Missing ex-intern reward exceeds $200,000

Chandra Levy

MODESTO, California (CNN) -- The reward fund for Chandra Levy has grown to more than $200,000, a fact the missing intern's parents hope will motivate someone to come forward with information that could lead to their daughter's recovery.

"I hope it helps," Dr. Robert Levy, Chandra's father, told reporters gathered outside the family home.

Rep. Gary Condit, 53, the Democrat who represents the central California congressional district where the Levys live, has pledged $10,000 to the fund.

According to police sources, Condit admitted to a romantic relationship with the 24-year-old, who was last reported seen in Washington on April 30. Condit, who is married, has acknowledged publicly only a friendship with Levy. Levy's aunt has described an affair between Condit and her niece.

VIDEO Former FBI profiler Robert Ressler and former prosecutor Victoria Toensing talk to CNN's Wolf Blitzer about Condit's pending FBI interview (July 25) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) Chandra Levy discusses college life in this home video released by her family Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media) CNN's Rusty Dornin reports on the Levy family's strategy to keep Chandra in the headlines (July 24) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)   MORE STORIES Fellow Blue Dog Dem scolds Condit     EXTRA INFORMATION Key players   Interactive timeline   Map of search area   Profile: Gary Condit   Timeline: Gary Condit   Gallery: Condit's life in photos     RESOURCES On the Scene: Frank Newport: Public interest in the Levy case   Message board: The case of the missing intern

On Wednesday, law enforcement authorities and lawyers for Condit negotiated details of a proposed broad interview with the FBI. The interview would include his assistance in creating a psychological profile of Levy.

A source close to Condit said the two sides have not yet agreed on the conditions that would apply to what would be his fourth interview with law enforcement authorities investigating Levy's disappearance.

A private lie detector test given to Condit reportedly asked just four questions about Levy and none about a flight attendant's allegations that the congressman tried to persuade her to sign a false affidavit, according to The Associated Press. The AP quotes people who have seen the polygraph results.

Three individuals who told the AP they saw the results after they were turned over to police said the former FBI lie-detector test expert who administered the polygraph did not directly ask the congressman if he had an affair with the missing former federal intern.

The test did ask another question designed to get at the issue, according to the sources, who spoke to the AP only on condition of anonymity.

"Has Chandra Levy ever been to your residence in Washington?" the polygrapher asked, according to the AP's sources. Condit answered "yes," and the polygrapher concluded he was truthful, the sources reportedly said.

Meanwhile, Levy's mother Susan expressed her appreciation for the donations to the reward fund. "In our society, it's unfortunate, but sometimes money speaks, and money does move action," she told reporters.

The reward fund has grown to $205,000, according to Kim Peterson, a spokeswoman with the Sund-Carrington Memorial Foundation, which works with families trying to find missing loved ones.

The largest pledge -- $100,000 -- came from the weekly tabloid, The National Enquirer, which announced its contribution this week.

A bail bondsman in San Diego has pledged $50,000, although he said the offer is only good until September 30, and the Journal of Women's Health and Gender Based Medicine has pledged $10,000.

The Levy family has contributed $15,000 to the reward fund, Peterson said. California's two U.S. senators, Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer, each has contributed $5,000. The remaining money is from various donors.

Levy, who was in Washington for an internship with the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, was last reported seen April 30 at a gym where she canceled her membership as she prepared to return to her hometown of Modesto, California.

Meanwhile, a fellow Democrat and friend criticized Condit for his behavior related to the Levy case.

"Through his actions and behaviors, Congressman Condit has brought controversy and discredit to his family, his district and the Congress," Rep. Charles Stenholm, D-Texas, said in a prepared statement on Tuesday.

Although Stenholm stopped short of calling for Condit's resignation, his choice of words was noteworthy because bringing discredit to Congress is listed as a violation of House rules in a manual issued by the House Ethics Committee.

Condit has been criticized by the young woman's parents, who say he has hindered the investigation, and by some Republicans disturbed by the reports of a romantic relationship.

Police are treating Levy's disappearance as a missing persons case and have repeatedly said they are not considering anyone a suspect because there is no evidence of a crime.

The FBI interview in the works may not include the presence of investigators from District of Columbia Metropolitan Police, who have interviewed Condit three times.

FBI sources initially said the fourth interview would focus on information from Condit that could add to a profile of Levy. Investigators use such profiles to guide them toward fresh clues.

Authorities now indicate another interview with Condit may include broader questioning.

Condit, through aides, has previously indicated a willingness to cooperate. He has agreed to a police search of his apartment and has offered them the results of a polygraph examination administered by his own expert.

Police resumed their search of city parks Wednesday, returning to Rock Creek Park and a separate wooded area in northeast Washington, hoping to find clues that will lead them to Levy.

CNN National Correspondent Bob Franken contributed to this report.