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Former FBI official sentenced in Ruby Ridge probe
October 10, 1997
Web posted at: 11:00 p.m. EDT (0300 GMT)
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A former FBI official was sentenced Friday to 18 months in prison and fined $4,000 after pleading guilty to the destruction of a report criticizing the FBI's role in the deadly 1992 shootout at Ruby Ridge, Idaho.
E. Michael Kahoe, a former head of the FBI's violent crime and major offenders section, told the court he was sorry for his actions.
"I must live every day with the realism of what I've done," he said tearfully. "I will always be known as the agent who plead guilty to obstruction of justice in the Ruby Ridge case."
Kahoe was sentenced by Judge Ricardo Urbina, who could have given him two years. The judge also ordered him placed on probation for two years after his release from federal prison.
Kahoe's lawyers said his 26 years of unblemished law enforcement experience should be taken into account. Federal prosecutors urged the maximum sentence.
In 1992, the wife and son of white separatist Randy Weaver were killed during a standoff with the FBI. A deputy U.S. marshal was also killed in the siege.
As head of the FBI's major crimes section, Kahoe was responsible for preparing a critique of the FBI's performance at Ruby Ridge. Federal prosecutors said he repeatedly refused to hand over documents and later destroyed the report, which they were able to recreate from computer files.
Related stories:
- Both sides decry new Ruby Ridge charges - August 21, 1997
- FBI senior officials won't be charged in Ruby Ridge siege - August 15, 1997
- Former FBI section chief pleads guilty, admits destroying Ruby Ridge report - October 30, 1996
- FBI official charged with obstruction after concealing Ruby Ridge report - October 22, 1996
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