Hastings FBI WM

U.S.
Department of Justice
Federal Bureau of Investigation

Washington, D.C. 20535
November 10, 2014
Law Office of Jeffrey L. Light

On behalf of Jason Leopold and
Jason Leopold
1712 Eye St, NW
Suite 915
Washington, DC 20006
FOIPA Request Nos.: 1218280-000 and

1218722
Civil Action No: 13-cv-01139
Subject: Michael Mahon Hastings
Dear Mr. Light:
The enclosed documents were reviewed under the Freedom of Information/Privacy Acts (FOIPA), Title 5,
United States Code, Section 552/552a. Deletions have been made to protect information which is exempt from
disclosure, with the appropriate exemptions noted on the page next to the excision. In addition, a deleted page
information sheet was inserted in the file to indicate where pages were withheld entirely. The exemptions used to
withhold information are marked below and explained on the enclosed Explanation of Exemptions:
Section 552
Section 552a
(b)(1)
(b)(7)(A)
(d)(5)
(b)(2)
(b)(7)(B)
(j)(2)
(b)(3)
(b)(7)(C)
(k)(1)
(b)(7)(D)
(k)(2)
(b)(7)(E)
(k)(3)
(b)(7)(F)
(k)(4)
(b)(4)
(b)(8)
(k)(5)
(b)(5)
(b)(9)
(k)(6)
(b)(6)
(k)(7)
29 page(s) were reviewed and 29 page(s) are being released.

Document(s) were located which originated with, or contained information concerning, other Government
agency(ies) [OGA].
This information has been referred to the OGA(s) for review and direct response to you.
We are consulting with OGA(s). The FBI will correspond with you regarding this information when
the consultation is finished.
In accordance with standard FBI practice and pursuant to FOIA exemption (b)(7)(E) and Privacy Act
exemption (j)(2) [5 U.S.C. 552/552a (b)(7)(E)/(j)(2)], this response neither confirms nor denies the existence
of your subject's name on any watch lists.
For your information, Congress excluded three discrete categories of law enforcement and national security
records from the requirements of the FOIA. See 5 U.S. C. 552(c) (2006 & Supp. IV (2010). This response is
limited to those records that are subject to the requirements of the FOIA. This is a standard notification that is given
to all our requesters and should not be taken as an indication that excluded records do, or do not, exist. Enclosed for
your information is a copy of the Explanation of Exemptions.
The enclosed material is from the main investigative file(s) in which the subject(s) of your request was the focus of
the investigation. Our search located additional references, in files relating to other individuals, or matters, which may
or may not be about your subject(s). Our experience has shown when ident, references usually contain information
similar to the information processed in the main file(s). Because of our significant backlog, we have given priority to
processing only the main investigative file(s). If you want the references, you must submit a separate request for
them in writing, and they will be reviewed at a later date, as time and resources permit.
See additional information which follows.
Sincerely,
David M. Hardy
Section Chief
Record/Information
Dissemination Section
Records Management Division
Enclosure(s)
As a result of an agreement reached between the FBI and your client in the civil litigation related to this request, the
FBI conducted additional searches and additional material was located responsive to your clients requests for
information concerning Michael Hastings. Enclosed is a processed copy of the responsive material located.
EXPLANATION OF EXEMPTIONS
SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552
(b)(1)
(A) specifically authorized under criteria established by an Executive order to be kept secret in the interest of national defense or foreign
policy and (B) are in fact properly classified to such Executive order;
(b)(2)
related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;
(b)(3)
specifically exempted from disclosure by statute (other than section 552b of this title), provided that such statute (A) requires that the matters
be withheld from the public in such a manner as to leave no discretion on issue, or (B) establishes particular criteria for withholding or refers
to particular types of matters to be withheld;
(b)(4)
trade secrets and commercial or financial information obtained from a person and privileged or confidential;
(b)(5)
inter-agency or intra-agency memorandums or letters which would not be available by law to a party other than an agency in litigation with
the agency;
(b)(6)
personnel and medical files and similar files the disclosure of which would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy;
(b)(7)
records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes, but only to the extent that the production of such law enforcement records or
information ( A ) could reasonably be expected to interfere with enforcement proceedings, ( B ) would deprive a person of a right to a fair
trial or an impartial adjudication, ( C ) could reasonably be expected to constitute an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy, ( D ) could
reasonably be expected to disclose the identity of confidential source, including a State, local, or foreign agency or authority or any private
institution which furnished information on a confidential basis, and, in the case of record or information compiled by a criminal law
enforcement authority in the course of a criminal investigation, or by an agency conducting a lawful national security intelligence
investigation, information furnished by a confidential source, ( E ) would disclose techniques and procedures for law enforcement
investigations or prosecutions, or would disclose guidelines for law enforcement investigations or prosecutions if such disclosure could
reasonably be expected to risk circumvention of the law, or ( F ) could reasonably be expected to endanger the life or physical safety of any
individual;
(b)(8)
contained in or related to examination, operating, or condition reports prepared by, on behalf of, or for the use of an agency responsible for
the regulation or supervision of financial institutions; or
(b)(9)
geological and geophysical information and data, including maps, concerning wells.
SUBSECTIONS OF TITLE 5, UNITED STATES CODE, SECTION 552a
(d)(5)
information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action proceeding;
(j)(2)
material reporting investigative efforts pertaining to the enforcement of criminal law including efforts to prevent, control,
or apprehend criminals;
(k)(1)
information which is currently and properly classified pursuant to an Executive order in the interest of the national defense or foreign policy,
for example, information involving intelligence sources or methods;
(k)(2)
investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than criminal, which did not result in loss of a right, benefit or privilege
under Federal programs, or which would identify a source who furnished information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be
held in confidence;
(k)(3)
material maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or any other individual
pursuant to the authority of Title 18, United States Code, Section 3056;
(k)(4)
required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records;
(k)(5)
investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian
employment or for access to classified information, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the person who furnished
information pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence;
(k)(6)
testing or examination material used to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in Federal Government
service he release of which would compromise the testing or examination process;
(k)(7)
material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services, the disclosure of which would reveal the identity of the
person who furnished the material pursuant to a promise that his/her identity would be held in confidence.
or reduce crime
FBI/DOJ
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Bresson, Paul E.
Monday, June 24, 2013 2:35 PM
Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Shearer, Jennifer C.
Arocho, Lourdes; Dekofsky, Arielle B.; Black, Andrew P.
Re: Hastings Folo Up
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Nope. I think that's perfect Laura. Just keep referring to the statement. Appreciate the job you've done on
this.
----- Original Message ----From: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
To: Bresson, Paul E.; Shearer, Jennifer C.
Cc: Arocho, Lourdes; Dekofsky, Arielle B.; Black, Andrew P.
Sent: Mon Jun 24 14:21:08 2013
Subject: Hastings Folo Up
Paul/Jenny,
Took a few calls over weekend using the Hastings statement. AP still asking today about it. Reporter says,
"We just want to learn more about why Hastings thought FBI was talking to his close friends and associatesobviously rumor mill continues, anything to debunk rumors would be most appreciated .. "
I told reporter, "I'm not able to help you with credibility of rumors. The FBI has confirmed that Michael
Hastings was not under investigation. Not sure I can help you further.".
Let me know if there is anything I can do, or stop doing, in Los Angeles. Thanks.
Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
Los Angeles Field Office
3109963343
lc)
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Monday, June 24, 2013 1:59 PM
Lewis, Bill L.; Bowdich, David L.; Delaney, Timothy J.; Struyk, James L.; Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.;
Birnbaum, Eric S.
Black, Andrew P.; Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Dekofsky, Arielle B.
News Briefillg 06/24/2013
Hastings Wrote Email To Colleagues Claiming FBI Was Investigating Him. The Los Angeles Times (6/21,
Blankstein, Bennett, 692K) reported that just hours before he died in a high-speed car crash, journalist Michael Hastings
wrote an email to his colleagues explaining that the FBI was interviewing his "close friends and associates" and explained
that he was going "off the radar for a bit." Since his death, conspiracy theories have run rampant claiming that Hastings was
murdered by "powerful forces" that wanted to silence him. The Times notes that Hastings was researching a story about the
lawsuit filed by Florida socialite Jill Kelley against the FBI and the Department of Defense. The FBI has denied the existence
of an investigation into Hastings, stating, "At no time was journalist Michael Hastings ever under investigation by the FBI."
Politico (6/21, Kopan, 25K) reported that the Los Angeles Police Department has ruled out foul play in the accident, but
nonetheless, tweets from Wikileaks indicating that Hastings had contacted one of the organization's lawyers, Jennifer
Robinson, have fueled rumors that there was a plot to kill Hastings.
CBS News (6/24) reports that FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller explained that while the FBI does not normally confirm or
deny the existence of investigations, "various rumors" and an "overwhelming interest to the public" led the agency to make a
statement. Eimiller explained, "When circumstances call for it, we may make an exception. This was one of them." She
noted, also, "I'm not going to get into the ins and outs of the various conspiracy theories."
The New York Daily News (6/24, Goldstein, 543K) quotes from the email that Hastings sent to his colleagues, which stated,
"Hey [redacted]- the feds are interviewing my 'close friends and associates.' Perhaps if the authorities arrive 'BuzzFeed
GQ', er HQ, may be wise to immediately request legal counsel before any conversations or interviews about our newsgathering practices or related journalism issues .... Also: I'm onto a big story, and need to go off the radat (sic) for a bit."
Alexander Abad-Santos wrote for Atlantic Wire (6/24) asking, "So who are we to believe? The FBI or WikiLeaks?" He noted
that "there's plenty of reasons not to trust the FBI (see: Todashev, lbragim)," but also that it is likely Wikileaks is attempting
to use Hastings' death to gain attention for its own efforts.
Former Roommate Of Ex-USC Professor Arrested On Suspicion Of Possessing Child Porn. The AP
(6/21) reported that Richard Leonard Arlington was arrested May 14 in Cathedral City on suspicion of possessing child
pornography, according to FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller. The AP notes that Arlington is the former roommate of Walter
Lee Williams, the ex-USC professor accused of traveling abroad to engage in sex acts with children. The AP explains that
both Arlington and Williams were members of a group called the Buddhist Universal Association of Los Angeles, which
Eimiller explained, "espoused an ideology of extreme sexual freedoms."
Victims And Relatives Continue Testimony In Bulger Trial. The Boston Globe (6/21, Murphy, Valencia,
250K) reported that proceedings Friday in the trial of James "Whitey" Bulger included the testimony of Frank Caprizzi, the
victim of an attack he corn pared to "a firing squad" that killed AI Plummer, a Bulger rival. Caprizzi survived and quickly
moved out of the Boston area. Joseph Angeli, nephew of AI Notarangeli, another of Bulger's Winter Hill Gang's alleged
shooting victims, testified that his mother decided to move him and his sisters to California to avoid the violence in the
Boston area. His father, who stayed in Boston, was shot to death just days later.
Bulger's Informant File Introduced. The AP (6/21, Lavoie) reports that prosecutors also began to introduce Bulger's
informant file to the jury on Friday. James Marra, a special agent with the Justice Department's inspector general's office,
identified informant cards for Bulger, his partner Stephen "The Rifleman" Flemmi, and several other associates. Marra
explained that Bulger worked briefly as an informant in 1971 , and then again from 1975 to 1990, during which time he was
categorized as a "top-echelon informant," which Marra explained means "he's providing information or he has access to the
highest levels of organized crime."
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Reuters (6/21) reported that Bulger has denied working as an FBI informant and insists that he paid an FBI agent to provide
him with information, but never provided information in exchange.
Bulger's Lawyers Ask To Lift Gag Order On Defense Strategy. The Boston Herald (6/23, Sweet, 91 K) reports that
Bulger's lawyers have asked US District Court Judge Denise J. Caspter to lift the gag order on their defense strategy,
arguing that Bulger is "a mere bystander in the heated public conversation surrounding his life and trial." Prosecutors
claimed the motion was a ploy to generate positive press coverage for Bulger. Bulger's lawyers claimed that local
newspapers had launched personal attacks on Bulger on a regular basis.
Former FBI Agent Mo"is To Testify Monday. The AP (6/24) provides a review of last week's activity and notes that in
the days ahead, former Boston FBI Agent John Morris is expected to testify and explains that Morris was the supervisor of
John Connolly, "who prosecutors say was Bulger's handler as an FBI informant." Morris, who was granted immunity 'from
prosecution, has admitted he accepted cash from Bulger's gang.
The Reuters (6/24, Valdmanis) reports that Morris was granted immunity for his testimony in Federal court hearings in 1998.
Column: Bill Bulger No Longer Deserves Admiration In State House. Jeff Jacoby wites in a column in the Boston
Globe (6/23, Jacoby, 250K) that Paul Cellucci, former Massachusetts governor and ambassador, "deserved better than to
have his memorial service sullied by William Bulger," whose presence at the service was "disgraceful." Jacoby writes that if
Bulger can walk around the State House while his brother stands trial for racketerring and be greeted "like a respected elder
statesman, something remains profoundly rotten on Beacon Hill."
FBI Los Angeles

Press Office
310-996-3343
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Friday, June 21, 2013 1:36PM
Black, Andrew P.; Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Dekofsky, Arielle B.
FW: News Briefing 06/21/2013
Meant to copy ....

FBI Los Angeles
Press Office
310-996-3343
From: FBI LA PRESS OFFICE

Sent: Friday, June 21, 2013 10:35 AM
To: Lewis, Bill L.; Delaney, Timothy J.; Bowdich, David L.; Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.; Birnbaum, Eric S.; Struyk, James L.
Subject: News Briefing 06/21/2013
Ex-USC Professor Pleads Not Guilty To Child Sex Charges. KNBC-TV Los Angeles (6/21, Pamer) reports
that Walter Lee Williams, arrested in Mexico this week on child sex charges, has been brought back to the United States
and pleaded not guilty in Federal court on Thursday. KNBC explains that Williams was detained late Tuesday in the resort
town of Playa del Carmen, and was deported Wednesday night. A Federal judge deemed Williams a flight risk and "ordered
him held without bail." The FBI had publicized the case against Williams this week and added him to its list of Ten Most
Wanted Fugitives just a day before his arrest. Bill Lewis, assistant director in charge of the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office,
explained that the publicity led directly to his capture. FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller explained that authorities believe
there are more victims who have not yet come forward, and intend to search for them once they create a better timeline of
Williams' travel.
FBI Denies Investigating Deceased Journalist Michael Hastings. USA Today (6/20, Silverman, 1.71 M)
reports that the FBI has denied reports that Michael Hastings, a journalist killed in a single-vehicle car crash Tuesday in Los
Angeles, was the subject of an investigation by the agency. Los Angeles Field Office spokeswoman Laura Eimiller
explained, "At no time was journalist Michael Hastings ever under investigation by the FBI." USA Today explains that the
rumors of an FBI investigation of Hastings, a nationals security reporter, began when the Wikileaks website posted a tweet
stating, "Michael Hastings contacted WikiLeaks lawyer Jennifer Robinson just a few hours before he died, saying that the
FBI was investigating him." A second tweet on the website stated, "It is not acceptable that the FBI was investigating yet
another national security journalist, this time Michael Hastings."
The Los Angeles Times (6/21, Blankstein, Bennett, 692K) reports that the Los Angeles Police Department stated there is no
apparent foul play in the accident that killed Hastings, though officials are still trying to determine the exact cause of the
crash. Hastings was in the process of researching a story about a lawsuit filed by .I ill Kelley, the Florida socialite, against the
Department of Defense and the FBI. Hastings death has sparked "wild conspiracy theories" implying that his death, initially
reported as an accident, was in fact a murder staged by "powerful forces wanting to silence him." The Times notes that the
crash is currently under investigation and that an accident report will be available in the next few weeks once a toxicology
report is completed.
US News & World Report (6/20, Nelson, 1.13M) reports that Ari Dekofsky, another spokeswoman for the FBI's Los Angeles
field office, had previously stated, "We can neither confirm nor deny FBI investigative activity. Sometimes that can change,
sometimes it can never change." A staffer at the FBI's national headquarters stated, however, "I don't see how killing could
be part of an investigation. We're supposed to investigate and that's what we do." US News & World Report later updated
its story to include Eimiller's statement that Hastings was "at no time" under FBI investigation.
Reuters (6/20) reports that Eirniller acknowledged that the FBI does not typically confirm or deny investigations, but the
agency had received a flood of inquiries about whether Hastings was the subject of an investigation.
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The Daily Caller (6/21, Rollet) reports that the internet is "abound" with conspiracy theories about Hastings' death, and that
in addition to his reporting on ill Kelley's lawsuit against the Federal government, Hastings was investigating the
imprisonment of Barrett Brown, "a journalist with ties to the hacker group Anonymous."
Alexander Abad-Santos writes for the Atlantic Wire (6/21) that Wikileaks' claims that Hastings had contacted one of its
lawyers could be a "backdoor into two of the biggest stories of the current news cycle," though "a look at the tenuous
connections show that Wikileaks may just be trying to take advantage of the public interest."
New York Magazine (6/21, Coscarelli, 408K) "Daily lntelligencer'' reports that BuzzFeed editor Ben Smith said that "Before
his death, Michael told a number of his friends and colleagues that he was concerned that he was under investigation." A
friend of Hastings, Current TV host Cenk Uygur, said Hastings was "incredibly tense" and "concerned that the government
was looking in on his material."
Survivors Of Victims Testify In Bulger Trial. Reuters (6/20) reports that testimony in the trial of Boston mob boss
James "Whitey" Bulger became emotional Thursday when the survivors of Bulger's alleged victims took the stand. Diane
Sussman, 63, explained to the jury that she was riding in a car with her boyfriend, Louis Lapiana, and a friend, Michael
Milano, when a machine gun opened fire on the vehicle. Milano and his brown Mercedes Benz had been mistaken for a rival
of Bulger's, AI Notarangeli, the intended target of the shooting. Nonetheless, Milano died as a result of the gunfire, and is
one of 19 people with whose murder Bulger has been charged. Ralph DeMasi, a survivor of another attack, explained that
he was riding with William O'Brien, when their vehicle was attacked, shooting him eight times, non-fatally, but killing O'Brien.
The AP (6/21) reports that defense attorney J.W. Carney Jr. asked Sussman who shot at the vehicle, but she was unable to
answer, declining to speculate, but also stating, "In my mind, I do know." The AP notes that hit man John Martorano testified
earlier in the week to having mistakenly shot Milano in his attempt to kill AI Notarangeli. The AP notes that during crossexamination, Carney asked Ralph Demasi whether, during his time in prison, he learned that inmates can earn
"extraordinary benefits" in exchange for testimony. DeMasi, in a thinly-veiled reference to Martorano, stated, "Guys are
walking the street after they killed 20 people, if they cooperated. That's the way the government works. You kill 20 people,
go testify against somebody, you can walk."
The Boston Globe (6/21, Valencia, Murphy, Ellement, 250K) reports that Sussman's boyfriend, Louis Lapiana, was
paralyzed as a result of the shooting and spent 28 years in a Veterans Administration hospital in California. Sussman
explained that she originally did not want to testify because "she did not think it would help with the prosecution of Bulger,"
but explained outside the courtroom Thursday, "I realized after reading the way the press was covering it all, I realized it
was a three-ring circus for the bad guys. Somebody's got to say innocent people were killed and it's not a joke."
CNN (6/20) reports that none of the "emotional and colorful" testimony actually alleged that Bulger was behind the trigger in
the killings. CNN notes that the jurors will hear testimony about Bulger's so called "informant" file Friday, which prosecutors
have said will show that Bulger worked as an informant for the FBI, a claim Bulger has denied.
Martorano's Neighbors Surprised To Learn About His Past. The AP (6/21, Murphy) conducted interviews of John
Martorano's neighbors, who "learned this week that the 72-year-old they know only as a cordial fellow resident of a block
called Country Club Lane is a former mob hit man." Thomas O'Loughlin, chief of police in Milford, where Martorano lives,
explained that the former hit man is not on parole, and that the only incident in which Martorano has been involved was a
minor traffic accident, in which police issued a warning for failure to use caution while slowing. O'Loughlin stated, "He's
been here a couple years. I've seen him about the town like anybody else. We've had no difficulties with him."
Bulger, Associates Represent Bygone Generation Of Criminals. Reuters (6/20) reviews the first week of testimony in
Bulger's trial and notes that Bulger and his associates, including Martorano, represent an era of organized crime in America
that has long passed. That era passed in part because gangs like Bulger's Winter Hill gang fell apart when members began
providing information to law enforcement agencies, but also because immigrant communities became better integrated into
American society and no longer relied on criminal behavior to earn a living.
FBI Los Angeles
Press Office
310-996-3343
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ANDREW NEIMAN I
Thursday, June
:::::::,:,
SMITH
Andy Neiman.vcf
Hi Laura,
Not sure if Andrew Smith responded to you yet or not but here is what we have said to the media.
LAPD investigators have not identified any evidence that suggests fowl play in the tragic fatal collision. The
preliminary findings have lead investigators to believe that collision was a solo vehicle collision with speed
being a primary factor. The investigation is ongoing.
I hope that helps a little. If you call me or Andrew we can discuss further.
Andy
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A II the Best,
Andy Neiman, Lieutenant II
Officer in Charge
Media Relations Section
Media Relations and Community Affairs Group Los Angeles Police Department
LES/FOUO) LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE - FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

WARNING:
The information contained in this email is considered confidential and sensitive in nature as well as sensitive
but unclassified and/or legally privileged information. It is not to be released to the media, the general
public, or to non-law enforcement personnel who do not have a 11 need-to-know 11 This information is not to be
posted on the Internet, or disseminated through unsecured channels, and is intended for law enforcement
personnel only. It is solely for the use of the intended recipient(s). Unauthorized interception, review, use or
disclosure is prohibited and may violate applicable laws including the Electronic Communications Privacy Act.
If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender and destroy all copies of the communication.
> 11 Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC) 11 <Laura.Eimiller@ic.fbi.gov> 6/20/2013 2:17PM>

Hi Gentlemen:
We're getting slammed with inquiries regarding what appear to be conspiracy theories surrounding Michael
Hastings car crash. Did LAPD issue a statement regarding whether foul play was suspected? Below is a story
that summarizes the issue. We're trying to rule out, if possible, any suggestion that Hastings was targeted
1
by someone with the crash based on his alleged involvement as a witness or target of an FBI investigation. I
think we're triple-checking but it doesn't appear he was under any sort of investigation. Thanks.
Michael Hastings, the FBI, and WikiLeaks: Death of Journalist Sparks Conspiracy Theories
* By Joe Coscarelli<http:/ /nymag.com/author/ joe%20coscarelli>

*
The death< http:/ /nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/ journalist-michael-hastings-has-died.html>

of reporter Michael Hastings, best remembered for taking on General Stanley McChrystal and other powerful
people, has been met with shock and grief in the journalistic community, especially from those fortunate
enough to work alongside him. But one layer below the fond remembrances are a host of vague questions and
inferences about the circumstances surrounding the 33-year-old BuzzFeed reporter's fiery solo car crash
early Tuesday in Los Angeles. Bringing those suspicions to the forefront last night was WikiLeaks, never
reticent to insert< http:/ /nymag.com/ dai ly/intell igencer/2013/06/ julian-assange-wants-in-on-edwardsnowden-story.html> itself into a story, which teased<https://twitter.com/wikileaks>, "Michael Hastings death
has a very serious non-public complication. We will have more details later." And after three hours tweeted:
"Michael Hastings contacted WikiLeaks lawyer Jennifer Robinson just a few hours before he died, saying that
the FBI was investigating him."
"Yeah," BuzzFeed editor Ben Smith confirmed to Daily Intelligencer. "Before his death, Michael told a
number of his friends and colleagues that he was concerned that he was under investigation."
Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
310 996-3343
http:/ /losangeles.fbi.gov<http:/ /losangeles.fbi.gov/>

www.labankrobbers.org<http:/ /www.labankrobbers.org/>
[cid:imageOOl.png@01CE6DB7.C55B70BO]<twitter.com/FBILosAngeles>[cid:image002.png@01CE6DB7.C55B70
BO]<http:/ /losangeles.fbi.gov/>[cid:image003.png@01CE6DB7.C55B70BO]<youtube.com/fbidotgov>[cid:image0
04.png@01CE6DB7.C55B70BO]<http:/ /www.ic3.gov/>[cid:image005.png@01CE6DB7.C55B70BO]<facebook.com
/fbi>
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Zebley, Aaron M.
Thursday, June 20, 2013 6:07 PM
Chitre, Nanda (OPA) (JMD); Bresson, Paul E.
Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
RE: Draft of Hastings statement
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We just spoke here. Statement is going; Paul contacting CNN as well.

Privilege Statement:
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From: Chitre, Nanda (OPA) [mailtoj
Sent: Thursday, June 20,
To: Zebley, Aaron M.; Bresson, Paul E.
Cc: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)

Subject: RE: Draft of Hastings statement
Can you get this to CNI\I? They just did a segment on whether the death was an accident and how conspiracy theories
are popping up. I didn't have the sound on- just saw the graphics.
From: Zebley, Aaron M. (FBI)
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:46 PM

To: Chitre, Nanda (OPA); Bresson, Paul E. (FBI)
Cc: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC) (FBI)

At no time was journalist Michael Hastings ever under investigation by the FBI.
From: Chitre, Nanda (OPA)
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013
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PM

I believe Aaron and Margaret spoke about a slightly revised statement. Can we send that version to the LA Times?

To: Bresson, Paul E. (FBI)
Cc: Chitre, Nanda (OPA); Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC) (FBI)

Subject: Re: Draft of Hastings statement
Are we getting inquiries re the accident?
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From: Bresson, Paul E.

To: Zebley, Aaron M.
Cc: Chitre, Nanda (OPA) (JMD); Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
Sent: Thu Jun 20 16:22:20 2013
Subject: Draft of Hastings statement
"At no time was Michael Hastings, or anything related to his work as a journalist, ever under investigation by the FBI. I'd
refer you to the LAPD for further information related to their investigation of this incident."
Paul Bresson
Unit Chief
FBI National Press Office
FBIHQ- Washington D.C.
Office of public Affajrs
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Chitre, Nanda (OPA) I

Thursday, June 20,
Zebley, Aaron M.; Bresson, Paul E.
Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC}
Can you get this to CNN? They just did a segment on whether the death was an accident and how conspiracy theories
are popping up. I didn't have the sound on- just saw the graphics.
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:46 Pl"1

To: Chitre, Nanda (OPA); Bresson, Paul E. (FBI)
Cc: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC) (FBI)
From: Chitre, Nanda (OPA) [mailtd
Sent: Thursday, June 20,
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Cc: Chitre, Nanda (OPA) (JIVID); Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
Sent: Thu Jun 20 16:22:20 2013
Paul Bresson
Unit Chief
1

I
Office Ill
8ffairs
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From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
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Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.
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Thursday, June 20, 2013 5:19PM
Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Delaney, Timothy J.; Struyk, James L.; Bowdich, David L.; Birnbaum,
Eric S.; Lewis, Bill L.
Black, Andrew P.; Arocho, Lourdes; Dekofsky, Arielle B.
Re: Urgent Media Issue
b7A
From: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)

To: Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.; Delaney, Timothy J.; Struyk, James L.; Bowdich, David L.; Birnbaum, Eric S.
Cc: Black, Andrew P.; Arocho, Lourdes; Dekofsky, Arielle B.
Sent: Thu Jun 20 16:09:54 2013
Subject: RE: Urgent Media Issue
Thank you.
From: Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.

To: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Delaney, Timothy J.; Struyk, James L.; Bowdich, David L.; Birnbaum, Eric S.
Subject: Re: Urgent Media Issue
At Bill's request, I've asked an lA to check all systems. It's been done at HQ with negative results, but we are checking
just to make sure.

To: Delaney, Timothy J.; Struyk, James L.; Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.; Bowdich, David L.; Birnbaum, Eric S.
Sent: Thu Jun 20 16:05:31 2013
Subject: Urgent Media Issue
All SACs:
Please see news story below. This is sort of an urgent media issue since HQ would like to debunk growing conspiracy
theory if possible (assuming that's what it is). Has anyone's division been contacted in relation to an FBI investigation
that may have led to foul play in the car crash death Tuesday of reporter, Michael Hastings. There are many reports on
the Internet that Hastings was being investigated by the FBI. He died in a car accident in LA on Tuesday. Before his
death, according to a tweet, he told others he worried he was the subject of an investigation. None of this is confirmed
and the LAPD is reporting no foul play in car crash based on evidence. This is getting the attention of DOJ and the
Director's Office.
Hastings wrote the Rolling Stone profile about Gen. Stanley McChrystal that led to his resignation. Here's the top of a
New York Magazine story: http:/lnymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/michael-hastings-fbi-wikileaks-deathconspiracies.html
1
Michael Hastings, the FBI, and Wikileaks:

Death of Journalist Sparks Conspiracy
Theories
By JOE COSCARELLI
The death of reporter Michael Hastings, best remembered for taking on General Stanley McChrystal and other powerful people, has been met with
shock and grief in the journalistic community, especially from those fortunate enough to work alongside him. But one layer below the fond
remembrances are a host of vague questions and inferences about the circumstances surrounding the 33-year-old BuzzFeed reporter's fiery solo car
crash early Tuesday in Los Angeles. Bringing those suspicions to the forefront last night was Wikileaks, never reticent to insert itself into a story, which
teased, "Michael Hastings death has a very serious non-public complication. We will have more details later." And after three hours tweeted: "Michael
Hastings contacted Wikileaks lawyer Jennifer Robinson just a few hours before he died, saying that the FBI was investigating him."
"Yeah," BuzzFeed editor Ben Smith confinned to Daily lntelligencer. "Before his death, Michael told a number of his friends and colleagues that he was
concerned that he was under investigation."
Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
310 996-3343
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http://fosangeles.fbi.gov
www .labankrobbers.org
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
Bowdich, David L.
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Nothing fom CT Laura

Sent: Thu Jun 20 17:14:38 2013
Ok great, thank you. It seems as though there is nothing in Sentinel/ ACS, nor that the Criminal Division has recently
been notified, so if all other divisions are comfortable that they have checked with the right contacts within your
respective division, we'll advise HQ that we have not been contacted regarding this matter. We are getting ready to
push out a statement to the press ruling out any investigation and want to ensure no info yet to be entered into the
system surfaces after the fact. Thank you
From: Delaney, Timothy J.
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 1:13PM

To: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Struyk, James L.; Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.; Bowdich, David L.; Birnbaum, Eric S.
We have nothing in official records and I checked with ASACS/PCORs to see if he was even on any radars and we came
up negative.

All SACs:
death, according to a tweet, he told others he worried he was the subject of an investigation. None ofthis is confirmed
Director's Office.
New York Magazine story: http:/lnymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/michael-hastings-fbi-wikileaks-deathconspiracies.html

Theories
By JOE COSCARELLI
"Yeah," BuzzFeed editor Ben Smith confirmed to Daily lntelligencer. "Before his death, Michael told a number of his friends and colleagues that he was
Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
310 996-3343
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htto://losangeles.fbi.gov
www.labankrobbers.org
b6
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From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Zebley, Aaron M.
Chitre, Nanda (OPA) (JMD); Bresson, Paul E.
From: Chitre, Nanda (OPA)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013
_ _ _ _ _ ___.
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Sent: Thu Jun 20 16:22:20 2013
b6
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Paul Bresson
Unit Chief
Office of Public Affairs
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From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Chitre, Nanda (OPA)I

......PrrM.------___.
Thursday, June 20,
Zebley, Aaron M.; Bresson, Paul E.


Sent: Thu Jun 20 16:22:20 2013
Paul Bresson
Unit Chief
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From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Zebley, Aaron M.
Bresson, Paul E.
Chitre, Nanda (OPA) (JMD); Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
Re: Draft of Hastings statement

Sent: Thu Jun 20 16:22:20 2013
Paul Bresson
Unit Chief
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From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Bresson, Paul E.
Zebley, Aaron M.
Chitre, Nanda (OPA) (JMD); Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
Draft of Hastings statement
refer you to the LAPD for further informatiqn related to their investigation of this incident."
Paul Bresson
Unit Chief
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From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
Delaney, Timothy J.
Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Struyk, James L.; Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.; Bowdich, David L.; Birnbaum,
Eric S.
RE: Urgent Media Issue
We have nothing in official records and I checked with ASACS/PCORs to see if he was even on any radars and we came
up negative.

To: Delaney, Timothy J.; Struyk, James L.; Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.; Bowdich, David
L.; Birnbaum, Eric S.
All SACs:
Director's Office.
New York Magazine story: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/michael-hastings-fbi-wikileaks-deathconspiracies.html

Theories
By JOE COSCARELLI
"Yeah," BuzzFeed editor Ben Smith confirmed to Daily lntelligencer. "Before his death, Michael told a number of his friends and colleagues that he was
Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
310 996-3343
I
1
b6
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http://losangeles.fbi.gov
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
b6
Garcia, Rafael J. Jr.
b7c
Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Delaney, Timothy J.; Struyk, James L.; Bowdich, David L.; Birnbaum,
Eric S.
At Bill's request, I've asked an lA to check all systems. It's been done at HQ with negative results, but we are checking
just to make sure.

Sent: Thu Jun 20 16:05:31 2013
All SACs:
Director's Office.
New York Magazine story: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/michael-hastings-fbi-wikileaks-deathconspiracies.html

Theories
By JOE COSCARELLI
"Yeah," BuzzFeed editor Ben Smith confinned to Daily lntelligencer. "Before his death, Michael told a number of his friends and colleagues that he was
Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
310 996-3343
1
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htto://losanqeles.fbi.qov
www .labankrobbers.orq

Shearer, Jennifer C.; Arocho, Lourdes; Dekofsky, Arielle B.
Bresson, Paul E.
RE: Michael Hastings Queries
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
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Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
310 996-3343
b6
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http:/ /losangeles.fbi.gov
From: Shearer, Jennifer C.
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 9:18AM
To: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC); Arocho, Lourdes; Dekofsky, Arielle B.
Cc: Bresson, Paul E.
Subject: RE: Michael Hastings Queries
Hi Laura,
Thanks for the response- I'm adding Paul for his awareness. I heard from a Mother Jones person
Wednesday evening and a Gawker writer this morning. I used the "can't confirm or deny response" as well and
suggested the outlets file FOIA requests.
Guess reporters are using Hastings' most recent address as their starting point.
Thank you,
Jenny
-----Original Message----From: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
To: Shearer, Jennifer C.; Arocho, Lourdes; Dekofsky, Arielle B.
Jenny,
We are receiving calls. Mother Jones; CNN; Blaze (Glenn Beck) and Hollywood Reporter so far; expect more.
While we generally went with policy response of "can't confirm or deny," I'm not sure how we're supposed to
even look into a tweet that says nothing about what he was allegedly being investigated for. I've asked
reporters why they're calling L.A. and they point to the car crash and fact that he appears to have lived here.
Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
310 996-3343
1
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Subject: Michael Hastings Queries
Hi Laura, Lourdes and Ari,
Good morning. There are reports on the Internet that BuzzFeed.com journalist Michael Hastings was being
investigated by the FBI. He died in a car accident in LA on Tuesday. Before his death, according to reports,
he told folks he worried he was the subject of an investigation.
Please advise if you are aware of any investigative interest on LA's part. I understand higher-ups at DOJ and
the D's office are curious as well.
Hastings wrote the Rolling Stone profile about Gen. Stanley McChrystal that led to his resignation. Here's the
top of a New York Magazine story: http:/ /nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/michael-hastings-fbiwi ki leaks-death-conspiracies.html
* By Joe Coscarelli<http:/ /nymag.com/author/ joe'l'o20coscarelli>

The death<http:/ /nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/ journalist-michael-hastings-has-died.html>
reticent to insert<http:/ /nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/ julian-assange-wants-in-on-edwardsnowden-story.html> itself into a story, which teased<https:/ /twitter .com/wi ki leaks>, "Michael Hastings death
Thank you,
Jenny
Jenny Shearer
National Press Office
FBI Headquarters
2
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From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
::a:
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Dekofsky, Arielle B.
:
ews
:t
ne
2014 5:27 PM
/21/2013
From: Dekofsky, Arielle B.
Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 10:06 AM

To: FBI LA PRESS OFFICE
Subject: News Brief 8/21/2013
Coroner: Drugs Found In Hastings' System, But Did Not Cause Fatal
Crash. According to a coroner's report released Tuesday, USA Today (8/21, Winter, 5.82M) reports, "awardwinning journalist Michael Hastings had traces of amphetamines and marijuana in his system but they did not
contribute to the fiery Los Angeles car crash that killed him in June." USA Today recalls that "although police
ruled out foul play" shortly after the crash, "Hastings' death spawned conspiracy theories that government
officials assassinated him because of his investigative reporting," noting that "Gen. Stanley McChrystal
resigned as commander of U.S. forces in Afghanistan after Hastings' 2010 Rolling Stone magazine profile
quoted him and staff members disparaging Vice President Biden and other Obama administration officials."
The conspiracy theories were further fueled by Hastings' concerns "that the FBI may have been investigating
him."
Politico (8/21, Byers, 652K) says in its "On Media" blog that his death "spawned a number of conspiracy
theories, including rumors that he had been killed by federal officials because of his reporting on the National
Security Agency or his 2010 Rolling Stone profile of Gen. Stanley McChrystal."
Reuters (8/21, Dobuzinskis) recalls that WikiLeaks tweeted in June that Hastings contacted a WikiLeaks
attorney hours before his death to tell them the FBI was investigating him.
The AP (8/21, Abdollah) also recalls that those theories "prompted the FBI to release an unusual
statement that it had not been investigating him." According to the investigation, a family member "said
Hastings had been smoking marijuana the night before the crash," while investigators found "a medicinal
marijuana identity card in his wallet, and that the drug apparently was used to ease post-traumatic stress
disorder after his assignments in Afghanistan and Iraq."
The Los Angeles Times (8/20, Blankstein, 3.4M) notes that "Hastings had arrived in Los Angeles from
New York the day before the accident, with his brother scheduled to arrive later the day of the crash 'as his
family was attempting to get [Hastings] to go to detox," according to the coroner's report.
FBI Agent Says Job Discrimination Continues. McClatchy (8/20, Doyle, 49K) reports that
Laura M. Laughlin, the special agent-in-charge of the FBI's Seattle field office, says "job discrimination against
her has continued in the nearly two years since she first sued the bureau." In a new legal filing, she contends
that "discrimination has cost her multiple opportunities in other cities, including Los Angeles, Philadelphia and
Washington." In its legal filings, the FBI "has denied Laughlin's claims of discrimination and retaliation." "In her
updated lawsuit, Laughlin adds four other positions she says she was denied in the past two years, including
assistant director-in-charge of the Los Angeles Division." "As a result, she is the nation's most senior special
agent-in-charge."
1
From:
Sent:
To:
Subject:
::a:
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5:27 PM
: as 1ngslnqU1ry
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I have a follow-up statement in response to your earlier inquiry.

"At no time was journalist Michael Hastings under investigation by the FBI."
Ari Dekofsky, FBI los Angeles Spokesperson
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Ari DeKofsky
Press & Public Affairs Specialist
Federal Bureau of Investigation
los Angeles Field Office
From:
Sent:
To:
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Friday Aunust 15 2014 5:27 PM
I '
FW: Michael Hastings Queries
Subject:
-----Original Message----From: Dekofsky, Arielle B.

To: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
US News and World Report called this morning too. Told them Can't confirm nor deny.
-----Original Message----From: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)
Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 9:13 AM
To: Shearer, Jennifer C.; Arocho, Lourdes; Dekofsky, Arielle B.
Jenny,
We are receiving calls. Mother Jones; CI\IN; Blaze (Glenn Beck) and Hollywood Reporter so far; expect more.
While we generally went with policy response of "can't confirm or deny," I'm not sure how we're supposed to
even look into a tweet that says nothing about what he was allegedly being investigated for. I've asked
reporters why they're calling L.A. and they point to the car crash and fact that he appears to have lived here.
Laura Eimiller
FBI Press Relations
310 996-3343
b6
b7C
www .labankrobbers.org
Subject: Michael Hastings Queries
Hi Laura, Lourdes and Ari,
Good morning. There are reports on the Internet that BuzzFeed.com journalist Michael Hastings was being
investigated by the FBI. He died in a car accident in LA on Tuesday. Before his death, according to reports,
he told folks he worried he was the subject of an investigation.
Please advise if you are aware of any investigative interest on LA's part. I understand higher-ups at DOJ and
the D's office are curious as well.
Hastings wrote the Rolling Stone profile about Gen. Stanley McChrystal that led to his resignation. Here's the
top of a New York Magazine story: http://nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/michael-hastings-fbiwi ki leaks-death-conspi rae ies .html
* By Joe Coscarelli<http://nymag.com/author/ joe%20coscarelli>

The death< http: I I nymag.com/dai ly/i ntell igencer /2013/06/ journalist-michael-hastings-has-died .htm I>
reticent to insert<http://nymag.com/ dai ly/intell igencer /2013/06/ julian-assange-wants-in-on-edwardsnowden-story.html> itself into a story, which teased<https:/ /twitter.com/wikileaks>, "Michael Hastings death
Thank you,
Jenny
b6
b7C
Jenny Shearer
National Press Office
FBI Headquarters

Hastings FBI WM

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U.S.

Federal Bureau of Investigation

Law Office of Jeffrey L. Light

FOIPA Request Nos.: 1218280-000 and

29 page(s) were reviewed and 29 page(s) are being released.

related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency;

information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action proceeding;

required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records;

FBI LA PRESS OFFICE

FBI Los Angeles

FBI LA PRESS OFFICE

Meant to copy ....

From: FBI LA PRESS OFFICE

LES/FOUO) LAW ENFORCEMENT SENSITIVE - FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

> 11 Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC) 11 <Laura.Eimiller@ic.fbi.gov> 6/20/2013 2:17PM>

* By Joe Coscarelli<http:/ /nymag.com/author/ joe%20coscarelli>

The death< http:/ /nymag.com/daily/intelligencer/2013/06/ journalist-michael-hastings-has-died.html>

http:/ /losangeles.fbi.gov<http:/ /losangeles.fbi.gov/>

We just spoke here. Statement is going; Paul contacting CNN as well.

From: Chitre, Nanda (OPA) [mailtoj

Sent: Thursday, June 20,

To: Zebley, Aaron M.; Bresson, Paul E.

Cc: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)

From: Zebley, Aaron M. (FBI)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:46 PM

Cc: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC) (FBI)

From: Chitre, Nanda (OPA)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013

To: Zebley, Aaron M.; Bresson, Paul E.

Cc: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)

From: Zebley, Aaron M. (FBI)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:25 PM

Cc: Chitre, Nanda (OPA); Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC) (FBI)

From: Bresson, Paul E.

Chitre, Nanda (OPA) I

From: Zebley, Aaron M. (FBI)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:46 Pl"1

From: Chitre, Nanda (OPA) [mailtd

Sent: Thursday, June 20,

To: Zebley, Aaron M.; Bresson, Paul E.

From: Zebley, Aaron M. (FBI)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:25 PM

From: Bresson, Paul E.

FBI National Press Office

From: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 1:09 PM

From: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)

Michael Hastings, the FBI, and Wikileaks:

Nothing fom CT Laura

From: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)

From: Delaney, Timothy J.

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 1:13PM

From: Eimiller, Laura (LA) (IC)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 1:06 PM

Michael Hastings, the FBI, and Wikileaks:

From: Chitre, Nanda (OPA)

To: Zebley, Aaron M.; Bresson, Paul E.

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:25 PM

From: Bresson, Paul E.

Chitre, Nanda (OPA)I

From: Zebley, Aaron M. (FBI)

Sent: Thursday, June 20, 2013 4:25 PM

From: Bresson, Paul E.