It's amazing how common FBI dereliction has become over the last decade, with vengeful accusations leaking instantaneously into the media, ever since Notra Trulock attacked Wen Ho Lee in 1998. These guys have to get a grip, but that kind of destructive power is so seductive, I'm sure they never will:
A former U.S. Army scientist who was named as a person of interest in the 2001 anthrax attacks will receive $5.8 million (€3.7 million) to settle his lawsuit against the Justice Department.
Steven Hatfill claimed the department violated his privacy rights by speaking with reporters about the case.
Settlement documents were filed in federal court Friday. Both sides have agreed to the deal, according to the documents, and when they are signed, the case will be dismissed.
The deal requires the Justice Department to pay $2.825 million (€1.8 million) up front and buy Hatfill a $3 million (€1.9 million) annuity that will pay him $150,000 (€95,250) each year for 20 years.
"Our government failed us, not only by failing to catch the anthrax mailers but by seeking to conceal that failure," Hatfill's lawyers said in a statement. "Our government did this by leaking gossip, speculation and misinformation to a handful of credulous reporters."
The statement also blamed journalists for not questioning the motives of the government's statements or its tactics.
"As an innocent man, and as our fellow citizen, Steven Hatfill deserved far better," they said.
The Justice Department said the settlement was in the best interest of the nation.
"The United States does not admit to any violation of the Privacy Act and continues to deny all liability in connection with Dr. Hatfill's claims," Justice Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse said in response to the settlement.
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