On August 4, 2004, Unites States Senator Orrin Hatch (R) Utah wrote a letter to the then Attorney General John Ashcroft.
In his letter, which can be seen in its entirety below, Senator Hatch predicted the outcome of the retaliation:
--the convictions were jeopardized;
--retaliation against AUSA Keith Corbett and Secretary Ana Bruni resulted in the dissolution of the Organized Crime Strike Force in Detroit and demotions and transfers;
--that AUSA Convertino is not being treated fairly;
--and that OPR investigators and staff can be "used to futher political bureaucratic and retaliatory measures."
Senator Hatch wrote,
...."there have been complaints that confidential information concerning AUSA Convertino, including alleged OPR violations and that he is the subject of a criminal investigation, have been leaked to the media in an apparent attempt to discredit him."
"I also have been informed that government officials are re-investigating trial witnesses. THIS IS A VERY UNUSUAL STEP AND COULD ULTIMATELY AID THE DEFENDANTS."
"I join Senator Grassley in expressing to the Department that AUSA Convertino be treated fairly."
"I was proud of the Department's hard work and successful prosecution of the Detroit terrorist cell."
"This successful prosecution proves the Department's longstanding statements that it will proactively take down terrorists and terrorist cells using any and all legal tools available."
"Senator Grassley has expressed concern that AUSA Richard Convertino faced retaliation because he provided information to the Finance Committee concerning terrorists' use of false identity and false documents."
"Earlier, Senator Grassley had expressed concern that another AUSA involved in the prosecution of the case, Keith Corbett, and a secretary, Ana Bruni, also faced retaliation."
Senator Hatch further requested that Attorney General Ashcroft respond to some questions, in writing.
THIS NEVER HAPPENED. DESPITE BEING A FORMER SENATOR HIMSELF, ATTORNEY GENERAL ASHCROFT APPARENTLY FELT CONGRESSIONAL OVERSIGHT WAS UNNECESSARY.
The questions included:
"the date any Department personnel, administrative or investigatory action was initiated against AUSA Convertino;"
"what occurred to cause the investigation(s) to be initiated and THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS INVOLVED IN THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE INVESTIGATION:"
"WHETHER THE DEPARTMENT HAS EXAMINED IF OTHER EMPLOYEES IN DETROIT HAVE COMMITTED THE SAME ACTIONS THAT AUSA CONVERTINO IS ACCUSED OF, AND WHETHER THOSE PERSONS ARE UNDER INVESTIGATION;"
"the status of any investigation into one or more leaks of confidential or protected information about AUSA Convertino, the case, or an informant;"
"and the purpose, scope and method of review of government information regarding the terrorism case."
