke on condition of anonymity

Wednesday, November 19th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) _ Authorities are investigating whether Rush Limbaugh illegally funneled money to buy prescription painkillers, a law enforcement source who spoke on condition of anonymity said Wednesday.

In his third day back on the air after rehab, Limbaugh responded with a denial of the allegations first reported Tuesday by ABC News.

``I was not laundering money. I was withdrawing money for crying out loud,'' Limbaugh said in his three-hour broadcast.

Limbaugh was absent from his show for five weeks after announcing he was entering a drug rehabilitation program because of his addiction to prescription painkillers.

But he told listeners he could not share any other details about the allegations.

``I know where the story comes from. I know who's behind it and I know what the purpose of the story is and I'll be able to tell you at some point,'' he said.

Law enforcement sources in Palm Beach County, where Limbaugh owns a $24 million oceanfront mansion, previously confirmed that a criminal investigation into a prescription drug ring involved the conservative radio commentator. His maid reported supplying him with the painkillers.