FBI Agent's Reputation Trashed

FBI agent Richard B. Marx managed the effort to comb through almost 2 million pounds of World Trade Center debris at a Staten Island, N.Y. landfill to look for evidence that might help in the investigation of the Sept. 11 attacks. His work earned him a spot as a finalist in the 2003 Service to America Medals competition, co-sponsored by Government Executive. Unfortunately, it also drew the attention of investigators at the Justice Department inspector general's office, who thought he may have been letting FBI agents take material from the landfill as souvenirs. It turned out that the allegedly missing evidence was in fact sent to museums and FBI headquarters, the Washington Times reports today. Still, IG investigators said Marx "lacked candor" in interviews, and the bureau handed him a 10-day suspension and letter of reprimand--a punishment which Marx's supporters say stems from a "gross abuse of authority."