Nightly News   |  November 13, 2012

Socialite Jill Kelley described as vivacious – and in debt

The woman who triggered the investigation that led to the resignation of CIA chief David Petraeus threw lavish parties for top military brass – and also racked up debt. NBC’s Kristen Welker reports.

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>>> jill kelley 's name has come up in connection with two of this nation's top commanders. more on her story tonight from nbc's kristen welker.

>> mrs. kelley , how are you doing?

>> reporter: jill kelley was well known in social circles around tampa, long before she became fodder for the tabloids of new york. she and her husband threw lavish parties at their ten-bedroom home that sold for $1.5 million in 2004 . black tie , top notch catering, a couple about town.

>> jill is always smiling, vivacious.

>> reporter: aaron publishes tampa bay magazine that features fancy parties and ads for high end merchandise. the kelley 's frequented its pages.

>> there was always a bevy of people surrounding them. it seemed like no matter where they went, people enjoyed talking to them, being with them.

>> reporter: and they were often seen hobnobbing with top military brass, including david petraeus , connections jill kelley made while volunteering to organize social events at macdill air force base .

>> she's just a deep down good person. her and her family.

>> reporter: jill kelley 's brother is rushing to his sister's defense. this after federal authorities announced they're investigating thousands of e-mails between kelley and john allen , he says they're only friends.

>> what i do know, is that my sister didn't do anything wrong, and i know that from talking to her. and i know she's a victim. and i don't know what else to tell you.

>> reporter: the kelleys have asked for privacy and have not returned our calls. they have hired highpowered washington attorney abby lowell. kristen welker, nbc news, washington.