Veteran agent: Feinstein did not act on ATF abuse, corruption evidence :: 03/16/2012

Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., was informed of management corruption and abuse issues at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) before allegations of "gunwalking" surfaced, but opted to do nothing about it. That allegation comes from veteran Special Agent Vince Cefalu, who recently informed Gun Rights Examiner of his efforts to persuade the powerful Democrat to investigate documented instances of gross mismanagement and perjury.

Cefalu is the veteran street agent who was served termination papers last June for his efforts to bring management wrongdoing to light, a move perceived by other whistleblowers and observers as not just retaliation, but direct defiance of Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., and concerns he articulated as Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

"When they showed they were going to tee it up on me and others out of sheer abuse and covering their national screw-ups, I wrote to Feinstein," Cefalu told this correspondent.

"I listed a series of corrupt acts, gross mismanagement and abuse of employees, etc. Through her aide, she sent a strongly worded inquiry," he elaborated. "There was no follow up until I called and emailed a dozen times. Finally ATF responded nine months later, basically stating they have done no wrong, and thanks for inquiry.

By David Codrea , Gun Rights Examiner