Ex-DEA Worker Accused Of $6 Million Theft

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, March 12) -- A former employee of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has been charged with embezzling more than $6 million from the agency.

David S. Bowman, who was a supervisory budget analyst, is accused of creating a fake company which he then paid with $6 million in taxpayers' money over six years. The 22-year veteran of the DEA left the agency in April 1997. The theft would be the largest in Justice Department history.

A 74-count indictment handed down by a federal grand jury in Alexandria, Va., charged that hundreds of government checks were sent to a Rosslyn, Va., post office, and the money was then laundered through local banks.

The money was allegedly spent on overseas family vacations, cars, art work, jewelry, computers, furniture, and a host of other items.

Bowman could not be reached for comment.

"We are deeply troubled by this whole alleged theft," said DEA administrator Thomas Constantine. "If it hadn't been for the actions of an alert employee, the theft of the taxpayers' money might still be occurring."

Thursday March 12, 1998

• No Immediate Showdown Over Executive Privilege
• Republicans Search For Disaster Relief Funds
• Ex-DEA Worker Accused Of $6 Million Theft
• White House Scandal At A Glance
• Texas Primary Results
• Clinton Pushes A Bipartisan Tobacco Bill

• Transcripts:Clinton Speaking On Tobacco Bill