By Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com ATF used some questionable tactics in investigations that included exploiting mentally challenged people, an investigation by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel showed. After reviewing thousands of documents, the paper found: ■ ATF agents befriended mentally disabled people to drum up business and later arrested them in at least four cities in addition…
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com DETROIT — The ATF is protecting art in Detroit. Arsonists struck the world-renowned open-air exhibit – the Heidelberg Project – at least seven times since May 2, burning down entire homes that are used as installations. The ATF on Thursday announced it was offering a $5,000 reward for the arrest and conviction…
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com John Dodson said he’s barely hanging onto his job. The ATF agent blew the whistle on the botched gun trafficking scheme, “Fast and Furious,” and is the author of “The Unarmed Truth: My Fight to Blow the Whistle And Expose Fast and Furious.” Dodson said not enough people were held accountable. “Nobody’s…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com Over the years, ATF, like other federal agencies, has had its scandals and controversies and challenges getting respect. It has battled the National Rifle Association, had to deal with morale issues and public criticism from within. NPR’s Carrie Johnson reports that the agency’s new leader B. Todd Jones,the former U.S. Attorney…
By Allan Lengel ticklethewire.com Things aren’t looking good for James Contreras, who was an ATF supervisor in Seattle. The Seattle PI reports that Contreras, 51, has been indicted on charges that he stole $19,700 from ATF from funds that were earmarked for undercover agents to buy guns and for informants. The feds allege that he…
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com A veteran ATF agent and his wife are dead following a shooting at a home in Chantilly, Va., CBS-DC reports. Killed were 46-year-old Paul Parisi and his wife, 47-year-old Jannine Parisi, who were found in their home after a report of gunshots just after 5 a.m. Police have not yet divulged details…
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com It’s no secret that ATF employees are struggling with morale problems. In hopes of turning around that morale, the federal government is opening a store inside ATF headquarters in Washington D.C., Townhall reports. “Currently the Office of the Director is in the process of coordinating the opening of an ATF store, which…
Steve Neavling ticklethewire.com Angry at a cheating spouse or jerk boss? While most of us would handle our issues without violence, others look for “hit men” for payback. Enter undercover ATF agents, who bust people who pay to have someone killed or injured, GQ reports. Reporter Jeanne Marie Laskas tagged along with one agent, who…
