The Daily MuckThe Pentagon announced charges against Binyam Mohammed for allegedly conspiring to use dirty bombs to target buildings in the U.S. Defense lawyers for Mohammed are claiming political motives are behind the Pentagon’s efforts to expedite the trial. Mohammed was also denied repatriation rights to be tried in his native Britain. (LA Times)
On March 11, the Office of Congressional Ethics was created, but had to wait 120 days (July 9) to officially begin operations. Yet the office still lacks in staff, board members and office space, rendering a start on July 9 unlikely. Neither Democratic nor Republican leaders offered explanations. (Roll Call sub. req.)
Audits of state and local police officers find that the failure to notify federal authorities about contact with possible terrorist suspects is rampant. Police are asked to report matches to suspects on watch lists, but an estimated 8 to 10 matches go unreported everyday. (USA Today)
An e-mail dated March 20 from Norma Perez, a Veterans Affairs psychologist, suggested the VA begin limiting diagnoses of post-traumatic stress disorder in the attempt to save money. Perez told a Senate panel on Tuesday her suggestion had nothing to do with saving money, but rather the often mis-diagnosis of PTSD for what is really adjustment disorder, a less severe evaluation to give combat troops. (Associated Press)
Two border patrol agents were arrested near San Diego for accepting $2,500 apiece to release illegal immigrants back into Mexico near Tijuana. One of the workers says he has been involved in about 10 smuggling cases total. (Associated Press)
The State Department has named Harold Geisel as inspector general of the department. Geisel finally fills the position after Howard Krongard was forced to resign the post last fall amid congressional allegations that he obstructed investigations into alleged arms smuggling by private security firm Blackwater and failed to disclose his brothers ties to the company. (CongressDaily)
Former defense contractor Brent Wilkes was convicted of bribing former Rep. Randy “Duke” Cunningham in exchange for prized defense contracts. Now a judge is refusing to lower his bond while he awaits an appeal. Wilkes has repeatedly asked for a reduction since he can’t gather enough collateral to meet the $1.3 million bond. The judge cited his suspicions that Wilkes may have lied under oath during his trial as reason for his concern that Wilkes would not follow court orders once released. (NBC San Diego)
Cecil Suwal of the Emperors Club V.I.P., the escort service employed by former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer, pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiracy charges of money laundering and violation of federal prostitution laws. Suwal, 23, allegedly coordinated the company’s booking agents and controlled its profits in shell companies. (Associated Press)
