From the AP:
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A former state Department of Justice drug agent accused his colleagues last year of illegally modifying their state-issued rifles, according to emails the agency released Thursday.
The Associated Press obtained the emails through an open records request for materials related to former Division of Criminal Investigation Special Agent Dan Bethards. DOJ fired Bethards in October after he accused his supervisor of weapons violations.
Bethards wrote in a January 2013 email to DCI Administrator Dave Matthews that multiple agents were shortening the barrels on their state-issued and personal rifles without registering the modifications with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Bethards didn't name any agents but alleged multiple agents were guilty of federal felonies.
DOJ spokeswoman Dana Brueck said the ATF investigated the allegations and determined one weapon had been improperly modified. The gun was reconfigured to conform with ATF regulations and no one was disciplined, she said.
"The facts in this matter convinced us (the) agent had acted in 'good faith' and inadvertently violated compliance regulations," Brueck said. "We brought the matter to the ATF's attention, and it was immediately remedied."
DOJ officials also told the agency's firearms instructor and SWAT team leaders to be certain that weapon changes comply with federal regulations and to consult with ATF on modifications, Brueck said.
Bethards said in a text to the AP that he was surprised ATF let the violation go without charges.
"I wonder if Joe Citizen would get that same opportunity?" he wrote.
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