News Story
AG Holder’s Budget Reflects Desire for Criminal Justice, Prison Reforms
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Attorney General Eric Holder’s proposed $27.4 billion budget places a priority on criminal justice and prison reform, the Washington Post reports. The budget reflects Holder’s initiative to reduce the number of low-level drug offenders and crack down on recidivism rates with expanded drug treatment programs. About $173 million is earmarked for criminal…
Former Long Beach FBI Agent Gets Probation in Banking Scheme Tied to Gambling
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com A former FBI agent with a gambling habit was sentenced to two years of probation Monday for a series of illegal cash deposits, the Fresno Bee reports. Raymond Wilson, 38, who worked at the FBI’s Long Beach office, committed a federal crime by regularly depositing $10,000 or less of casino winnings to…
FBI’s William Sweeney Named SAC of Counterterrorism in NY; Adam Lee to Head Richmond Office
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com FBI Director James B. Comey named William F. Sweeney, Jr. as special agent in charge of the Counterterrorism Division of the New York Field Office and Adam S. Lee as head of the FBI’s Richmond, Va., Division. Sweeney most recently served as the special assistant to the FBI’s deputy director at…
FBI Agent George Piro Who Befriended and Interrogated Saddam Hussein is Named Head of Miami FBI
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com George L. Piro, the FBI agent who befriended and interrogated Saddam Hussein after his capture, has been named head of the Miami FBI Division. Piro last worked as the deputy assistant director of the Weapons of Mass Destruction Directorate at FBI headquarters. He joined the FBI in 1999 and was assigned…
Federal Probe Focuses on New Jersey Gov. Christie’s Former Campaign Manager, Appointee
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com People connected to New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s former campaign manager have been questioned by the FBI, CNN reports. Bill Stepien said federal agents came to his house and also interviewed people who know him. “In recent weeks, federal criminal investigators have made their interest in him plain, traveling to his home…
Justice Department Lifts 3-Year-Long Ban on Hiring New Attorneys
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com The Justice Department is looking to go on a hiring spree. After three long years, the Justice Department is finally lifting a ban on hiring that will bring in new attorneys, The Baltimore Sun reports. The news comes after Congress restored funding to the Justice Department. “After years of doing more with…
Jury Trial to Begin in Case of FBI Agent Who Shot His Ex-Wife in Virginia
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com An FBI agent is about to find out what it’s like to be a defendant in a criminal trial. Arthur “Art” Bernard Gonzales, 43, is charged with second-degree murder in the April shooting death of his estranged wife in Virginia. Jury selection in his trial begins today, Fredericksburg.com reports. Gonzales told a…
NBPC Defends Border Patrol Agents’ Use of Lethal Force Against Rock-Throwers
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Facing mounting criticism over its use of force, Border Patrol agents are defending opening fire on suspects who throw rocks at law enforcement, Government Executive reports. Coming to the support of agents is the National Border Patrol Council, which represents about 17,000 agents and support staff. Border Patrol has come under fire…