Instead of freeing the suspect, they replaced the first indictment with another. This time they acknowledge that their star witness, Chambers, has a history of lying. Martin still wants the charges dropped. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lizabeth A. Rhodes has said she has a strong case despite the admissions. However it turns out, the case is sure to have an impact over the long run on how the DEA uses paid informers.
Most snitches are criminals trying to reduce their sentences or get charges dropped.
Some do it for the reward, often paid in cash. Chambers is easily the most celebrated snitch in DEA history. Attorney General Janet Reno quickly ordered him suspended. Soon after, the DEA said it began a yearlong investigation of how Chambers got away with lying for so long. Chambers has worked with dozens of agents and prosecutors from the Midwest to both coasts, and the investigation was supposed to determine what they knew about his lies - and when they knew it.