central intelligence agency · central intelligence agency washington, d.c 20505 reference:...

Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.

30 August 2019

David F. Rothstein Judicial Watch, Inc. 425 Third Street SW, Suite 800 Washington, DC 20024

Central Intelligence Agency

Washington, D.C 20505

Reference: F-2018-02062; Civil Action No. 1: 19-cv-00672

Dear Mr. Rothstein:

This is a final response to the 29 June 2018 Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request submitted by your client, William F. Marshall, Judicial Watch, Inc., for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Inspector General's report issued in November 1996 relating to a drug-running, money laundering and intelligence gathering operation involving an airport in Mena, Arkansas.

We processed your request in accordance with the FOIA, 5 U.S.C. § 552, as amended, and the CIA Information Act, 50 U.S.C. § 3141, as amended.

We completed a thorough search for records responsive to the request and identified two (2) responsive documents. One (1) document may be released in its entirety and one (1) document may be released in segregable fonn with redactions made on the basis ofFOIA exemptions (b)(l), (b)(3), (b)(6), (b)(7)(c), (b)(7)(d) and/or (b)(7)(f). Exemption (b)(3) pertains to Section 6 of the CIA Act of 1949, as amended, 50 U.S.C. § 3507, noted as exemption "(b)(3)CIAAct" and/or Section 102A(i)(l) of the National Security Act of 1947, as amended, 50 U.S.C. § 3024(i)( 1 ), noted as exemption "(b )(3 )NatSecAct" on the enclosed document.

This concludes our response to the referenced request.

Sincerely,

~{JJ Mark Lilly Information and Privacy Coordinator

Enclosures

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Central Intelligence Agtncy

Inspector General

REPORT OF INVESTIGATION

UNCLASSIFIED SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATION REGARDING PURPORTED CIA ACTIVITIES AT OR AROUND

MENA, ARKANSAS AND RELATED TOPICS

Fndmdc P. Hitz Inspect.oT Gmn11l

November 8, 1996

A. R: Cinquegra,ua Dqn,ty Inspector General

for Inwstig"tions

Approved tor·Re1easa _. Date M AV 1991


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omcE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS STAFF


UNCLASSIFIED SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATION REGARDING PURPORTED CIA ACllVITIES AT OR AROUND

MENA, ARKANSAS AND RELATED TOPICS

November 8, 1996

INTRODUCTION -

1. On February 8, 1996, the Chairman of the Committee on Banking and Fmandal Services, House of Representatives ("Banking Committee"), wrote to the Director of Central Intelligence (DCI) and requested that the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) conduct an investigation regarding longstanding allegations of money laundering and other illegal or improper activities at or around the airport at Mena, Arlcansas and any Agency contacts with certain individuals and organizations of interest to the Banking Committee. The DCI agreed to the Banking Committee's request and, on March 13, 1996, formally requested that OIG conduct an investigation.

2. On March 21, 1996, the Banking Committee broadened its request regarding one of the individuals referenced in its original request and, on May 1, 1996, OIG was asked to expand its inquiry to include an additional individual who might have connections to the allegations under review. On June 26, 1996, the Banking Committee again requested that OIG expand its investigation to include another individ~al who might have relevant ties to the Mena inquiry. On


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October 17, 1996, the Banking Committee submitted another request that OIG include two additional individuals with possible connections to the matters under review. This is an unclassified summary of the findings and conclusions of the OIG investigation. The full details have been included in a classified Report of Investigation that has been made available to the Banking Committee and the intelligence oversight committees of Congress as well as certain other federal agencies.

PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES

3. OIG's inquiry focused only on allegations of CIA involvement in activities pertaining to Mena and any CIA contacts with certain individuals and organizations of interest to the Banking Committee. No attempt was made to investigate the wide range of allegations, rumors and innuendo unrelated to CIA that exist regarding Mena and related topics. Furthermore, OIG's inquiry was based almost exclusively on information in CIA files or provided by current or former CIA employees.

4. OIG responded to the Banking Committee's inquiry by forming an investigative team that included three Investigators, one Research Assistant and two Secretaries. OIG then consbucted a comprehensive tasking memorandum that was distributed to all key CIA components. Each component was requested to identify all information in its possession pertaining to the subjects of the investigation .

S. The OIG tasking memorandum directed that responses include all relevant official and "soft files," memoranda, tasldngs, notes, letters, correspondence, communications, computer mail messages, cable traffic, briefing books, calendars, and personal notes. All categories of material were to be included in responses regardless of their classification or sensitivity. Requests from the Banking Committee that were received subsequent to the tasking memorandum were relayed through focal points to the appropriate Agency components.

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• • • • • • ---I II


6. In addition, OIG issued an Employee Bulletin to all CIA Headquarters area personnel asking CIA employees to provide OIG with any personal knowledge they might have regarding these topics. A worldwide cable including the same message was issued to all Agency field personnel. OIG also placed an article in the Agency's internal newsletter requesting that CIA employees contact OIG with any personal knowledge regarding these matters.

7. Approximately 40,000 pages of materials were reviewed in connection with this inquiry and over 40 individuals were interviewed. These interviews included current and former Agency employees and were conducted locally and domestically. In addition, discussions were held with non-Agency personnel who appeared to be in a position to provide relevant information.

QUESTIONS PRESENTED AND FINDINGS

8. The OIG investigation involved the following questions, as presented by the House Banking Committee:

DID CIA, OR ANYONE ACTJNG ON CIA 'S BEHALF, CARRY our ANY

ACTIVITl£S AT MENA, ARKANSAS, OR THE AREA NOR1H OF MENA, KNOWN AS NEUA, ARKANSAS? IF SO, DID CIA BRIEF, OR OmERWlSE

COJ'dMUNlCtTE THIS INFORMATION TO ARKANSAS STATE OfflClALS IN THE 1980s?

9. No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA or anyo~e acting on its behalf participated in, or otherwise had knowledge of, any illegal or improper activities in Mena, Arkansas, or the area north of Mena known as Nella, Arkansas. It has been determined that CIA did engage in the following authorized and lawful activities at Mena lntermountain Airport during a three-year period between 1980 and the present

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♦ CIA participated in a joint training operation with another federal agency at Mena lntermountain Airport. The CIA's role in this two-week exercise was classified and not publicly disclosed. All coordination and interlace with local offidals was handled by the other federal agency .

♦ Certain Mena Intermountain Airport busin~es occasionally were contracted with to perform routine aviation-related services on equipment owned by the CIA. The selection of these businesses was based upon the companies' ability to perform the required services at competitive prices and on their professional reputations within aviation circles. The companies and their employees were not informed that CIA owned the equipment that was being serviced .

WHAT WAS THE NAfflREAND EXTENT OF ANY CIA CONTACT OR

RELA.nONSHIP wrm ADLER BERRIMAN SMLAND HIS AcnvmES?

10. Adler Berriman "Barry" Seal was never employed by CIA in any capacity. The only limited contact any CIA personnel had with Seal was during a two-day period in 1984 when Seal was involved in a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sting operation that subsequently implicated a Nicaraguan Government• official and members of the Medellin drug cartel in a conspiracy to smuggle· cocaine into the United States. CIA provided technical support to this operation which involved the installation of two 35mm cameras into a C-123K airplane that Seal used during the operation. CIA personnel discussed with Seal options for installing the cameras in the aircraft, and instructed him on the methods of operating the cameras. Other CIA personnel who were present had passing or

• The Government of Niangua was also widely known as the Sandinl$ta Covemment during the relevant time period.

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otherwise brief discussions with Seal. During the course of these discussions, Seal was escorted by DEA personnel. No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA knew Seal's true identity prior to the operation or that its personnel had any other contact with Seal before or after this 1984 operation.

DID CIA REQUEST DlREcrtY OR INDIRECTLYmAT THE DEPARTMENT OF

JumCE (DOT) OR 011lER .FEDERAL AGENCIES 7ERMJNA7E OR ALTER AN¥ INVESnGATIONS O.R PROSECUTIONS RELATJN~ TO MONEY tAUNDE.RING AC'llV1TlES AT OR AROUND M'ENA, ARKANSAS?

11. No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA or its personnel requested directly or indirectly that DoJ or other federal agencies terminate or alter any investigations or prosecutions relating to money laundering activities at or around Mena, Arkansas.

WHAT WAS TH£ NA'lURE AND EXT£NT 01 ANY CIA CONTACT OR RELATIONSHIP WJTH URRY DOUGLASS "LD.'' BRO.WN?

12. Agency records indicate that Larry Douglass Brown was an applicant for employment with CIA in 1984 and that he did have contact with one or, possibly, two CIA recruitment personnel in that context. Those records also indicate that a decision was made on December 4, 1984 not to offer him such employment. No evidence has been found to indicate that he was employed or otherwise associated with CIA.

WHAT WAS THE NA7URE AND EXTENT OE ANY CIA CONl'ACI' OR

RELAnONSHIP FROM 1980 TO THE PRESENT Wl'l1l CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES BASED AT, OR OPERATING 'fflROUGH, 71l£AIRPORT AT MEN~ ARKANSAS?

13. No evidence has been found that CIA had contact with any individuals or businesses based at, or operating through, the airport at Mena, Arkansas, except for the joint training operation and maintenance activities addressed elsewhere in this summary.


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Fwthermore, no evidence ha.s been found that CIA was associated with money laundering, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, or other illegal activities at or around Mena, Arkansas at any time.

CONCUR:

'"

~- (>/~ Frederick P. Hitz Date 1/ Is !rt Inspector General

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sec1u!T OIGJ!!,IV

Central Intelligence Agency Inspector General

RECORD CO?'( DO NOT REMOVE FROM OFFICIAL FILE


INVESTIGATION REGARDING PURPORTED CIA ACTIVITIES AT OR AROUND MENA, ARKANSAS AND Rl:.1..ATED TOPICS

(96-0036--1 G)

November 8, .19%

Frederick P. Hitz ltispector Gelieml

A . . R. Cit1q1tegmtlll Dqmty lnspectOT Geneml

for Investigatimis

Assisttmts

I

(b)(3) CIAAct (b)(6) (b )(7)( c) (b )(7)(f)

--------'

COPY OF 45

SECRET

I

(b)(3) CIAAct

'--------~1)(3) NatSecAct


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TABLE OF CONTENTS Page

INTR.ODUCTION ....................................................................................... 1

SUMMAR.Y ............................................................................................................................. 2

PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES ..................................... 4

QUESTIONS PRESENTED ..............•...•..•..•................ : ......... 6

FINDIN'GS ............................................................................................................... 7

DID CIA, DR ANYONE ACT.ING ON CIA 'S BEHALF, CARRY OUT

ANY ACTIVITIES AT MENA, ARKANSAS, DR 771EAR£A NDR11l

OF MENA, KNOWN AS NELLA, ARKANSAS? IF SO, DID CIA BRIEF, OR DTHER'WISE COMMUNICA'.lE THIS INFORMATION TO

ARKANSAS STATE OFFICIALS IN TllE 1980s?, ................................... 7 --------, (b)(1)

DoD Exercise ~[" __ ............................................................... 8

Maintenance of (b)( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct

........................ 411 .................................................................. 17

DoD Exercise Activities at or Near Nell~ Arkansas ..... 20

WHAT WAS nu; NATI.IRE: AND EXTENT OF ANY CIA CONTACT

OR RELATIONSHIP Wllll ADLER BERRiMA.N SEA.LAND ms AcnVl7".lEs? ...................................................................... , ................... 21

Chronology of Significant Events: DEA Sting Operation Using Adler Berriman Seal ............................ 47



BECREIT

DID CIA REQUI'STDIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY 11lAT THE DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE OR OnmR FEDERAL AGENCIES

TE'RM.INAT£ OR ALTER ANY INVESTIGATIONS OR

PROSEClll'IONS RELATING TO MONEY l4UNDERING ACITVITJES

AT OR ARO llND MENA, ARKANSAS? ................................................ 50

WHAT WAS THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF ANY CIA CONTACT

OR RELATIONSHIP W1T.H LARRY DOUGLASS "L. D," BROWN? ....... 51

WHAT WAS THE NAIUREAND EXTENT OF ANY CIA CONTACT

OR RELATIONSHIP FROM 1980 TO THE PRESENT W1T.H CERTAIN

INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESSES BASED AT, OR OPERA.TING

lHROUGH, THE AIRPORT AT MENA, ARKANSAS? ........................... .55

CONCLUSIONS ...................................................................... 56



SEC".RHI'

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL INVESTIGATIONS STAFF


INVESTIGATION REGARDING PURPORTED CIA ACTIVITIES AT OR AROUND MENA, ARKANSAS AND RELATED TOPICS

(96-0036-IG)

November 8, 1996

INTRODUCTION

1. (U) On February 8, 1996, the Chairman of the Committee on Banking and Financial Services, House of Representatives ("Banking Committee"), wrote to the Director of Central Intelligence (OCD and requested that the Central Intelligence Agency's (CIA) Office of Inspector General (OIG) conduct an investigation regarding longstanding allegations of money laundering and other illegal or improper activities at or around the airport at Mena, Arkansas. The DCI agreed to the Banking Committee's request and, on March 13, 1996, formally requested that OIG conduct an investigation.

2. (U) On March 21, 1996, the Banking Committee broadened its request regarding one of the individuals referenced in its original request and, on May 1, i 996, OIG was asked to expand its inquiry to include an additional individual who might have connections to the Mena matter. On June 26, 1996, the Banking Committee again requested that OIG expand its investigation to include another individual who might have relevant ties to the Mena investigation.

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On October 17, 1996, the Banking Committee submitted another request that OIG expand its inquiry to include two additional individuals with possible connections to the matters under review.

SUMMARY

3.--tSt-No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA or anyone acting on its behalf participated in, or otherwise had knowledge of, illegal or improper activities at Mena, Arkansas, or the area north of Mena known as Nella, Arkansas. No evidence has been ford , indicate any CIA activities at, near, or relating to Mena prior to but it has been determined that CIA did engage in the fo lowing authorized and lawful activities at Mena Intermountain Airport between[ landLJ ·

(b)(3) NatSecAct

♦ rnD cIA participated in a Department of Defense (DoD) training exercise. This participatioaj

[ I Certain Arkansas state and local officials were informed of the exercise by DoD,I

_ _,fand (b)(3) NatSecAct

♦ Between L I and I !Mena Intermountain Ai ort businesses were contracted ~ith\ J

for aviation-related services,

___ J The companies and their em loyees were not tol

the ere CIA property.

(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct

(b )(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct


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4.~ In late June 1984, CIA had contact with Adler Herriman "Barry" Seal in the context of CIA support to a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) operation.1 Titis DEA operation subsequently implicated a Nicaraguan Govemment2 official and members of the Medellin drug cartel in a conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States. No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA or its personnel had any other contact with Seal before or after the June 1984 operation.

5. ~No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA or its personnel requested directly or indirectly that the Department of Justice (DoJ) or other federal agencies terminate or alter any investigations or prosecutions relating to money laundering activities at or around Mena, Arkansas. CIA ~rsonnel did offer to support a DEAe!fortin1984j - - -- - - -

t 6. (JdUO{U) According to Agency records, Arkansas State

Trooper Larry Douglass 11L. D.11 Brown apE'lied for emp~ent with

(b}(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(7)( d)

CIAin~ J -- (b)(3) CIAAct

l ___ (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c)

_Jb)(3) NatSecAct 1 (U) ~s that CIA did not know Seal's identity until the day of the operation,JuneL I 1984.L___ ___ ____ __ _ J (b)(3) NatSecAct

2 (U) The Government of Nicaragua was also widely known as the Sandinista Government (b )(7 )( d } during the relevant time period.



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7. (U) All these CIA activities were consistent with appropriate Executive Orders, U.S. law and CIA regulatory guidelines. No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA employees or affiliates violated any local, state, or federal law, or engaged in any activities inconsistent with their CIA employment or affiliation.

PROCEDURES AND RESOURCES

8. (i .. RJOI U) OIG responded to the Banking <;::onunittee's inquiry by forming an investigative team that included three (b)(3) NatSecAct

Investigators, one Research AssistcUtt and two Secretaries. OIG then constructed a comprehensive 7 tasking memorandum that was distributed to all key OA components [ [ and requested that they identify all information in their possession (b )(3) NatSecAct

pertaining to the subjects of the investigation. The scope of OIG's inquiry focused only on allegations of CIA involvement, and no attempt was made to investigate the wide range of allegations and rumors unrelated to CIA that have been generated regarding Mena and related topics. OIG's inquiry was based almost exclusively on iriformation in C1A files or rovided b current or former CIA emplo ees.]

c.-------· --9. (AIUO/U) The OIG tasking memorandum to CIA

components covered l J;earchable terms and was

(b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(?)(c)

organized into four broad topic areas, including: (b)(3) NatSecAct

♦ Whether CIA, or anyone acting on CIA's behalf, carried out any activities at Mena, Arkansas, or the area north of Mena, known as Nella, Arkansas, and, if so, whether CIA briefed, or otherwise communicated with, Arkansas state officials in the 1980s;

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• Whether there was any CIA contact or relationship with Adler Berriman Seal (aka Barry Seal, A. B. Seal, FNU Billings, Berry Seal, Eric Arthur, Ellis McKenzie, "El Gordo," Joseph Warren Church) and his activities;

• Whether CIA attempted to influence or request, directly or indirectly, that the DoJ or other federal agencies terminate or alter any investigations or prosecutions of money laundering activities at or around Mena, Arkansas; and

♦ Whether CIA had any contact with certain _ individuals or businesses __ J (b )(3) NatSecAct money laundering, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, or other illegal activities (including illicit aircraft modifications) based at, or operating t:l4-ough, the airport at Mena, Arkansas, from 1980 to the present.

The tasking memorandum directed that responses include all relevant official and soft files, memoranda, taskings, notes, letters, correspondence, communications, Lotus Notes and other computer mail messages, cable traffic, briefing books, calendars, and personal notes. All categories of material were to be included in responses regardless of their classification or sensitivity.

(b)(3) NatSecAct

1 O. (AIUO/U) Subsequently, OIG received II additional requests from the Banking Committee and relayed these requests through focal points to the appropriate Agency components. Focal points were asked on L =ito expand their respective inquiries regarding Arkansas State Trooper L.D. Brown to include an alias, "Michael ohnso~ --- -- -- 7

(b)(3) NatSecAct

(b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) J (b)(7)(c)

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SECRirr

11. {AIUO/U) In addition to these OIG taskings, OIG issued an Employee Bulletin to all CIA Headquarters area personnel, dated May 15, 1996, asking CIA employees to provide OIG with any personal knowledge they might have regarding these topi~cs_. _A __ _ world-wide cable including the same message was issued~--~

Q to all Agency field personnel and[ !OIG placed an article in the Agency newsletter, "What's News at CIA," requesting that OA employees contact OIG with any personal knowledge regarding these matters. (b)(3) NatSecAct

(b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(?)(c)

(b)(3) NatSecAct

(b)(3) NatSecAct

12. (AIUO/U) Approximately40,000 pages of materials were reviewed in connection with this inquiry and over 40 individuals were interviewed. These interviews included current and former ~§1£Y employees and were conducted locally!- --=-----_, [_J In addition, discussions were held with non-Agency personnel who appeared to be in a position to provide relevant

(b)(3) NatSecAct

information. (b)(3) NatSecAct

QUESTIONS PRESENTED

13. fut\lUO/U) This Report addresses the following questions, as presented by the House Banking Committee:

♦ Did OA, or anyone acting on CIA's behalf, carry out any activities at Mena, Arkansas, or the area north of Mena, known as Nella, Arkansas? If so, did CIA brief, or otherwise communicate, this

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Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.C06 807215 Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C06807215

information to Arkansas state officials in the 1980s?

• What was the nature and extent of any CIA contact or relationship with Adler Berriman Seal and his activities?

• Did CIA request directly or indirectly that the DoJ or other federal agencies terminate or alter any investigations or prosecutions relating to money laundering activities at or around Mena, Arkansas?

• What was the nature and extent of any CIA contact or relationship with Lany Douglass "L.D." Brown?

♦ What was the nature and extent of any CIA contact or relationship from 1980 to the present with certain individuals or businesses based at, or operating through, the airport at Mena, Arkal)sas?

FINDINGS

Dm CIA, OR ANYONE ACI"ING ON CIA 's BEHALF, CARRY OUT ANY

ACTIVJTIES AT MENA, ARKANSAS, OR THE AREA NORTil OF MENA, KNOWN AS NELLA, ARKANSAS? IF SO, DID CIA BRIEF, OR OTIIERWISE

COMMLINICA7E nus INFORMA110NTO ARKANSAS STAIT 0Ff1CIALS IN mE 1980s? (b)(1)

(b)(3) NatSecAct

14. ~ No evidence has been found to indicate any CIA activities at, near, or relating to Mena prior toL __ 7 CIA did, in fact, conduct certain activities at Mena Intermountain Airport between

l ,---- These activities fall into two categories: (a) support to al !DoDtrainingexercise __ /and (b) routine I - _]maintenance of CJA1 __ =7

_J No evidence has been found to indicate that these


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activities were inconsistent with, or otherwise violated, relevant Executive Orders., statutes or regulatory guidelines.

DoD Exercise) (b )(1)

A. Background

(b)(1)


(b)(3) NatSecAct



B. Prelude to Deployment -------------, ~-- (b)(1)

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C. Communicating with Arkansas State and Local Officials

20. -fSt- The Major states that, as part of the advance arrangements, he personally briefed the supervisor for the Arkansas State :Police district that encompassed the Mena area. The Major also says that he made a point to visit and brief the Mayor of Mena, either the Mena Chief of Police or the county sheriff, and the person r~ponsible for operating Mena Intermountain Airport. The purpose of the briefings was to inform the officials1 --

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(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(7)( c)

(b)(1)

(b )( 1 ) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(?)( c)


SECRlrr

I no evidence has been found to indicate at C1A representatives 7 communicated with

any Arkansas ffidals regarding the exercise.

D. Deployment

(b)(1)

(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(7)(c)

(b )( 1) (b )(3) NatSecAct

----- -

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(b )( 1)

(b)(3) NatSecAct



E. Exercise Climax[ l (b)(3) NatSecAct


(b )(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(?)(c)

(b)(1)

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-------_ -_ -_ -_ -_ ~---.i:;:::;ollowing the com letion of the exerciser

F. Operational Security

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(7)( c)

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(7)(c)

J (b)(1)

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(b )( 1)

.,

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G. Loml Lore

36.~ --.-.- ~- 7 local lore ;;gkraing the airport at Mena already existed at the time of the exercise. As an example, the Major recalls a passing discussion with two brothers whose company owned the hangar that was rented for the exercise.11 In discussing the airport, the brothers insinuated to the Major that the CIA might have used the airport in the past for "gun running,~ssibly to the Contras. ~

(b)(1} (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(7)(c)

1 ___ _J The Major characterizes the (b)(1} l,,rothers' comments as rumors and innuendo, lacking in detail. (b )(3) NatSecAct

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(b )( 1)

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(b)(1) ·

37.-fflt-The Major also recalls that an employee of the airport who was responsible for refueling airplanes often made comments to him regarding the airport's allegedly colorful past. As recalled by the _ Major, this individual was somewhat "gossipy" and never provided the Major with specific examples to support his stories.

38. ~ Another L _ -cc-----,,----------=:----:----comments that she was told by one of the two brothers that a CIA airplane or helicopter had crashed into a mountain near Mena several years before. Reportedly, the site of the crash had been sealed off and no one had been allowed into the area. What led to the conclusion that the crashed aircraft belonged to CIA was not disclosed t

L= 39. ~ Several exercise participants also recall noticing that a

derelict C-130-or its L-100 commercial e trivalent-was rked at __¥ena Intermountain Airport.

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(7)( c)

(b )(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(7)(c)


(b)(3) NatSecAct_ (b )(7)( c)

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(b)(1)


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_!Maintenance of CIA ~--- ~--

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(b)(3) NatSecAct 41. -fflrl contract with~ paniesf - (b)(1)

Mena Intermountain Airport to service:, CIA (b)(3) NatSecAct

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.,

l -~.--- fTheir selection by CIAL_ / personnel appears to have been based upon the comparues'aoility to perform the required services at competitive prices and on their reputations within aviation circles. All work was performed between I (b)(1)

· (b)(3) NatSecAct

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(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c;)

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SBCRE'f

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(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) . (b)(7)(C)


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•• I


SECRB'

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(b )(6) 1 (b)(7)(c) I


SECRE'f

~-- '\

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L its

50. ~ No evidence has been found to indicate Iha~ J !business or persons in the town of Mena,

--~~

ort, or officials of the State of Arkansas were told or aware

being serviced 1-------~~ ~----------- -~

were owned by CIA. (b)(1)

DoD Exercise Activities at or Near Nella, Arkansas (b)(3) NatSecAct

51. -tSr No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA or anyone acting on CIA's behalf conducted any activi at or around Nella, Arkansas either before, during or after theL

exercise at Mena. ~-- (b)(1)

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(3) NatSecAct


(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)


....

-,


6ECRB'f (b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct

52. "iSr-According to [ ~ participants and Agency records, lall exercise activities were staged out of Mena Intermountain Airport. (b)(1)

---~-----'1 ------~-- -

WHAT WAS THE NATUR£ AND EXTENT OF ANY CIA CONTACT OR

RELATIONSHIP wzm ADLER BERRJMAN SEAL AND HIS AC'J1VITlES?

(b)(3) NatSecAct

(b )( 1 ) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(C)

54. ~ No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA (b )( 1) employed or utilized Adler Berriman "Barry" Seal in any capacity. (b)(3) NatSecAct

Certain CIA personnel did, however, have limited contact with Seal in the context of providing technical\ __ = ~ Eport to a _ June 1984 DEA sting operation that originated in Florida.I

55. ~ Based upon CIA records and the recollections of current and former CIA personnel who were involved in this support activity, it appears that Seal's true identity was not disclosed to CIA personnel by DEA.j J [ - -

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(7)(d)

21 SECRffi'


Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc."'co680721s

. ..,


56.~ It later became public knowledge that Seal, piloting a Fain:hild C-123K nicknamed Fat Lad ]

eal activated a concealed camera that surreptitiously p otographed a number of individuals loading and supervising the loading of almost 700 kilograms of cocaine onto the airplane. \




(b )( 1 ) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(d)

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c)

Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.-=co6so721s

. ,


23 SHCRE'f'


(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b )(7)( c) (b)(?)(d)


24 SBCRHF


(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b )(7)( c) (b )(7)( d)


.,


25 SECRET


(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(?)(c) (b )(7)( d)


. '

.. '



(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(d)


SECRE'f

27 SECRET

(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(d)




.. '

.;

..


(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(?)(c) (b)(?)(d)


----~CRKI'

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c) (b){7)(d)



•r--:;

- '

. s


SECRHf

30 &EGRET


(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b )(7)( c) (b )(7)( d)


•. t

; i

- - - ~ = ~ - - - ----- --- - ---Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C06807215

SECRBr - -----~~----~

31 SECRffi'



Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.· co6B0721s Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C0680721 5 (b )(1)

(b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) SECRffl'

32 SH€REff

--------~ (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(d)



---~--33

SECRB'f


(b}(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct {b)(6) (b)(?)(c) (b )(7)( d)



- SEEIY;f

34 SECRl;f


(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct {b)(6) (b)(7)(c) (b)(?)(d)


35 SEClffl'f'



Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.'"co6B0721s Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C06807215


(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(d)

Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.... c0680721s Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C06807215

SE!CR-EF

37 SECRE;

Approved for Re lease: 2019/08/30 C06807215

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b )(7)( c) (b)(7)(d)


L

C06807215 Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C06807215

r------------~-=SH~. CEE'f~.i:f-~----------~

38 SECRH'f


(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(?)(c) (b)(?)(d)


39 SHCiffl'f


(b)(1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b )(7)( d)



SECR!H


(b)(1 ) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b )(7)( c) (b)(?)(d)


G. The C-1231(, "Pat Lady"

100. "iSr The C-123K edfor [_§.s nicknamed "Fat Ladyu [ DEA-sponsored sting[

discussed.I

[ IA took any )'att ittJ I Ito install the two concealed cameras as previously

1

41 SiCRB"



(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(?)(d)

(b )( 1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)

Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.=------:------==========-=----------- --- - ----C06807215


H. Inquiries to the OA Regarding BalTf Seal

(b )( 1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(?)(c)

105.75T Following the DEA sting operation, the CIA received external inquiries in September 1984 and January 1985 requesting any information in its possession pertaining to Barry Seal. The searches of CIA records that were conducted in response to the requests produced no information regarding_Seal since CIA had no . (b)(3) NatSecAct relationshi with Seal ___ l~rtainin to the DEA sting operation .----,------;--;.-----:-----and never identified Seafby name. As a result, his name was not reflected in CIA records. (b)(?)(d)

42 SBCR-a'

(b)(3) NatSecAct


Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.LC06807215

-I -

I


----------


(b )( 1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b )(7)( c)

Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.' C06807215


44 S!CRH'f


(b)(1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(?)(c)


SECRE'f

45 SECRET


(b )( 1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)


SECRET

46 SSCRET

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c)



Chronology of Significant Events: DEA Sting Operation Using Adler Berriman Seal

(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(7)(d)

• X - :, , ~ ' - : • • : ~ ~ .~

OA Headquarters provisionally approves technical support request.

47 SECR-E'f



(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(7)( d)




48 SECilEI'


(b )(1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c) (b)(7)(d)


SECRlrf

Seal murdered in Baton Rouge, Louisiana


(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)


SHCRET

DID CIA REQUEST DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY THAT THE DEPARTMENT OF

Jusncr OR OTHER FED.P.RALAGENCIES TERMINATE OR ALTER ANY

INVESTIGATIONS OR PROSEcrrrJONS R£LA17NG TO MONEY LAUNDERING

ACTIVlTIES AT OR AROUND MENA,, ARKANSAS?

115. (AIUO/U) No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA directly or indirectly attempted to influence DoJ or other federal agencies to terminate or alter any investigations or prosecutions relating to activities at or around Mena, Arkansas.

50 SECRE"f'



Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.·co6so721s Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C06807215

WHAT WAS THE NATURE AND EXTENT OF ANY CIA CONTACT OR

REIA110NSHIP Wl11l LARRY DOUGLASS "L. D." BROWN?

119. -ter Agency records indicate that Larry Douglass Brown was an applicant for employment with the CIA in 1984, I- --

L - - - -

~o _J evidence has been found to indicate that Brown ever worked for the Agency in any capacity.

L.

51 5HCRm'


(b)(1)

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6} (b)(7)(c) (b )(7)( d)

(b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)

(b )( 1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(?)(c)


~Cl~iff

121. (U) This conclusion is supported by a July 25, 1995 deposition of Brown that was taken in connection with civil litigation in Arkansas. Brown testified that he saw a CIA recruibnent advertisement in The New York Times on April 1, 1984 and formally responded to this ad on April 3, 1984. It has been confirmed that CIA ran an employment advertisement in the April 1, 1984 edition of The New York Times.



(b)(1) (b)(3) CIMct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c)


---- --C06807215


53 SSCRffi'

-~--


(b)(1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b )(7)( c)

Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.LC06807215 Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C06807215

SE!CRffl'


(b )( 1 ) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c)

(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b )(7)( c)


WHAT WAS THENAnIR£ AND EX'I'ENT OF ANY CIA CONTACT OR

RELATIONSHIP FROM 1980 TO THE PRESENr W171i CERTA1N INDIVIDUALS

OR BUSINESSES BASED AT, OR OPERATING: THROUGH, THE AIRPORT AT MENA, ARKANSAS?

132. (AIUO/U) The House Banking Committee expressed interest in any relevant CIA connection with the following individuals and companies: J. V. Brotherton, Terry Capehart, Glen Conrad, Earl Covel, Cal Edwards, Michael Eigleston, Joe Bvans,r j I /Junior Goodner, Freddie Lee "Fred" Hampton,

Michael Johnson, Robert Maddern, George Reeb, Charles Roulet, Brodix, Blue Diamond, Ea~ Aviation, Fokker Air, Global Associates,

(b)(1) (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)

(b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c)

Goodner Aircraft Painting,L__~_ ~_ -_,---.--_-___,-. \Reebatre, Rosg

lUpholstery, Southern Cross AviationJ -- 7 No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA was aware of any money laundering narcotics trafficking, arms smugglli)g, or other unlawful activities

(b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(?)(c)


(b)(3) NatSecAct

(b )( 1) (b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b)(6) (b)(7)(c)


CONCLUSIONS

135. (AIUO/U) CIA did conduct certain activities in Mena, Arkansas. However, these activities were consistent with CIA's charter and were not related to money laundering, narcotics trafficking, or arms smuggling. No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA communicated information concerning these activities to Arkansas officials.

56 SECR£'F

(b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(?)(c)


(b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct (b )(6) (b)(7)(c)

Obtained Via FOIA by Judicial Watch, Inc.' C06807215 Approved for Release: 2019/08/30 C06807215

136. (AIUO{U) CIA did have contact with Barry Seal in June 1984 in connection with al_:=_==:):,EA sting operation. No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA had any contact with SeaLbefore orafter this operation. (b)(3) NatSecAct

137. (AIUO/U) No evidence has been found to indicate that CIA directly or indirectly attempted to influence the DoJ or other federal agencies to terminate or alter any investigations or prosecutions relating to money laundering activities at or around Mena, Arkansas.

138. (AIUO/U) L. D. Brown did apply for e~loyment with

I CIA in 1984. 1 -----,.~ _=_] ~. --,-~ - ~ _____ J No evidence has

been found to indicate that Brown was employed by CIA in any capacity.

139. (AIUO/U) No evidence has been found that CIA had contact with any individuals or businesses based at, or operating through,·the airport at Mena, Arkansas, except for the joint training operation and maintenance activities addressed elsewhere in this Report. Furthermore, no evidence has been found that CIA was associated with money laundering, narcotics trafficking, arms smuggling, or other illegal activities at or around Mena, Arkansas at any time.

CONCUR:

--1_ r 1-{1--~;rick P. Hitz ...,. ~ Inspector General

57 SECRET

ft /s (9-l Date


(b)(3) NatSecAct


~

C06807215

.. '

Approved for Rel ease: 2019/08/30 C06807215

SECRET


(b)(3) CIAAct (b)(3) NatSecAct

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