Dr. Steven Hatfill should not be labeled a person of interest in the 2001 anthrax attacks. That's according to the new chief of the Washington FBI Field Office. Michael Mason says Attorney General John Ashcroft made the designation in response to leaks in the investigation of the case. Mason says the term person of interest is too vague in this case and should be used only when people are formal suspects or when there's enough evidence to charge them with a crime. Hatfill has never been charged in the case. The anthrax attacks through the mail began two years ago this week and claimed five lives.
Now I don't know if he did it or not, but lets STOP LETTING THE PRESS DICTATE INVESTIGATIONS.
Look, I'm a reporter. I cover press conferences and ask questions. If you don't have the goods on someone don't release their name.
I've got some FREE ADVICE for police departments. If you withhold information until you have a case, then arrest and convict someone, YOU LOOK EFFECTIVE.
If you throw out names for the press to eat up and you get it wrong......Well ask the FBI about this whole Anthrax deal.
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