Judge throws out BIA 'confession'

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 28, 2002

A federal judge in New Mexico has thrown out a statement made by a former Bureau of Indian Affairs worker accused of demanding $300,000 in kickbacks.

U.S. District Judge Martha V�zquez ruled that Herman Fisher wasn't informed of his Miranda rights. Fisher was interviewed by the FBI and a Department of Interior investigator about the alleged paybacks.

Authorities still have video tapes documenting alleged requests for payment from a contractor that did work for the BIA.

Fisher pleaded not guilty in May 2001 to four counts of demanding and accepting bribes. He retired from the BIA.

Get the Story:
Evidence Against BIA Worker Suppressed (The Albuquerque Journal 8/28)