Investigators of the Year
John J. Drago
Judicial Security Inspector, Eastern District New York
Judicial Security Inspector John Drago is responsible for the supervision of all judicial security matters in the Eastern District of New York. Recently, this District was confronted with two serious threats, involving a United States Federal Judge and an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Inspector Drago took command of the investigations and vigorously coordinated the protective investigations in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Inspector Drago was responsible for assessing the protection requirements, developing and managing the financial resources, and supervising the protection details, while working to diffuse the imminent threats. One investigation began when a letter laced with a “white powder substance” was received at the United States Courthouse containing general threats against the judiciary. More letters arrived specifically naming a US District Judge and threatening to kill him with a firearm smuggled into the federal courthouse. The threats grew more serious when a series of threats to use explosives to “blow-up the federal courthouse” came into 911 and to media outlets. Inspector Drago’s leadership during the investigation of this threat against the District Judge quickly led to the identification of a potential subject. Due to the collection of incriminating evidence against subject, Wazir Khan was arrested and charged with telephonic threats to blow up a federal courthouse and threatening a Federal Judge. Khan recently pleased guilty and is facing a lengthy sentence. Inspector Drago’s investigation and supervision of the threats against an Assistant U.S. Attorney provided a safe and secure environment for the protectee. The Assistant was handling a complex Mafia case which included the acting boss of the Bonanno crime family, Vincent Basciano. The complex threat investigation culminated in the arrest of two alleged triggermen, and supported a death penalty charge against the accused defendant, who is awaiting trial on the charges. Inspector Drago’s distinguished service has brought honor to his career and the United States Marshals Service he has proudly served for over 15 years.
Special Agent Jeffrey A. Farrar
Federal Bureau of Investigation
FBI Special Agent Jeffrey A. Farrar spearheaded a nationally significant Domestic Terrorism investigation into the criminal activities of Stop Huntington Animal Cruelty (SHAC). The stated goal of SHAC was to drive Huntington Life Sciences, an international animal research laboratory, out of business through direct action against HLS and the individuals that SHAC designated as targets. Acts of violence and vandalism sanctioned by SHAC included the overturning of an HLS employee’s car in their driveway, smoke-bombing of company offices, destruction of property, office invasions, and a relentless interstate stalking and harassment campaign. Victims of the SHAC campaign spanned the United States and the United Kingdom. SA Farrar began this investigation in March, 2000. This investigation ultimately led to the indictment of seven individuals and the SHAC corporation. The “SHAC 7” defendants were the first defendants ever charged under a Federal law designed to criminalize the stalking, vandalism and other tactics of militant animal-rights organizations. In March, 2006, six defendants and the SHAC corporation were tried and convicted of all charges. They were recently sentenced to significant Federal prison terms. The charges included conspiring to violate the Animal Enterprise Protection Statute, conspiring to commit interstate stalking, aiding and abetting interstate stalking and conspiring to violate the Harassing Interstate Communication Statute. This investigation proved that the activities of this type of group are not protected by the First Amendment, but are illegal and punishable under Federal law. This investigation was successful as a direct result of SA Farrar’s tenacious investigative efforts and his ability to coordinate with multiple FBI Field Offices, the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office, and the involvement of state and local law enforcement to identify criminal acts committed by animal rights extremists.
Todd Renner
Special Agent, FBI, Domestic Terrorism
William Plunkett
Special Agent, FBI, International Terrorism
Suruchi Chen
Intelligence Analyst, FBI, Office of Intelligence
In July, 2005, a specific threat to bomb the NY/NJ subway line was discovered. The threat was corroborated. An investigative strategy was developed by SAs Plunkett and Renner to identify the individuals involved through new and emerging communication tools. The investigation focused on the combination of Cyber (SA Renner) and Terrorism (SA Plunkett), two of the three top priorities within the FBI. IA Chen assisted the investigators by providing the analytical data that has resulted in seven individuals being detained internationally, with prosecutors working to obtain indictments on several others. Due to the team work of these investigators and intelligence analyst, a terrorist plot to attack the United States has been disrupted.