Specter report cites 'errors and omissions' in Wen Ho Lee investigation

March 8, 2000
Web posted at: 9:12 PM EST (0212 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A report released Wednesday by Sen. Arlen Specter, R- Pa., details a series of "errors and omissions" in the investigation of Wen Ho Lee, the Chinese-American who was fired from his job at Los Alamos National Lab and charged with downloading classified nuclear secrets to unsecured computers.

The report by Specter, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, says both the Energy Department and the Justice Department made mistakes during their investigation of Lee. It takes particular issue with the Justice Department for refusing to authorize a wiretap of Lee that the FBI had been seeking.

Lee is in jail awaiting trial. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

The Specter report also calls for legislation to reform the process for approving wiretaps and establish a follow-up procedure.

Justice officials maintain proper actions were taken.

Intelligence official who sparked Los Alamos probe resigns
August 24, 1999
Report: China benefited from stolen nuclear secrets
May 20, 1999

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