WASHINGTON — In the latest twist of the David Petraeus sex scandal, court records show the former CIA director and Gen. John Allen intervened last September in a messy custody dispute on behalf of Jill Kelley’s sister, whom a judge described as dishonest and lacking integrity.

Kelley is the woman who received harassing e-mails from Petraeus’ biographer and paramour, according to U.S officials. She also is thought to have exchanged flirtatious communications with Allen, the top U.S. commander in Afghanistan. Pentagon investigators are now examining Allen’s relationship with Kelley.

The new court files are significant because they provide a fuller picture of the twins’ connections to Petraeus and Allen, two powerful figures ensnared in the scandal. It also raises questions why two decorated generals would vouch for Kelley’s twin sister, Natalie Khawam, who had piles of legal troubles in recent years.