Top FBI And Justice Officials In Campaign Finance Investigation Are Leaving
By Pierre Thomas/CNN
WASHINGTON (April 24) -- The two men brought in last fall to calm the bickering between the FBI and the Justice Department over how to best pursue the campaign finance investigation are leaving for high-profile positions.
James Desarno, the FBI's top official on the campaign finance task force, has been promoted to become the head of the FBI's new Criminal Justice Information Center in West Virginia. Desarno will be designated an assistant director, among the highest ranks at the FBI. He will remain on the task force until a replacement is found.
Charles Labella, the task force's chief prosecutor, is going to become the interim U.S. Attorney for San Diego, one of largest and more important offices because of its responsibility for the California border with Mexico.
Justice Department officials expect congressional critics to attack the departures as signs of a slowing investigation, but they staunchly maintain, privately, the probe continues with new leads unfolding.
"The two have set a high standard that the department intends to maintain," said Justice Department spokesman Bert Brandenburg. "The investigation continues vigorously."
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