TPM... Why Did FBI Wait Months to Open Foley Investigation?

[RedEarth]

Did FBI Wait Months to Open Foley Investigation?
By Justin Rood - October 2, 2006, 1:06 PM
Copies of the icky emails ABC published last week have been in the hands of the FBI since July, according to the group which handed them over. So why does it sound as if the bureau's probe of their sender, disgraced former Rep. Mark Foley (R-FL), is just beginning?

Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, the D.C.-based watchdog group which provided the emails to ABC News, also provided copies to the feds -- on July 21, according a press release from the organization.

"FBI to Examine Foley's E-Mails," the Washington Post headline reads this morning. "A law enforcement official who requested anonymity so he could discuss an ongoing case said the probe will be handled by the FBI's Cyber Division," the paper notes -- emphasis mine.

That said, the FBI won't confirm the date their inquiry began. Spokesman Steve Kodak would say only that the FBI is "conducting an assessment to determine if there's been any violation of federal law."

CREW is calling for a separate inquiry, by the Department of Justice's Inspector General, to determine whether the FBI's actions -- or inaction -- was politically influenced.

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/001658.php

[DoYouEverWonder]

1. Copies of some of these emails

have been in the hands of the St. Petersburg Times since last Nov. They've even been in contact with the victim.

[Richard D]

2. Obviously . . .

. . . it's only coming out, so to speak, now because it's in the media. If it wasn't in the media, there would be no investigations, resignations, etc.