Allan Lengel, editor of ticklethewire.com, is a veteran journalist who has covered law enforcement at major publications including the Washington Post and the Detroit News. He also served as an intern under the late investigative columnist Jack Anderson and was an adjunct journalism professor at the University of Maryland.
Some Criminal Politicians Are Disgraceful til the End
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com Some criminal politicians are disgraceful right up to the end. Take former Massachusetts State Senator Dianne Wilkerson who was sentenced Thursday in Boston federal court to 3 1/2 years in prison for taking $23,000 in bribes to help secure a liquor license for a nightclub and for legislation to grease the…
In 2011 it’s Time to Stop “Acting” and Confirm Leaders
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — Something seems terribly wrong when we see federal law enforcement agencies headed up for years by people who are “acting” heads. Michele Leonhart of the DEA was the acting head since 2007 — up until the end of December. Finally, just before the holidays, the Senate confirmed her appointment…
U.S. Attys Rip Off Taxpayers With Expensive Hotel Rooms
UPDATE: The LA Times reports that another former U.S. Attorney Thomas O’Brien of Los Angeles wrote a check Tuesday reimbursing the government for more than $900 in overages for hotels. Former U.S. Attorney Mary Beth Buchanan of Pittsburgh was also identified in the media as one of the five violators cited in the Inspector General…
The Nigerian Letter Scam Has Finally Found Me on Facebook
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — The Nigerian letter scam has officially arrived — at least in my case — on Facebook, the most popular social network. The other day I received a personal message on Facebook. This fella has a lot of money for me. Millions. He wants me to help him get the…
al Qaeda’s Gift to the U.S.: Incompetence
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com WASHINGTON — Al Qaeda and its associates may not be known as benevolent organizations, but they do give gifts. The failed “Underwear Bomber”. The failed “Times Square Bomber”. The failed “Shoe Bomber”. And now the failed attempt to deliver explosives on planes. All gifts. The U.S. should be grateful for these…