U.S. Probe Of Former CIA Chief Expands
By David A. Vise and Vernon Loeb
Washington Post Staff Writers
Saturday , September 16, 2000
John M. Deutch, who has admitted mishandling classified information while serving as director of the CIA, is now under investigation for similar security violations when he previously held high-level posts in the Defense Department, according to confidential documents and officials familiar with the case.
Deutch allegedly used unsecured computers at home and his America Online account to access classified defense information in the early to mid-1990s, the documents, compiled as part of a Pentagon probe, show. The alleged violations occurred before and after Deutch issued a February 1995 memo reminding Defense Department employees that only "properly reviewed and cleared" information should be placed on computer systems accessible to the public.
"We find his conduct in this regard particularly egregious in light of existing DOD policy directives addressing the safeguarding of classified information," an internal Pentagon memo said. "This situation was exacerbated because Dr. Deutch, while serving as the [deputy secretary of defense], declined departmental requests that he allow security systems to be installed in his residence.
"The evidence we obtained clearly establishes that Dr. Deutch failed to follow even the most basic security precautions," the memo added.
Deutch's attorney, Terrence O'Donnell, did not return a telephone call for comment yesterday.
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washingtonpost.com
It is, if anything, long overdue for the NSA to get the upper hand over the Circus Intelligence Agency when it comes to advise the White House.... At least, the NSA has enough technogeeks to prevent future dishonest executives (like megamole J. Deutch) from sneaking secret material out of its computers.
Gus. |
