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Deputy Director of ATF files whistleblower complaint
Story here.
I've heard of a number of such complaints, where some government employee can show that he revealed fraud, waste, abuse or criminality within his agency, and thereupon was demoted, given bad evaluations (which are death to promotion or bonuses), miserable assignments, etc. But this is the first time I've heard of one made by the Deputy Director of an agency. When even the no. 2 man in the entire agency can regretfully say "In retrospect, I was naive to believe that the department would welcome my honesty," the corruption in HQ is pretty grim.
To be objective: I've known enough of Washington bureaucracies to where I would bet good money that what we're really seeing is a fight between vipers. No. 2 man wants to get rid of No. 1 man, perhaps to take his job, finds out his corruptions, and uses them, but doesn't get the job. New No. 1 man decides No. 2 is dangerous, might find out his corruptions, gets rid of No. 2 and brings in a new guy who will be loyal to him. But then figure if this is how the highest level is run, you don't want to know what's going on at the Ass't Director level!
And who could punish the No. 2 man for excessive honesty? The new No.1 man.
"Domenech said ATF's acting director, Michael J. Sullivan, and other officials have taken actions meant to punish him for raising questions about [former ATF director] Truscott. The moves include transferring him out of headquarters and excluding him from meetings and duties that usually would be his responsibility.
He also alleged that, after years of outstanding job reviews and bonuses, he was given an average review in 2007, which was changed only after he complained. Because of the earlier review, however, he was denied a customary bonus, he said."
.....
"Domenech first raised complaints about Truscott's performance in December 2005 with William Mercer, then principal associate deputy attorney general, who later would be a pivotal figure in the controversy over the dismissal of the federal prosecutors.
Mercer and another official said Truscott "appeared to be in over his head, but since his name came directly from the White House, there was little that could be done about the situation," according to the complaint. Several months later, Domenech said, Mercer dismissed complaints about Truscott as coming from "disgruntled career staff."
· BATFE
Comments
Considering how the batfe treats the people it deals with, no suprise that it's head(s) are probably as corrupt an any in Washington. Speaking of which, you should see the new headquarters that was just built for the agency; looks like a Berlin bunker from WWII.
Posted by: emdfl at March 8, 2008 05:51 PM
I've seen Deputies of agencies go to prison...but I've never seen one blow the whistle.
Posted by: Letalis Maximus, Esq. at March 8, 2008 06:49 PM
Well, it's possible. Knowing what we did find out about Truscott, it seems likely there must have been plenty we never found out.
But I keep picturing Destro turning on Cobra Commander.
Posted by: Don Gwinn at March 8, 2008 07:52 PM
Domenech is a fraud. He routinely ignored his agents as the Deputy Director with no regrets. Read the article 'Once its star, agent assails ATF' - http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/news/articles/0114atf1014.html - and scroll down to the chapter 'ATF Misteps'. You'll see how the real Edgar conducted business. He endangered his officers and rejected their concerns . The table has been turned and he doesn't like it.
Posted by: tonythetiger at March 8, 2008 10:25 PM
As I have stated on other sites, f*** him and the horse he rode in on. If he inadvertently does some good for the nation, fine.
But, I didn't hear one word of remorse or regret for the abuses he helped heap on the nation and its citizens.
I would view it as justice if he lost everything he had. His home, his pension, his family, his reputation, and his future employability.
Posted by: straightarrrow at March 9, 2008 02:31 AM