Norton asked to investigate BIA deputy

TUESDAY, APRIL 23, 2002

Sen. Robert G. Torricelli (D-N.J.) asked Secretary of Interior Gale Norton last week to investigate Bureau of Indian Affairs deputy Wayne Smith.

In an April 17 letter, Torricelli says a TIME magazine article regarding Smith and a former business partner "raises serious concerns" about the BIA. "These allegations now raise suspicions about the BIA's decision making process in approving tribal land transfer and granting gaming rights," he wrote.

"I am forced to request that you conduct a thorough investigation into these allegations," he continued.

The FBI and the inspector general of the Department of Interior have been asked to look into the matter. Smith says he requested the probes himself.

Torricelli, who is running for re-election, has been the target of high-level investigations himself. Allegations of fund-raising irregularities in his 1996 campaign and ties to a Korean businessman dogged him but a federal prosecutor earlier this year said there wasn't enough evidence to bring charges.

Before the probe was closed, Torricelli's defense fund reached $1.5 million. The Seminole Tribe of Florida donated $10,000.

A GOP opponent of Torricelli dropped out of the race just yesterday. FBI and Internal Revenue Service agents raided the office of James Treffinger and seized records last week.

Relevant Links:
Sen. Robert Torricelli - http://torricelli.senate.gov