YOU ASKED TO BE HEARD, NOW YOU ARE
#1
Posted 27 July 2010 - 08:31 PM
#2
Posted 22 July 2010 - 07:12 AM
#3
Posted 13 July 2010 - 12:16 PM
ATF Chief Takes Aim At Retaliation Claims
Scott Zamost Senior Investigative Producer.
For months, we investigated claims that ATF agents were the victims of retaliation for speaking up about alleged abuses in the agency. Filing a complaint got you ostracized, agents told us.Before our investigation, "ATF Under Fire" aired in May, the deputy director, Kenneth Melson, pledged to take any kind of alleged retaliation seriously, saying he would not tolerate it while he was in charge.In the interview with Investigative Correspondent Abbie Boudreau, he was clear: "And if there's somebody that's afraid that they're going to be retaliated against if they file or they complain about fraud, waste, abuse or illegal conduct they can come and talk to me about it and I'll make sure that not only will the investigation be conducted, but they won't be retaliated against.�Days before the story aired, Melson held his first webcast and told employees what he had promised to CNN: �I will not condone, or allow acts of retaliation by management for suggestions made by employees, expressions of concern, reports of misconduct � that�s not going to happen on my watch.�And he's followed up with a subsequent webcast in which he said, "One of the things we've done recently is to talk to Internal Affairs because I know there have been some concerns about what has happened to complaints to Internal Affairs about things that they've seen going on in ATF. They are now going to make sure that every time they receive a complaint from anyone in ATF that they acknowledge the receipt of that complaint so you know it hasn't gone into a black hole."Melson also acknowledged that communication with the department that handles discrimination complaints "can be improved." He said �so when someone files a complaint they will be notified and communicated with on a periodic basis so they know what (their) status is, what they can expect to happen in the next stage of their process."After meeting with representatives of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, he said "we all were in agreement on what some of the concerns were and we expressed to them many of the things that we're doing in order to address those concerns."Agents tell me that Melson is taking a proactive stance to address what they claim has been a culture of retaliation within ATF. They say the next several months will be critical to how this all plays out.Vince Cefalu, the agent we profiled in our story who says he was retaliated against for speaking up, is optimistic. As he writes on the cleanuatf.org website, "There are many and multiple accounts around the country that suggest Mr. Melson is a man of his word and suggest the matter discussed on (cleanupatf.org) and in person with Mr. Melson are receiving review."
#4
Posted 12 July 2010 - 11:50 AM
#5
Posted 01 July 2010 - 06:30 PM
#6
Posted 01 July 2010 - 02:30 PM
Thanks for the insight. I am still curious as to why the AUSA did not act to dump this case if she or he knew about problems with the locals. It would seem to me that not much would have changed from the time Cefalu blew the whistle to the time Carrol submitted the affidavit. My point here is that 1811's seem get thrown under the bus more often than AUSA's who actually quarterback such investigations when they get tot the Title III level do.
I wish I knew why the AUSA would choose to compromise their integrity and the Justice system for the sake of going along with....in the words of ASUA Montoya...the F***'n local yokel's. Maybe the promise of all those RICO counts....and all those indictments got the better of them. In my opinion....that makes them no better than the vendetta driven locals who sold the ATF...FBI...Judger Wanger and the Grand Jury...a corrupted and contrived bag of goods...packaged in a wiretap affidavit. Only Cefalu stepped up and put Justice first. You are correct in that there seems to have been no new information gained or written into the affidavit after Agent Cefalu left the case. Please look up the Road Dog Case and see for yourself the result of this multi-million dollar effort to (in the words of one local yokel DA investigator) "GET BOB HOLLOWAY AT ANY COST"!!
Please take note....that the local yokels...in an ad hoc task force and then the federally funded task force had made Mr. Holloway a target for over aa decade. I believe there is no way FBI Agent Carrol could have confirmed much of what he was told from the locals. He went with their word....or did he? He left one week before signing his name to the affidavit...it does make you wonder. I would like to ask Agent Carrol just what went on...and if he knew about Cefalu's concerns.
#7
Posted 30 June 2010 - 04:05 AM
At one point in the investigation AUSA Montoya stated in an email to Agent Cefalu that she had no problem calling off the investigation because they had not come up with anything on the main target...Robert Holloway. Apparently she did not raise questions when the local LE found a FBI agent to sign his name to the wiretap affidavit. The AUSA's knew of Agent Cefalu's concern about the locals inappropriate push for wiretaps...but did nothing about it. Even stating that they did not know who the whistle blower was when forced to speak of it to the defense. Give me...or "Justice" a break! I think everyone involved in the investigation should be held accountable.
Thanks for the insight. I am still curious as to why the AUSA did not act to dump this case if she or he knew about problems with the locals. It would seem to me that not much would have changed from the time Cefalu blew the whistle to the time Carrol submitted the affidavit. My point here is that 1811's seem get thrown under the bus more often than AUSA's who actually quarterback such investigations when they get tot the Title III level do.
#8
Posted 29 June 2010 - 07:53 PM
At one point in the investigation AUSA Montoya stated in an email to Agent Cefalu that she had no problem calling off the investigation because they had not come up with anything on the main target...Robert Holloway. Apparently she did not raise questions when the local LE found a FBI agent to sign his name to the wiretap affidavit. The AUSA's knew of Agent Cefalu's concern about the locals inappropriate push for wiretaps...but did nothing about it. Even stating that they did not know who the whistle blower was when forced to speak of it to the defense. Give me...or "Justice" a break! I think everyone involved in the investigation should be held accountable.Where was the AUSA in all of this? Typically in such cases the AUSA would have to approve the contents of the affidavit prior it going to the Magistrate for signature. Did the AUSA have the same information as Cefalu and Carrol? I'm not as familiar with this case as most of you seem to be.
#9
Posted 29 June 2010 - 08:41 AM
#10
Posted 28 June 2010 - 11:05 PM
#11
Posted 21 June 2010 - 09:24 AM
Yes it will be interesting. None of the executives at ATF have the ability to admit that they did anything wrong (see CNN piece and review the comments of Melson and Domenech as a current example). That means they need a scapegoat. Enter Vince Cefalu.
A post by Doc Holiday says that Melson may indeed be looking into issues concerning Agent Cefalu since the CNN piece. There is a long way to go...but starting is a good thing. Unfortunately for the victims of the vendetta driven investigation that Agent Cefalu blew the whistle on...their very serious fight for justice and freedom is going on right now. I have serious doubts about the Judge. I know the government's prosecution team went along with the questionable affidavit....will they be held accountable? I am praying for justice for all involved. Somebody call CNN. They need a quote from Judge Wanger!
#12 Guest_microscope_*
Posted 21 June 2010 - 08:37 AM
#13
Posted 20 June 2010 - 11:39 PM
#14
Posted 16 June 2010 - 12:49 PM
#15
Posted 16 June 2010 - 11:34 AM
#16
Posted 16 June 2010 - 09:54 AM
#17
Posted 15 June 2010 - 09:28 PM
#18
Posted 12 June 2010 - 07:59 AM
For Clean Up ATF!
#19
Posted 09 June 2010 - 02:30 PM
#20
Posted 05 June 2010 - 06:09 AM
For Clean Up ATF!
#21
Posted 05 June 2010 - 06:01 AM
CNN Anderson Cooper 360 was AWESOME!!! It verified and laid out the culture of retaliation by talking to "dozens" of agents around the country. The best part was when Vince Cefalu taped himself doing nothing for 5 days in his office. If he was benefitting personally from not doing anything, he would not tell on himself. Some people can be mad about this story but I think that if an employee is being purposely isolated like Mr. Cefalu is and they find it a waste of their time, they should feel free to report it and to let the tax payer know that this is what their $150k a year is being wasted.
Mr. Cefalu Are you doing anything....now?
Agent Andrades saying "bullshit" on national tv was AWESOME. He looked scared and I think that he caught himself but then said, screw it you only live once or this is my 15 minutes of fame, and went ahead and said it.
Mr. Domenech demonstrated that retaliation can happen at any level, even at the Deputy Director level,if you are not with the so called program or drinking the kool aid. He had the opportunity to taste a little bit of his own medicine. I wonder if he like it or found it as disgusting as the rest of the employees of this agency that has ever tasted this retlation medicine.
I stand by this post.
To all three of them, I take my hat off to you. I give you credit for takig a stand against this illegal employer practice. From personal experience I know, like others, that it is not easy to come forward and takes a lot of courage. As stated in the CNN piece, you are comitting "CAREER SUICIDE"!
I understand that most of the employees are glad that this "dark little secret" is finally out and is no longer a "dark little secret". Keep up the good work!!!
For Clean Up ATF!
#22
Posted 04 June 2010 - 08:32 PM
To all three of them, I take my hat off to you. I give you credit for takig a stand against this illegal employer practice. From personal experience I know, like others, that it is not easy to come forward and takes a lot of courage. As stated in the CNN piece, you are comitting "CAREER SUICIDE"!
#23
Posted 04 June 2010 - 05:33 PM
Mr. Cefalu Are you doing anything....now?
Agent Andrades saying "bullshit" on national tv was AWESOME. He looked scared and I think that he caught himself but then said, screw it you only live once or this is my 15 minutes of fame, and went ahead and said it.
Mr. Domenech demonstrated that retaliation can happen at any level, even at the Deputy Director level,if you are not with the so called program or drinking the kool aid. He had the opportunity to taste a little bit of his own medicine. I wonder if he like it or found it as disgusting as the rest of the employees of this agency that has ever tasted this retlation medicine.
To all three of them, I take my hat off to you. I give you credit for takig a stand against this illegal employer practice. From personal experience I know, like others, that it is not easy to come forward and takes a lot of courage. As stated in the CNN piece, you are comitting "CAREER SUICIDE"!
I understand that most of the employees are glad that this "dark little secret" is finally out and is no longer a "dark little secret". Keep up the good work!!!
For Clean Up ATF!
#24
Posted 04 June 2010 - 05:16 PM
Your opinions might actually get some respect if YOU KNEW HOW TO SPELL.pseudonames.
But then again, you don't need a degree to work in a jail.
Bet you visit all kinds of on-line forums, bad-mouthing not only ATF, but FBI, DEA, NCIS and so on -- you know, all those agencies to which you applied and were repeatedly REJECTED, and for which you now have a permanent bug up your ass.
And I bet your co-workers at your jail hate you too, you overbearing know-it-all.
#25
Posted 03 June 2010 - 09:43 PM
#26
Posted 03 June 2010 - 09:20 PM
#27
Posted 03 June 2010 - 06:12 PM
#28
Posted 03 June 2010 - 12:25 AM
I want to thank you Mr. Melson for mentioning my pseudonym on CNN. Mr. Melson, you should hold your executives accountable and responsible for their adverse personnel actions and/or acts of vengeance. It is unfortunate that this situation has deteriorated to this. I look forward to the day that ATF rebuilds its credibility with its employees and the rest of the American public. If a statement is taken out of context or slanted, in what context or non-slanted manner was it said? What exactly was said? Do you have that information? Would you be willing to share this with us? Due to the culture of retaliation, the nature and the premise on which this website was developed, it is okay not to reveal your identity, if you choose not to. Most of the participants on this website have chose not to reveal their identities and it is okay. I believe that there are some that would like to know what location to point the nuclear missiles at or what target to direct the drone kill to. Although as tempting as your offer to come and talk to you may be, I must decline, at this time. How do you know that I have not met with you already? I hope that at some point there is an environment where I can meet with you again. Until then, verifying something is more than just asking a Special Agent in Charge or Assistant Director (Field Operations)or a Chief in HQ, you need to start asking and meeting with the employees directly. Especially, if it is something as significant as to cause you to have to answer charges on CNN. You have already found yourself that some of your trusted advisers are not to be and can not be trusted.
Any answers?
#29
Posted 03 June 2010 - 12:18 AM
#30
Posted 01 June 2010 - 03:37 PM
#31
Posted 01 June 2010 - 08:52 AM
#32
Posted 30 May 2010 - 10:54 AM
I think this says it all about Corrections1. Nothing says "Bravery" like someone who drops a few inflammatory comments and runs.
You needn't reply. I'm not coming back.
As for forum members "hiding" behind pseudonyms, in that somehow that makes our complaints somehow less legitimate, well, on how many webforums out there, on how many Comment sections on any news organization website, do contributors use their actual name?
Corrections1 should do as she says. Let's have a name and a CV and let us judge YOU.
#33
Posted 29 May 2010 - 11:13 PM
#34 Guest_Jumper_*
Posted 29 May 2010 - 09:47 PM
#35
Posted 29 May 2010 - 08:39 PM
#36
Posted 29 May 2010 - 08:24 PM
#37
Posted 29 May 2010 - 07:53 PM
#38
Posted 29 May 2010 - 07:01 PM
Saying that Mr. Cefalu looked lazy in CNN's piece would be an understatment. Thanks to your story, I've been brought to this website and read a vast majority of the posts here. I come away with the distinct impression that you guys can't see the forest for the trees. I have worked an aggregate of thirty-three years with the military and law enforcement. More than a decade has been spent directly in law enforcement and the last eight in management. I have never seen a federal agency such as yours suffering from such political infighting, mismanagement, and unlawful conduct. I'm glad that I saw this segment. I think it needs to come to the attention of Congress, and perhaps Congress should do its own investigating. I can assure that when Tuesday rolls around, I'll be picking up that phone to contact a congressman, a couple of senators, and a few other important politicians from this area. In looking at the ATF's mission statememtn, I fail to understand why your mission cannot be completed by a consolidation of your agency with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and such will be my recommendation to my local reps. In this age when the lack of cooperation between agencies can literally be debilitating for this country, we Americans cannot afford poor performance from a leaderless agency such as the ATF. Also, all of you agents on here posting, you should be absolutely ashamed of your behavior. As the Deputy Director, I would open a criminal investigation and target this website and start reeling you all in, one by one if necessary. There is free speech, but all of your bellyaching on this site amounts to nothing more than a violation of the oaths many of you took to work for this agency. If you don't think your boss can come after you on a website like this, think again. Other law enforcement agencies have done it. I'm surprised your DD has taken so long to do anything about it. There is the law and then there are employee standards to adhere to. In the totality of what has been exposed by CNN and what you are doing here, I am completely appalled and sincerely think that your agency should be abolished in lieu of larger "super" bureau. Then, there can be better accountability and we won't be wasting our taxpayer dollars and piss poor performers such as you ATF agents posting here. Be glad I'm not the president, your DD and a whole lot more of you would have more questions to answer by the end of the day. The ATF. From the top of your organization to the bottom, what a complete disgrace to the American people and her taxpayers!!!!
Corrections1:
At first I was angered by your comments but then I thought about it a minute or two and laughed. You obviously are a misguided, ignorant person making the comments you are posting. This web site was intended, I think to shed some light on the abuses going on in OUR agency. Outsiders like you who have no stake in what happens day to day can not understand the frustration and despair that some of us feel. You see we are not, "bellyaching". Most of us have stood up in the light of day to unethical and unlawful abuses of power and did it through the proper channels. The reason this site exists is because the "proper channels" to report misconduct in ATF have been corrupted. Many upper managers are deaf to legitimate complaints and hold themselves to different standards. I dont think you get that.
In the first CNN piece it was not made clear that ATF managers were "idleing" SA Cefelu. The second piece was much better in articulating the issues at hand. He is not there because he wants to be there. He is FORCED to be in the office all day.
You then threaten to make complaints to your local politicos. Goood thats what we want to happen. Why, because we know when someone in a postion of oversight looks at the situation they will come to the same conclusions as we do. You talk about the taxpayers not getting their moneys worth but I will tell you the facts don't support your arguement. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, ATF agents generate more cases per agent and are more efficient, IN SPITE OF our agency's shortcomings, lack of funding, lack of equipment, etc. than many of our counterparts.
I could give you many examples of well known foul ups by other federal, state, and local agencies, like the FBI. Do you remember the September 11th attacks? Do you recall the Ft. Hood Shootings? Do you recall Richard Jewell?? I could go on and on.
I could tell you about all the good ATF does, like uncovering key evidence that solved the first WTC bombing. Identifying Tim McVeigh as the primary suspect in the Oak City Bombing or most recently arresting two subjects for setting a rash of church fires. Poor judgement is exercised in private industry too. Just look at Wall Street. In private industry, no one is publically accountable anymore, Congress just authorizes another bailout. THAT IS REALLY WHAT SHOULD MAKE TAXPAYERS ANGRY. We at ATF are scrutinzed daily due to our controversial jurisdiction. I think we do OK if you care to look beyond the rhetoric and consider the facts.
The truth is there ARE good supervisors, BUT there are not enough of them in the key decision making positions in our agency at this time. Moreover, managers have become overly reliant on lawyers who have a track record of not always following the law or telling the truth. Bottom line Correction 1, bring it on! You are not the first or the last to wish us away, but we are, and will, still be here day in and day out defending the citizens of the United States from it's most violent criminals.
#39
Posted 29 May 2010 - 05:42 PM
#40
Posted 29 May 2010 - 01:00 PM
Thanks for your insights Corrections1. Much of what you say is true. Other portions demonstrate that your assessment is based just on the CNN piece. That was CNN giving 20 minutes of air time trying to address 20 years of abuse.Saying that Mr. Cefalu looked lazy in CNN's piece would be an understatment. Thanks to your story, I've been brought to this website and read a vast majority of the posts here. I come away with the distinct impression that you guys can't see the forest for the trees. I have worked an aggregate of thirty-three years with the military and law enforcement. More than a decade has been spent directly in law enforcement and the last eight in management. I have never seen a federal agency such as yours suffering from such political infighting, mismanagement, and unlawful conduct. I'm glad that I saw this segment. I think it needs to come to the attention of Congress, and perhaps Congress should do its own investigating. I can assure that when Tuesday rolls around, I'll be picking up that phone to contact a congressman, a couple of senators, and a few other important politicians from this area. In looking at the ATF's mission statememtn, I fail to understand why your mission cannot be completed by a consolidation of your agency with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and such will be my recommendation to my local reps. In this age when the lack of cooperation between agencies can literally be debilitating for this country, we Americans cannot afford poor performance from a leaderless agency such as the ATF. Also, all of you agents on here posting, you should be absolutely ashamed of your behavior. As the Deputy Director, I would open a criminal investigation and target this website and start reeling you all in, one by one if necessary. There is free speech, but all of your bellyaching on this site amounts to nothing more than a violation of the oaths many of you took to work for this agency. If you don't think your boss can come after you on a website like this, think again. Other law enforcement agencies have done it. I'm surprised your DD has taken so long to do anything about it. There is the law and then there are employee standards to adhere to. In the totality of what has been exposed by CNN and what you are doing here, I am completely appalled and sincerely think that your agency should be abolished in lieu of larger "super" bureau. Then, there can be better accountability and we won't be wasting our taxpayer dollars and piss poor performers such as you ATF agents posting here. Be glad I'm not the president, your DD and a whole lot more of you would have more questions to answer by the end of the day. The ATF. From the top of your organization to the bottom, what a complete disgrace to the American people and her taxpayers!!!!
There is quite a bit wrong with ATF but there is still way more right. ATF is worth saving and as said below in the post from microscope, worth fighting for.
Vince lazy? I understand how, based on the CNN piece alone you might form that conclusion but you missed the point. His bosses intentionally put him in that spot with nothing to do. He actually begged for a work assignment but was told no, stay put. It is called 'ideling' and it is against the law to use it as punishment for whistleblowing.
With 6 years of serving in the Marines and another 30 in law enforcement (24 as an ATF Agent), I know for a fact that Vince is and was one of the hardest working, self-starting, ass-kicking street agents in ATF history. The harshest punishment you can give to a guy like that is to put him in a cage with mundane tasks and that is exactly what they did.
Continue to slam Vince if you want. He's a big boy, he can take anything you or anyone else throws at him. Just understand the totality of what you are talking about. Thanks for weighing in.
I have been a critic of ATF's mismanagement but for you to describe ATF from top to bottom being a waste, well - the next time you are not shot by a felon with a gun while pumping gas; the next time the door of your house is not kicked in by a home invasion crew; the next time your neighbor doesn't blow up the hood with a home made bomb; the next time a gang is taken out of play in your city; the next time a drive-by in your town is investigated using the world's most sophisticated ballistic technology; the next time a murder-for-hire plot targeting someone you know is foiled; the next time an ex-con is not selling drugs near your kids school with a pistol in his back pocket - thank an ATF Agent.
#41 Guest_microscope_*
Posted 29 May 2010 - 12:26 PM
#42
Posted 29 May 2010 - 11:01 AM
#43
Posted 29 May 2010 - 10:42 AM
Got to be honest I had greater expectations for the CCN news story. I don't think it was as effective as it could have been because it was very limited in scope. From what I heard dozens of personnel were interviewed by CNN butonly 3 make it to the video segment. Moreover, to the general public and uninitiated it makes SA Cefelu look like he is lazy. Sorry but some civilians I know made that comment after seeing the segment. Again, we shoot ourselves in the foot. All I can say is that over the past 12 years in ATF I have seen alot of disgraceful things happen to good people who love their country and love the job. I still love going to work, but what I detest is the complete and total incompetance of managment. WHY IS NO ONE DISCUSSING THE AC? We get the managment we deserve!!! The AC has been compromised by management!!! They have allowed HUMMRO to provide training to SELECT groups of agents while implementing a manual order that prohibits the dissemination of test taking tips, strategy, etc. WHY IS NO ONE ON THIS WEBSITE TALKING ABOUT IT. I have talked to many people around the country that are fed up with HOW we select out managers and the complete and total disregard for fairness and integrity in the GS14 assessment center. The best way I can describe it was from a 14 that I know who was there evaluating the AC who described it as "A Joke". Any other thoughts or comments would be appreciated.
#44 Guest_Cornelius_*
Posted 29 May 2010 - 10:12 AM
#45
Posted 29 May 2010 - 09:52 AM
Mr. Melson,
In 24 yrs, I have had ONE (one day)suspension over 10 yrs ago and ONE letter of caution and 11 Special act or Achievement awards. I have convicted 100% of my defendants and have written and executed more search warrants than any other Agent in any group I have been assigned to. These are the FACTS. Did you bother to pull my official personnel file before you allowed "the Bureau to state that I had disciplinary and performance issues"? Or did you just ask Ms. Loos? I guess 20+ yrs of EXCEEDS fully satisfactory evaluations constitues poor performance?
Vince:
We dont know each other but I want to commend you for your courage and integrity. It takes alot to stand up in ATF and tell the truth. As I have discussed with many brother and sister agents, they should just start foot stomping and making air quotes at the academy when they start the ethics and integrity block in NAT. We all know that mgmt. doesnt want to hear the truth, they just want to keep things quiet and move up and on with their careers. When things get tough pleae know that many of us are pulling for you and are fighting back as best we can on our own.
#46 Guest_Jumper_*
Posted 29 May 2010 - 09:44 AM
#47
Posted 29 May 2010 - 08:20 AM
#48
Posted 29 May 2010 - 07:53 AM
#49
Posted 29 May 2010 - 06:36 AM
For Clean Up ATF!
#50
Posted 29 May 2010 - 06:30 AM
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