DoJ IG to investigate Operation Fearless

[gejohnston]

The Department of Justice inspector general announced Thursday he will launch an investigation into storefront stings, in the wake a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation that revealed foul-ups and failures in the operations.

Inspector General Michael Horowitz already was investigating deep flaws in the Milwaukee storefront, uncovered by a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel investigation in early 2013.

In a statement, Horowitz announced he would investigate storefront stings in four cities, Milwaukee, Pensacola, St. Louis and Wichita.

"The OIG has now initiated a separate review that will examine these four operations for possible systemic deficiencies in ATF's storefront operations policies, and evaluate the effectiveness of the Monitored Case Program as an oversight tool in these operations," Horowitz said.

It seems worse and more widespread than originally thought.

In December, U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) asked Horowitz to expand his investigation into storefront stings, saying the ATF's operations were "totally inexcusable."

And Horowitz soon revealed he was considering how to investigate the Journal Sentinel's latest findings.

The investigation revealed the ATF used people with mental disablities to promote operations and then arrested them for their work; opened storefronts close to schools and churches, increasing arrest numbers and penalties; and attracted juveniles with free video games and alcohol.

In Portland, where an undercover smoke shop was across from a school, an agent persuaded and paid two 19-year-olds — one who has a low IQ — to get tattoos on their necks of the store logo to promote the operation.

http://m.jsonline.com/newswatch/246360711.htm

[NYC_SKP]

1. I got rid of the "m" in your link URL. Here's more from the same source.

http://www.jsonline.com/watchdog/backfire-190528221.html