Joe Nelson, Staff Writer
Posted: 10/12/2011 06:04:50 PM PDT
FBI agents acted “professionally” and “responsibly” when serving a search warrant at the offices of Rancho Cucamonga developer Jeff Burum, despite allegations that Burum’s civil rights were violated, according to a motion filed in federal court on Tuesday.
Agents, however, did err when they presented erroneous information to federal Judge Oswald Parada in opposition to a request by Burum’s attorney, Stephen Larson, that a special master be assigned to review materials seized during the search.
Special Agent Jonathan Zeitlin, in a declaration to the court, said special agents Anthony Montero and Kristin Almeda did a walk-through of Larson’s office, with Larson’s consent and in his presence, in the Diversified Pacific building at 10621 Civic Center Dr. in Rancho Cucamonga on Sept. 15.
Federal prosecutors and agents admitted in their motion, filed Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Riverside in response to Larson’s motion seeking a review of Judge Parada’s denial of a special master, that the information was incorrect.
In a written declaration, Montero said Zeitlin had sent him his declaration for vetting before it was submitted to the court, and Montero told Zeitlin the information was accurate.
“Unfortunately, I did not notice the error in stating that Larson and I walked through both offices. I do not know how I missed that mistake,” Montero said in his declaration. “In any event, I did not intentionally mislead (special agent) Zeitlin or the court. I apologize for my error.”
To read entire story, click here.
So when FBI agents lie to a federal judge, they can dismiss it as a simple “mistake?”
THE FBI IS APOLOGIZING? WHEN DOES THAT HAPPEN?
THEY EITHER SEARCHED THE OFFICE OR THEY DIDN’T!
HOW CAN MISSTATEMENTS BE THIS ELABORATE?
Oh my, at least an error was admitted,even if it is being downplayed.
Better that our beloved DA can do.
If the FBI violated the rules and searched Mr. Larsons office seventeen times instead of eighteen, they are going to claim that the allegations are “exaggerated.”
Unfortunately for them, there is a security video that the judge will get to see. Has Mike Ramos’ defiance rubbed off on the FBI?
Am I the only one who has noticed that when there is something nasty to say the Daily Bulletin runs it on the front page ad nauseum however when the pendulum swings the other way the same editors bury it as deep as they can? This story isn’t even in the DB – I am so sick and tired of the paper tainting people’s perceptions
I am sorry I didn’t pay my taxes. I am sorry I ran the Red Light. I am sorry I drove drunk and killed someone. I am sorry I didn’t pay my bills. Oh yeah I can get used to saying I am sorry lol. I cant wait for the judge to get ahold of those “officers” …what a joke… Crooked DA is next. Then the real fun begins!!!!
No, you are not the only one who has noticed. The local media’s coverage has been slanted toward the prosecution from day one.
Look back at the various articles, and you will see numerous instances of the media making misleading statements about the settlement, such as suggesting that a trial never took place (“if the county had gone to trial and lost.”)
Also note numerous references to county attorneys quitting rather than ratify the settlement, with no mention that these same attorneys had just been hammered in the courtroom.
Finally, note that the Sun and Daily Bulletin websites give you access to the felony complaint, which constitute unproven allegations, but not to the Statement of Decision, where a Superior Court judge heard the evidence and issued a ruling.
Clearly, the local media does not want the public to know the facts.
The FBI has hired SBDA investigators. It’s true. Check the FBI docs and you will see a similiar name…