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| Caribbean-Latin America |
| Proj Gunwalker: Official No Longer Going to Mexico as Attache; Mexican Govt. Asks for Transcripts of His Testimony |
| 2011-08-05 |
| William Newell, who headed ATFÂ’s Phoenix Division during the controversial operation dubbed Fast and Furious, wonÂ’t be going to Mexico as ATFÂ’s attache after all. The agency has decided to to nix that assignment before he even heads south. Instead, heÂ’s been named special assistant to the ATF Assistant Director for the Office of Management in Washington. The reassignment comes at a time the Mexican Justice Department known as the PGR is reportedly conducting a criminal probe into the Fast and Furious Operation. It has also requested transcripts of NewellÂ’s recent testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, according to two people familiar with the situation. Concern had surfaced recently within ATF that the Mexican government might arrest Newell if he came down there as the attache. ATF first announced internally last Fall that Newell, who is fluent in Spanish, would become the new attache in Mexico City. But after the controversy broke over Fast and Furious, ATF delayed his departure to Mexico and sent him on a detour to Washington to help Congressional investigators and the Inspector General investigate the faulty Fast and Furious operation. Agents around the country, according to one person, were angry over NewellÂ’s testimony at a Congressional hearing last month when he denied that ATF let guns walk. During his testimony, he admitted there had been some mistakes, but essentially defended the operation. |
| Posted by:Sherry |
| #4 Better that than to be the scape goat, |
| Posted by: Willy 2011-08-05 20:40 |
| #3 Newell is probably not safe in Mexico. Kicked upstairs to a pogue position. Told to shut up, stonewall, and act stupid. |
| Posted by: JohnQC 2011-08-05 16:06 |
| #2 Oh, I'd guess that his career is relatively secure; this sounds like a 'stash' assignment. |
| Posted by: Pappy 2011-08-05 15:54 |
| #1 Assistant to the assistant in charge of paperclips... that'll be a real boost to the old resume |
| Posted by: Snakes Schwarzeneggar3553 2011-08-05 14:43 |