Justice Department IG Expected to Investigate

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley, Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, is pressing for answers in the alleged mistreatment and detainment by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) of a University of California-San Diego student.

In a letter to DEA Administrator Michele Leonhart, Grassley specifically asks about an investigation by the Department of Justice Inspector General and the DEA's cooperation with the Inspector General.   He also inquired about the DEA's general detention policies and the detailed actions by the DEA in the case of the California student.

"Judging from the press reports, the Inspector General will have a lot to look into," Grassley said.  "And, if the allegations are true, the DEA and its agents need to be held accountable for the treatment of this young man."

The Senate Judiciary Committee has jurisdiction over the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Here's a copy of Grassley's letter to Leonhart.

May 4, 2012

Via Electronic Transmission

The Honorable Michele Leonhart

Administrator

Drug Enforcement Administration

700 Army Navy Drive, Room 12060

Arlington, VA 22202

Dear Administrator Leonhart,

I write today regarding reports of the alleged mistreatment of Daniel Chong, a University of California-San Diego college student, by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) in San Diego.  If the reports are accurate that Mr. Chong was left for five days in a five-by-ten foot windowless cell without the basic human necessities of food, water, or a bathroom, the actions of the DEA raise serious and troubling questions.

According to media reports, Amy Roderick, a DEA spokeswoman states "seven suspects were brought to county detention after processing, one was released and the individual in question was accidentally left in one of the cells."  In the same article, Mr. Chong himself states that, from his cell, he heard occasional footsteps, doors opening and closing, and the sound of muffled voices and that he even saw shadows beneath the door.  If that is true, it is difficult for me to comprehend how no one could have heard what he says were his own repeated cries for help over his course of time in the cell.  I appreciate that Acting Special Agent-in-Charge William Sherman has expressed his "deepest apologies" to Mr. Chong and has willingly opened an internal investigation into the matter, but I am not sure that will be enough to put the matter to rest.

The physical and psychological trauma that Mr. Chong was subjected to because of the apparent neglect by the DEA is the most troubling to me.  The article asserts that Mr. Chong resorted to survival skills to stay alive and when he was eventually found he was immediately "taken to the hospital and treated for cramps, dehydration and a perforated lung - the result of ingesting some broken glass."

As Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, I have a distinct responsibility in conducting oversight over the DEA.  Further, given the alleged actions give rise to serious constitutional violations; I would appreciate expeditious responses to the following questions.

·         What is DEA's written policy on the detention of suspects at DEA facilities?  Please provide a copy of all relevant policy and training manuals that reference procedures for handling detainees in DEA custody at DEA facilities.

·         Is there a shift supervisor responsible for oversight of the facility and the detainees?

·         What are the policies and procedures of the facility for the handling of a detainee, from intake to discharge?

·         Is there a log system in place to maintain and track the detainees?  If yes, please explain the process.

·         Routinely, holding cells are monitored by surveillance cameras for the protection of both the detainee and the law enforcement official.  Is this technology available at the DEA facility?  If so, is someone responsible for monitoring the cameras?

·         Is there a system in place to indicate when someone is located inside a holding cell (ie. strobe light indicator)?

·         What was the reason that Mr. Chong was originally apprehended in the raid?  Was he interviewed or the subject of questioning?  If questioned and determined to be innocent, why was he returned to the holding cell instead of being released?

·         Was Mr. Chong searched for weapons and contraband before placing him in the holding cell?  Was the holding cell searched for weapons and contraband before receiving Mr. Chong?

·         Can you explain where the methamphetamines came from?  Was it inventoried as evidence or contraband on DEA records?  If so, please provide the chain-of-custody records for the methamphetamines found in the holding cell?

·         How would it have been possible for Mr. Chong to hear others in nearby rooms and for them not to have heard his reported cries for help?

·         Mr. Chong asserts that "when they opened the door, one of them said: 'Here's the water you've been asking for."  How was Mr. Chong finally discovered?  Was Mr. Chong discovered by someone from the DEA?  Please provide a timeline showing the time when Mr. Chong was received into the county facility until the time he was discharged.

·         It is my understanding that the Department of Justice Inspector General (OIG) has initiated an investigation into the DEA's conduct in this matter.  What if any contact has the DEA had with the OIG?  Will DEA cooperate with the OIG's inquiry?

Thank you for your cooperation and attention to this important matter.  I look forward to your prompt response no later than May 11, 2012.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley

Left Bank Art League is an organization of around 100 artists and supporters of the arts in the Quad Cities.  Our primary focus is to encourage education in art, as well as regularly meet together to work on our art together, sponsor and participate in art workshops and network. This competition was held at the Quad City Arts in Rock Island, IL.

Congratulations go out to -

Caitlyn Doran, a senior at Moline High School won with her piece titled "Inside the Bear".  It was created in watercolor and ink.  Caitlyn's instructor is Nick Digioia.

Max McInnnis, a 10th grader in Bettendorf and student of Mrs. B's School of Art won with his piece titled "Water Runner".  It was created in acrylic.  His instructor is Pat Bereskin.

Advances to National History Day contest at University of Maryland next month

(l-r) Governor Terry Branstad, Danielle Baresel, Department of Education Director Jason Glass and Department of Cultural Affairs Director Mary Cownie.

DES MOINES - Danielle Baresel of Davenport Central High School received top honors at the National History Day in Iowa contest this week at the State Historical Museum in Des Moines.

Baresel joins a group of Iowa students who will compete against nearly 2,500 other students from the United States, Guam, America Samoa, Department of Defense schools in Europe, and Shanghai, China, June 10-14, 2012, at the 2012 Kenneth E. Behring National History Day Contest at the University of Maryland.

During this week's state contest, Baresel competed against nearly 270 other students in the senior division (grades 9-12) and received top honors for her entry, "Virginia Woolf: Reforming the Modern Novel Through Revolutionizing Feminism" in the Senior Individual Performance category. About 400 students in grades 6-8 will compete in the junior division contest Monday, May 7, 2012, also at the State Historical Museum.

National History Day is an academic-enrichment program that helps students learn about historical issues, ideas, people and events. The year-long academic adventure fosters students' enthusiasm for learning and encourages them to use primary, secondary, community and statewide resources on a subject of their choice related to an annual theme. The theme for 2012 is "Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History."

Working individually or collaboratively in groups of two to five, students compete in the following categories: historical papers, individual and group exhibits, documentaries, performances and websites. Nearly 10,000 Iowa students competed in the program this year, with winners at school and district competitions advancing to the state contests in Des Moines.

In addition to helping students discover the world of the past, the NHD program helps them develop the following attributes that are critical for future success:

• critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• research and reading skills
• oral and written communication and presentation skills
• self-esteem and confidence
• a sense of responsibility for and involvement in the democratic process

The NHD program in Iowa has been coordinated by the State Historical Society of Iowa, a division of the Iowa Department Cultural Affairs, since 1994 and is sponsored by the State Historical Society, Inc., and the History Channel. More information about NHD in Iowa is available at www.iowahistory.org or by contacting Millie Frese at 515-281-6860 or millie.frese@iowa.gov.

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CHICAGO - May 4, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today released his 2011 federal and state income tax returns to the public.

In addition to his $157,321.60 in salary as Governor in 2011, Governor Quinn reported interest income of $4.81, a taxable refund of $1,222, $18.04 in income from the Foreign Currency Fee litigation settlement fund and a $42,500 withdrawal from his SEP (Simplified Employee Pension Plan).

Governor Quinn paid $38,094.86 in federal income tax and $7,750.73 in state income tax in 2011. Quinn also paid $3,938 in property taxes on his home on the west side of Chicago. The Governor donated $11,562.72 to charity.