McClatchy Newspapers: FBI seeks records of watchdog's (Scott Bloch) probe of Condoleeza Rice

[laststeamtrain]

FBI seeks records of watchdog's probe of Condoleeza Rice
Marisa Taylor | McClatchy Newspapers

last updated: May 07, 2008 08:46:49 PM

WASHINGTON — FBI agents investigating government watchdog Scott Bloch have subpoenaed any records that would reveal whether concerns about the 2004 elections prompted him to clear Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice of ethics violations.

Bloch, the U.S. special counsel who investigates federal employee whistleblower complaints, found no merit to allegations that Rice, then President Bush's national security adviser, timed some of her trips to boost Bush's 2004 reelection campaign.

The FBI is investigating whether Bloch obstructed justice by destroying computer files to hinder an outside inquiry into allegations that he retaliated against employees who opposed his policies. He's also suspected of making false statements to investigators.

FBI agents, who searched Bloch's office and home Tuesday, subpoenaed 17 of his current and former employees to appear before a federal grand jury and asked them to bring any documents related to possible tampering of records in the office's electronic investigative tracking system, McClatchy has learned.

Officials with knowledge of the investigation also told McClatchy that the FBI has subpoenaed records about the decision to assign Rice's case to an investigator. The officials asked to remain anonymous because they weren't authorized to discuss the investigation.

It's unclear whether the FBI is looking into Bloch's decision to clear Rice or whether agents are seeking evidence in separate obstruction and false-statements investigation.

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http://www.mcclatchydc.com/homepage/story/36329.html

[HughMoran]

1. I get this weird feeling that this is going to blow up and many are going to jail

....hopefully Condi!

[ladjf]

3. Nah. More likely that the FBI wants to confiscate and destroy

any incriminating evidence.

[MadMaddie]

2. It's like a piece of thread isn't it? You start pulling just a small

visible piece of thread....and you keep pulling and the seam becomes seperated....now Rice's name is popping up.....this may prove to be very interesting.

Don't forget these Republican Neocon scum are cowards they will backstab anyone to save their asses.