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 The pardon was for Isaac R. Toussie, a 36-year-old New York developer who pleaded guilty in 2001 to making false statements in a Long Island mortgage fraud scheme.

Toussie and his father, also a developer, had previously been accused of conspiring with lenders and others to build and sell substandard homes — a charge they denied.

The Toussies are also defendants in a lawsuit filed in New York federal court on behalf of more than 400 minority home buyers who allege a conspiracy involving racial steering, racketeering and fraud, said attorney Peter Seidman.

Seidman, a partner in a law firm representing the plaintiffs, said he was “very pleased” with Bush’s order for a review.

“[The pardon] was a bitter pill for the home purchasers to swallow,” he said.

According to a senior Bush administration official, the White House learned more about Toussie’s case Tuesday night — only hours after announcing his pardon.

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Specifically, the White House learned, according to the official, “additional information about the nature of fraud [Toussie] carried out.”

The White House also learned Toussie’s father made numerous contributions to leading Republican politicians.

In 2008, Toussie’s father donated almost $40,000 to Arizona Sen. John McCain, Minnesota Sen. Norm Coleman, Oregon Sen. Gordon Smith, and Virginia Rep. Eric Cantor.

“Based on information that has subsequently come to light, the president has directed the [Justice Department's] pardon attorney not to execute and deliver a grant of clemency to Mr. Toussie,” White House Press Secretary Dana Perino said in a written statement.

“The pardon attorney has not provided a recommendation on Mr. Toussie’s case because it was filed less than five years from completion of his sentence. The president believes that the pardon attorney should have an opportunity to review this case before a decision on clemency is made.”

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