18 Jul 2011

Governor Quinn to Visit Israel

By Andrew Mason

Educational Mission to Focus on Strengthening Relations, 
Innovation, Education and Environmental Issues

CHICAGO - July 15, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn will visit the State of Israel from July 19 through July 25, 2011 to further develop ties between Illinois and Israel. The week-long educational mission will include meetings with Israeli officials, visits to innovative businesses, the signing of a 'Sister Lakes' agreement, and witnessing the signing of a cooperation agreement between Israeli and Illinois universities.

"Israel, like Illinois, is making key advancements in innovative technologies and the business sectors that are creating the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Governor Quinn. "Education, green technologies, and our environment are some of the most critical issues facing our world. This visit is about sharing what we know, and learning from our friends."

The Governor will visit Better Place, which helps further development of battery-operated vehicles by developing battery charging and swapping locations. He will also stop at the Israeli headquarters of Motorola Solutions, which has its global headquarters based in Schaumburg.

Governor Quinn will also attend the signing of a formal agreement between Ben-Gurion University and the University of Illinois at Chicago, which was encouraged by the Governor's Office and the Jewish United Fund. The agreement will help promote faculty exchange, student exchange, joint research efforts, and other partnerships to advance higher education in both institutions.

Israel and the State of Illinois will also enter into a 'Sister Lakes' agreement, which will be signed by the Governor during his visit. The Sister Lakes' agreement will benefit Israel's Lake Kinneret (Sea of Galilee) and Lake Michigan by helping Illinois and Israel develop and share solutions regarding water purification, invasive fish species, and other environmental concerns. The Governor will also tour Lake Kinneret with lead scientists conducting research at the site.

The Governor's educational visit to Israel was organized and paid for by the Jewish United Fund (JUF) of Metropolitan Chicago. Joining him are Illinois State Senators Jeffrey Schoenberg and Ira Silverstein, along with Skip Schrayer, Chairman of the Jewish United Fund and Michael Kotzin, Executive Vice President of the Jewish United Fund and other Illinois leaders.

###

18 Jul 2011

Grassley, Issa Press for Answers from FBI, DEA in Fast and Furious Investigation

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley and Representative Darrell Issa are pushing for additional information and documents from the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in relation to the two agencies roles in the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) reckless strategy known as Operation Fast and Furious.   The strategy employed by the ATF allowed firearms to be purchased by known straw buyers and then transferred to third parties where the guns often crossed the border to Mexican drug cartels.  

   

The letters are a follow-up to a recorded, transcribed interview with Acting ATF Director Ken Melson.  The Acting Director was interviewed by congressional investigators on July 4 where he corroborated several details that included other agencies involved in Operation Fast and Furious.  

  

In the letter to FBI Director Robert Mueller, Grassley and Issa asked about the "veracity of claims" regarding the possible involvement of paid FBI informants in Operation Fast and Furious and "specifically at least one individual who is allegedly an FBI informant" and "might have been in communication with, and was perhaps even conspiring with, at least one suspect whom ATF was monitoring."  

  

The letter to DEA Administrator Michelle Leonhart requested a briefing by DEA staff as well as "the number of informants or cooperating informants handled by other agencies identified in the course of any investigations related to Operation Fast and Furious."  

  

In addition, both letters (to Mueller and Leonhart) asked for communications of several members of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force who were working in coordination with the ATF to conduct Operation Fast and Furious.  

  

Below is a copy of the text of the letters.  Click here for a copy of the signed letter to the DEA administrator and the signed letter to the FBI director.  

   

July 15, 2011  

VIA ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION  

The Honorable Michele M. Leonhart  

Administrator  

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration  

700 Army Navy Drive  

Arlington, VA 22202  

   

Dear Administrator Leonhart:  

   

On March 15, 2011, Senator Grassley sent you a letter requesting a briefing to gain a better understanding of the Drug Enforcement Administration's (DEA) involvement in Operation Fast and Furious.  Conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), Operation Fast and Furious, was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) case.  That letter is attached for your ready reference.  Nearly four months later, your agency has yet to respond directly.   

   

On April 12, 2011, the Department of Justice (DOJ) responded on behalf of DEA.  In its letter, DOJ stated:  

   

Generally speaking, . . . when another Department component leads an OCDETF investigation, DEA works cooperatively to support drug-related aspects of the investigation. Such cooperation means that DEA may share investigative expertise, report leads, and provide manpower to assist in an investigative or  

enforcement operation as requested by the lead investigative agency.[1]  

   

This information sharing, or lack thereof, is precisely the reason Senator Grassley made the initial request.  Consequently, we request that you make arrangements by no later than July 19, 2011 for DEA supervisors and personnel with specific knowledge of details related to Operation Fast and Furious and the parallel DEA case to brief members of both of our staffs.  

   

In addition to the aforementioned briefing, please provide the following documents:  

 1)       The number of informants or cooperating defendants handled by other agencies identified in the course of any investigations related to Operation Fast and Furious defendants.  For each informant or cooperating defendant, please identify the other agency, the date that DEA learned of their informant or cooperating defendant's status, and a description of how the DEA learned of their informant or cooperating defendant's status.  

   

 2)      All information related to indicted Fast and Furious suspect Manuel Fabian Celis-Acosta.  

   

3)     A list of all personnel designated as DEA liaisons with other federal law enforcement agencies in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. 

Please also include any communications of the following individuals at DEA relating to Operation Fast and Furious or Manuel Fabian Celis-Acosta:

1)      Elizabeth Kempshall, Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix

2)      Doug Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix

3)      Chris Feistle, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix

4)      Albert Laurita, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Tucson

5)      David Hathaway, Resident Agent in Charge, Nogales

6)      Joe Muenchow, Resident Agent in Charge, Yuma

These records should include emails, memoranda, briefing papers, and handwritten notes.  You should also produce communications these individuals had with any ATF employee from between October 1, 2009, and June 30, 2011.

Please provide the documents and information requested no later than July 26, 2011.  If you have any questions regarding this request, please contact Ranking Member Grassley's office at (202) 224-5225 or Chairman Issa's Committee staff at (202) 225-5074.  Thank you for your prompt attention to this important matter.

Sincerely,

____________________________   ______________________________

Darrell Issa, Chairman                                           Charles E. Grassley, Ranking Member

Committee on Oversight and                            Committee on the Judiciary

Government Reform                         U.S. Senate

U.S. House of Representatives

Enclosure

cc:        The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr., Attorney General

U.S. Department of Justice

The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member

U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

The Honorable Patrick Leahy, Chairman

U.S. Senate, Committee on the Judiciary

July 11, 2011

The Honorable Robert S. Mueller, III

Director

Federal Bureau of Investigation

935 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW

Washington, D.C. 20004

Dear Director Mueller:

For the past six months, we have been conducting an investigation into Operation Fast and Furious, conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF).  This program allowed approximately 2,000 heavy-duty assault type firearms to be illegally trafficked, and hundreds of these weapons have already been recovered at crime scenes in Mexico.  Operation Fast and Furious was an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) prosecutor-led strike force case where ATF worked in coordination with other agencies.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) was one of these agencies.  To help us better understand the role of the FBI in this multi-agency OCDETF case, we request that you produce communications relating to Operation Fast and Furious by FBI personnel based in Phoenix, Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, and El Paso, Texas, including the below-listed officials:

1)      Nathan Gray, Former Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Field Division

2)      Annette Bartlett, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Field Division

3)      Stephen Cocco, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Field Division

4)      Steven Hooper, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Field Division

5)      John Iannarelli, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Field Division

6)      John Strong, Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Phoenix Field Division

7)      David Cuthbertson, Special Agent in Charge, El Paso Field Division

8)      The Case Agent from the Tucson office in charge of the Brian Terry murder investigation

Such communications should include e-mails, documents, memoranda, briefing papers, and handwritten notes.  You should also produce communications these individuals had with any ATF employee between October 1, 2009, and June 30, 2011. 

Paid FBI Informants

In recent weeks, we have learned of the possible involvement of paid FBI informants in Operation Fast and Furious.  Specifically, at least one individual who is allegedly an FBI informant might have been in communication with, and was perhaps even conspiring with, at least one suspect whom ATF was monitoring.  We are interested in determining the veracity of these claims.  To that end, please provide a response to the following questions:

1)      How many paid FBI informants, prospective informants assigned an informant number, or cooperating defendants ("informants") were in communication with any of the ATF suspects or their associates under Operation Fast and Furious?  What was the nature of, and how frequent were, these contacts? 

2)      Were any of these informants previously deported by the Drug Enforcement Administration or any other law enforcement agency?  If so, when did these deportations take place?

3)      What is the process for repatriation for FBI informants?  What other agencies are notified?  Did that process occur here?

4)      Were FBI personnel in Arizona aware of the involvement of these informants during Operation Fast and Furious?

5)      Did other law enforcement agencies learn of the involvement of FBI informants related to Operation Fast and Furious?  If so, please explain in detail when and how?

Additionally, please provide the following:

6)      Any FBI 302s relating to targets, suspects, defendants or their associates in the Fast and Furious investigation, including the 302s provided to ATF Special Agent Hope MacAllister during the calendar year 2011.

7)      Any other investigative reports prepared by the Bureau relating targets, suspects or defendants in the Fast and Furious case.

Jaime Zapata

Additionally, we understand that the FBI is the lead investigative agency into the death of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Special Agent Jaime Zapata, who was murdered in Mexico on February 15, 2011.  The family of Jaime Zapata is still seeking answers about the circumstances involving his death.  On June 14, 2011, attorneys for the Zapata family wrote a letter to José Angel Moreno, U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Texas, Cory Nelson, the FBI Special Agent in Charge for San Antonio, and several ICE officials in Texas requesting information about the specific circumstances of Jaime Zapata's death.[2] Given the FBI's lead role in this investigation, we respectfully ask the following questions related to the Zapata murder:

1)      Was Jaime Zapata armed?  If not, why not?

2)      Was Jaime Zapata traveling in a bulletproof vehicle?  If so, how was he killed inside of the vehicle?

3)      Please describe, in detail, the actual circumstances leading up to, and including, the shooting of Jaime Zapata.

4)      What investigative steps have been taken by the Bureau since the shooting?

Additionally, please provide the following:

5)      Any FBI 302s relating to this investigation.

6)      Any other investigative reports prepared by the Bureau regarding the Zapata murder.

7)      Any photographs of the crime scene taken by FBI personnel.

Please provide the requested documents and information as soon as possible, but no later than noon on July 25, 2011.  If possible, the preference is to receive all documents in electronic format.

If you have any questions regarding these requests, please contact Ranking Member Grassley's office at (202) 224-5225 or in Chairman Issa's office at (202) 225-5074.  We look forward to receiving your response.

Sincerely,

____________________________   ______________________________

Darrell Issa, Chairman                       Charles E. Grassley, Ranking Member

Committee on Oversight and                            Committee on the Judiciary

Government Reform                         U.S. Senate

U.S. House of Representatives

cc:        The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member

U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform

The Honorable Patrick Leahy, Chairman

U.S. Senate, Committee on the Judiciary


[1] Letter from Assistant Attorney General Ronald Weich to Senator Charles E. Grassley (Apr. 12, 2011).

[2] Letter from Benigno Martinez & Raymond Thomas to José Angel Moreno et al. (Jun. 14, 2011).

14 Jul 2011

Nothing Compares to Iowa State Fair's Free Grounds Entertainment

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (07/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Iowa State Fair's free grounds entertainment line-up will fill the Fairgrounds with family fun August 11-21. These grounds acts are just part of the more than half a million dollars of entertainment available to Fairgoers free with gate admission. "Nothing Compares" to this mix of art, music, comedy and animals that is sure to provide fun for all ages!

As the Fair prepares to celebrate 100 years of the Butter Cow, several grounds entertainment artists will pay tribute to the buttery Iowa icon. The Butter Cow will be the focus of a sculpture in the Varied Industries Building by Canstruction, Inc., a group that creates art from canned goods before donating their sculpting material to local food banks. Also sculpting works in honor of the Butter Cow will be the sand sculpting team of Sandscapes in the Patty and Jim Cownie Cultural Center and chainsaw artist A.J. Lutter in Heritage Village.

Several new entertainment areas on the Fairgrounds will provide more entertainment options to Fairgoers. The new Kids' Zone will be packed with kid-friendly food, entertainment and activities for the youngest Fairgoers. Located north of the Paul R. Knapp Animal Learning Center, Kids' Zone includes the Blue Ribbon Kids Club Tent, the Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show, the Butterfly House and the interactive Little Hands on the Farm.

The Extreme Canines Stunt Dog Show will wow families with its four-legged stars who execute big air stunts, compete in grand prix-style agility racing and soar to new heights in the Extreme Canines High-Jump Challenge, all in addition to performing amazing tricks like jumping rope, dancing and turning back-flips. Shows are daily at 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m.

New in 2011, Fairgoers won't want to miss the fun and excitement found in the family-friendly entertainment area located west of the Richard O. Jacobson Exhibition Center. This new area will feature the Swampmaster's Gator Show and the Fearless Flores Thrill Show several times daily.

Starring Swampmaster and native Iowan Jeff Quattrocchi and his band of playful alligators, the Swampmaster's Gator Show provides thrills, laughter, fun facts and edge-of-the-seat entertainment for all. For those looking for even bigger thrills, the Fearless Flores Thrill Show is sure to deliver. From the explosive flight of the human cannonball to the heart-stopping thrills of the Spacewheel and the Motorcycle Raceway in the Sky, this daredevil show is a must-see.

Fairgoers can also enjoy an impressive array of fun family shows across the Fairgrounds. Shenaniguns Wild West Show, a slapstick send-up of the Old West, follows the antics of Sheriff Hoppalong Casually and Deputy Leon P. Jones. This off the wall comedy is sure to provide light-hearted fun for all ages. Shows are daily at noon, 2 and 5 p.m in Walnut Square.

Bandoloni, the one man band, will be strolling the Fairgrounds to impress audiences with his harmonious multitasking. Fairgoers will want to join in the fun as he belts out familiar family favorites while playing guitar, harmonica, tambourine, high-hat, kick-drum, snare and more - all at the same time!

Rounding out the free grounds entertainment, Hedrick's Petting Zoo will allow kids of all ages to get up close and personal with many animals that may not be found in the typical Iowa barn.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visitwww.iowastatefair.org.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/Nothing-Compares-to-Iowa-State-Fairs-Free-Grounds-Entertainment/2834109

12 Jul 2011

State Fair Advanced Admission Tickets on Sale Now

By readMedia

DES MOINES, IA (07/11/2011)(readMedia)-- Save up to 30% off Iowa State Fair gate admission with advance admission tickets, on sale now through August 10. The 2011 Fair is August 11-21.

Adult admission tickets are just $7 in advance (regularly $10), and children's admission is only $3 in advance (regularly $4). Children 5 and under are admitted free every day. Tickets are good any one Fair day.

New this year, Fairgoers can print advance admission tickets at home when purchasing them online at www.iowastatefair.org. This fee free option is easy and convenient. Beginning July 1, tickets may also be purchased at participating Hy-Vee and Hy-Vee Drugstores, Dahl's Foods, Fareway Stores or, beginning July 11, the State Fair Ticket Office.

Fair Play Packs, 11-day punch cards, food coupons and Midway tickets are also available at iowastatefair.org or, beginning July 11, at the State Fair Ticket Office, located in the Administration Building on the Fairgrounds. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. Online orders will close July 29. Walk-up orders will be available until August 10. Cash, check, money order, Visa, MasterCard or Discover are accepted. All offers good while supplies last.

Fairgoers can enjoy an even bigger benefit when buying early: advance admission tickets have a coupon for a free small Potato Olé® at participating Iowa-area Taco John's. Coupon expires 9/30/11. See store for details.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2011 Iowa State Fair, celebrating 100 years of the Butter Cow August 11-21. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visitiowastatefair.org.

Permalink: http://readme.readmedia.com/State-Fair-Advanced-Admission-Tickets-on-Sale-Now/2809485

 

12 Jul 2011

Harkin Encourages Iowa Students to Apply For Fall Internships

By Harkin Press Office

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today announced that Iowa college students can now apply for fall 2011 internships in his Washington, D.C. and Iowa offices.  An internship in Harkin's personal office, or with the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee, is designed for college undergraduates, graduates and law students. Interns assist the staff in the areas of legislation, press, casework and outreach to the state.  Intern responsibilities include performing office duties, writing and researching current legislative issues and acting as general project support to the Senator's staff.

"Years ago, I interned for Representative Neal Smith in the House of Representatives.  The experience provided me with an invaluable firsthand education in how government operates and was the start of my political career.  I encourage bright, young men and women who share this interest in public service to apply for an internship in my offices," Harkin said.

Part-time and full-time internships are available in Harkin's Washington, D.C. personal office, on the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee that Harkin chairs, and in his five Iowa offices (Des Moines, Davenport, Dubuque, Cedar Rapids and Sioux City).  Interns typically work during one of three sessions: spring, summer and fall.

Students who are interested in becoming an intern can apply via the web at http://harkin.senate.gov/students/intern.  Questions can be directed to the intern coordinator in Harkin's Washington, D.C. office at (202) 224-3254.

Deadline: July 22, 2011

11 Jul 2011

Q & A: Looking Forward with Biodiesel

By Grassley Press

Q.  Why do you support the production of biodiesel?

A.  Too much of America's energy comes from fossil fuels imported from countries that don't like us.  We can reduce dependence on foreign oil, and be better off economically, environmentally, and geopolitically, by encouraging domestic production of renewable, clean-burning biodiesel.  In 2004, Congress passed the biodiesel tax incentive that I sponsored as Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee to encourage the production and use of biodiesel.  Biodiesel production in the United States increased from 25 million gallons in 2004, to 700 million gallons in 2008.  When Congress allowed the tax credit to lapse in 2009, nearly 8,900 jobs were wiped out, many in Iowa.  Thankfully, in December 2010, the credit was restored retroactively through December 2011. 

Q.  What can be done to encourage the production of biodiesel? 

A.  I've introduced legislation with Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington that would extend through 2014 the $1 per gallon tax for biodiesel.  And, the bill would help small producers by maintaining the additional 10 cent credit for the first 15 million gallons of biodiesel created by producers with an annual production capacity of less than 60 million gallons.  Fourteen of Iowa's 15 biodiesel plants fall into that category.

Q.  Can abuse of the credit be prevented? 

A.  The bill would eliminate potential abuses by changing the incentive from a blender credit to a production tax credit.  This change would gear the credit toward producers who create clean biodiesel, rather than for the blending of biodiesel with petroleum diesel.  By focusing the credit on production, we'll further reduce potential abuses of foreign fuel passing through the U.S. to claim the blender's credit.  

Q.  What affect will extension of the biodiesel tax credit have on jobs and the economy?

A.  A study by an international consulting firm found that if Congress does not extend the tax credit, consumers would be forced to spend an additional $6.6 billion for diesel fuel between 2012 and 2015.  But, with the right incentives, by 2015, biodiesel production could replace 1.9 billion gallons of imported diesel fuel, support more than 74,000 jobs, and generate $4 billion in income and approximately $7.3 billion in gross domestic product.

July 8, 2011

11 Jul 2011

Braley Fights to Keep Mexican Trucks Off U.S. Roads

By Alexandra Krasov
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) co-sponsored a bill to protect American families and keep long-haul Mexican trucks off U.S. roads. Rep. Braley signed on to the bill, Protecting America's Roads Act, in response to the Department of Transportation's announcement that it will now allow Mexican trucks access to American roads.

"This decision is dangerous and it threatens jobs here in Iowa," said Congressman Braley. "When we have so many hard-working Americans out of a job, I can't support a decision that puts Mexican workers and truckers before American trucking companies. I'm also deeply concerned that this proposal puts American families at risk. Mexico's safety standards are not on par with ours, and letting tens of thousands of these trucks onto our highways poses a serious threat to everyone traveling on our roads. I drove a truck myself and I know just how dangerous these vehicles can be if they're not operated properly."

Yesterday, Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood announced a deal to allow Mexican long-haul truck operators to operate in the United States. This proposal threatens American truck driver and warehouse worker jobs - especially during the recession - and with increased drug cartel violence along the Mexican border, this proposal also threatens to give cartels an alternate way of getting their products across the border. In fact, there is little doubt that cartels would try to infiltrate the trucking system to transport drugs and weapons.

"I strongly urge the President to reject allowing Mexican trucks on American roads," said Rep. Braley.

###

08 Jul 2011

Braley Fights to Create Jobs, Boost Investment in Biofuels

By Alexandra Krasov
Washington, DC - Today, Congressman Bruce Braley (IA-01) announced that the Department of Energy (DOE) is offering a $105 million loan guarantee tosupport the development of the nation's first commercial-scale cellulosic ethanol plant in Emmetsburg, Iowa. Rep. Braley's legislation, passed last Congress, allows DOE to provide a loan guarantee for the new biofuel plant and others like it.

"Investment in biofuels is crucial not just to Iowa's economy, but also to our country as a whole," said Rep. Braley. "By producing ethanol in new and innovative ways, we can lower the price of gas across the country and reduce our national dependence on foreign oil. This new plant will help create hundreds of jobs right here inIowa, and I'll keep fighting to make sure we grow our economy and create long-term, good-paying jobs in Iowa and all over America."

The project, sponsored by POET, LLC, will produce up to 25 million gallons of ethanol per year and is estimated to bring approximately $14 million in newrevenue to Iowa farmers. Named Project LIBERTY, the new plant will use corncobs, leaves and husks provided by Iowa farmers - local materials that do not compete with feed grains. Project LIBERTY will displace over 13.5 million gallons of gasoline annually and fulfill more than 25 percent of the projected 2013 Renewable Fuel Standard Requirement for biomass-based cellulosic ethanol. POET estimates that 85 percent of Project LIBERTY will use local, U.S.-grown materials.

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08 Jul 2011

State Historical Society Board Appointment

By Tara Richards

Brucemore announces the appointment of Assistant Director Maura Pilcher (photo) to the State Historical Society of Iowa Board of Trustees by Governor Terry Branstad.  In addition to her role at Brucemore, she is also active in the preservation community serving as the Chair of the Cedar Rapids Historic Preservation Commission and the Vice President of the Czech Village/New Bohemia Urban Main Street Board. For further information, call (319) 362-7375 or visit Brucemore's website at www.brucemore.org.

Brucemore, Iowa's only National Trust Historic Site, is located at 2160 Linden Drive SE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

###

08 Jul 2011

Child Pornography Found on Assistant U.S. Attorney's Computer, Attorney was also Viewing Adult Content on Taxpayer Dime

By Administrator

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today questioned why the Justice Department declined to prosecute an Assistant United States Attorney after the department's Inspector General found at least one image of child pornography on the attorney's work computer.  The Inspector General also determined that the attorney had spent hours viewing adult content during work hours.   

According to the Inspector General's report, the Assistant U.S. Attorney acknowledged he had spent a significant amount of time each day viewing pornography.  The report also cited that at least one image of child pornography was recovered on the attorney's government computer.  The report indicates that the U.S. Attorney's office declined to prosecute the case and as of May 31, 2011, disciplinary action against the attorney was still pending.  

Grassley said he was concerned that the attorney, who admitted viewing pornography on the taxpayers' dime, was employed by the federal government at least two months after the allegations were outlined in the Inspector General report.   

In a letter to Attorney General Eric Holder, Grassley questioned the department's decision to not prosecute and delay disciplinary action against the attorney.  He also asked the types of cases the attorney worked on and the steps the department has taken to update its technology to keep pornography off its computers.   

Last year, Grassley learned that 33 employees at the Securities and Exchange Commission who were found to have viewed pornography during work hours were not terminated and were given uneven and light disciplinary action.   

Here is a copy of the text of Grassley's letter to Holder.  Click here for a copy of the signed letter.     

July 7, 2011 

The Honorable Eric H. Holder, Jr.  

Attorney General 

U.S. Department of Justice  

950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW  

Washington, DC 20530  

   

Dear Attorney General Holder:  

   

On May 31, 2011 I received a report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Inspector General (OIG) in response to a request Senator Coburn and I made to all Inspectors General to provide semiannual reports on closed investigations, evaluations, and audits that were not disclosed to the public.  

   

This report contained what appears to be an inexcusable mishandling of serious allegations against an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) which calls into question the DOJ's internal controls and prosecutorial discretion.  The report cites the following OIG investigation of an AUSA:  

   

"The OIG conducted an investigation concerning allegations that an AUSA was using his government computer to view inappropriate material on his government computer.  The investigation determined that the AUSA routinely viewed adult content during official duty hours, and that there was at least one image of child pornography recovered on the AUSA's government computer.  The AUSA acknowledged that he had spent a significant amount of time each day viewing pornography.  The U.S. Attorney's Office declined prosecution.  Disciplinary action against the AUSA is pending."     

   

This report relates to OIG investigations from October 1, 2010 through March 31, 2011 and was submitted two months later.  As the case for disciplinary action is "pending" as of May 31, 2011, this means that, at the very least, the DOJ has allowed an admitted serial viewer of pornography - possibly child pornography - to serve as an AUSA for two months, if not longer, and has yet to take action.  This is simply unacceptable and compounds the questions raised by the fact that this AUSA was found to have "at least one image of child pornography" on his government computer and yet he was not charged with a crime.  

   

Regarding the DOJ's decisions in this case, I respectfully ask the following questions:  

   

 1.       Is this individual still employed by the Department of Justice?  

   

 a.        If so, in what capacity?  

   

 b.       If not, when did this individual leave employment with the Department of Justice?  

   

  i.       Was this departure voluntary or were they terminated?  

   

 2.       Is this individual eligible for a government pension?  

   

 a.        If so, has the DOJ made any efforts to strip this individual of his or her pension?  

   

  i.       If so, what efforts have been made?  

   

  ii.       If not, why not?  

   

 3.       What types of cases did this AUSA handle?  

   

 4.       Did the cases this AUSA was assigned to handle ever lead to any interaction with children?  

   

 5.       Was the decision not to prosecute this individual made by the U.S. Attorney's Office in which he or she served?  

   

 a.        If so, did that raise any concerns regarding a conflict of interest?  

   

 b.       If not, what office made the decision not to prosecute this individual?  

   

 6.       How was this individual able to evade the DOJ's pornography filters?  

   

 7.       Has the DOJ made efforts to upgrade its pornography filters as a result of this individual's actions?  

 

a.       If so, what efforts have been made?

 

b.      If not, why not?

 

Thank you for cooperation and attention in this matter.  I would appreciate a response by July 21, 2011.  If you have any questions regarding this letter, please contact (202) 224-5225.

Sincerely,

Charles E. Grassley
Ranking Member
Committee on the Judiciary

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