Source: https://www.scribd.com/document/45548946/CREW-Department-of-Justice-DOJ-Regarding-Jack-Abramoff-and-the-Casino-Jack-Documentary-12-16-10-Federal-Bureau-of-Prisons-Disbursement
Timestamp: 2018-01-24 10:42:32
Document Index: 607710974

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 4042', '§ 1', '§ 4042', '§ 10', '§ 540', '§ 540', '§ 54060']

CREW: Department of Justice (DOJ): Regarding Jack Abramoff and the Casino Jack Documentary: 12/16/10 - Federal Bureau of Prisons Disbursement
Description: On May 5, 2010, CREW filed a Freedom of Information Act with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) seeking documents related to efforts by the BOP to prevent Jack Abramoff from cooperating or participating i...
On May 5, 2010, CREW filed a Freedom of Information Act with the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) seeking documents related to efforts by the BOP to prevent Jack Abramoff from cooperating or participating in the making of the documentary Casino Jack and the United States of Money. CREW is acting on information that the BOP actively prevented Mr. Abramoff from speaking to anyone connected to the movie and also seeks to learn whether the BOP may have prevented Mr. Abramoff from speaking to other members of the media. On May 6, 2010, CREW sent two additional Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests to the Department of Justice (DOJ) following up on CREW’s FOIA request for documents confirming DOJ’s role in not allowing Jack Abramoff to speak on camera to the makers of the documentary Casino Jack and the United States of Money. CREW’s requests of the Criminal Division and the Office of Information Policy, on behalf of the offices of the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and Associate Attorney General, also seeks documents related to Mr. Abramoff’s potential involvement with any other media productions.; FOIA Request: CREW: Department of Justice (DOJ): Regarding Jack Abramoff and the Casino Jack Documentary; Holder of Document: CREW; Producing Agency: Department of Justice (DOJ); Date Received: 12/16/10;
Federal Correetfona/lnstitution 14601 Burbridge Road, S.EE. Cumberland, MD 21502-8724
Ju!y 11 j 2008
(b)(6), (b)(7)(C)
Re: Abramoff, Jack Register No. 27593 ... 112
This letter is in response to your correspondence dated June 30, 2008, requesting a videotape interview, as a producer of documentary films, with Jack Abramoff, a federal Inmate currently assigned to the Federat Prison Camp, Cumberland, Maryland.
Enclosures (1 ) ftle Caf\
601 ~Vfst 26th Street Suit!' 1762 N,'u) 'fink, NY WOOl f 212.3523OJO f 212.352.3()20 www,/rg'llll'pmds.(om
Mr.lD. Whitehead Warden
14601 Burbridge Road SE Cumberland, MD 21502
I am writing to' request permission to' shoot a videotaped interview with Jack Abrarnoff, inmate #27593·1 12.
working on Lt-apItffiUcinrereSfac)('iJumm1ie;Tnlttaairyr"). :'iaifX)ur1(}bb:Y11~nn~g~mcmteirxO';Y;It;e>' t1th;aUt'~m~oney plays in American democracy, Since Mr. Abramoff has pled guilty to' a number ef crimes for which he is currently serving time at Cumberland, I believe that he has unique insights into some of the ways that aggressive and illegal lobbying practices can damage our democratic system. Given his remorse for his misdeeds and the fact that he is cooperating with the Department of Justice, Mr. Abramoff has the potential to' shed light en some of the ways that our elected government officials can be manipulated in ways that can run counter to the public interest
My questions will be limited to' matters that have already been publicly disclosed in Mr. Abramoff's plea agreements and to genera! discussions of Mr. Abrarnoff's understanding of the inner workings of Washington politics and lobbying, as well as questions about Mr. Abramoff's personal history. I am enclosing a partial list of sample questions for your perusal.
Please let me know if I can give you any additional information.
Many thanks fer your consideration of this matter.
1) How would you define the role of a lobbyist?
2) Do lobbyists help to raise campaign funds for congressmen. Senators and presidential candidates? How? Does money playa big role in the political process?
3) Would you say that the pressures to raise enormous amounts of campaign funds create legal and sometimes illegal "opportunities" for lobbyists to influence legislators?
4) Can you explain how leadership PACs work? If a lobbyist persuaded his/her clients to send campaign contributions to a representative at the behest of another representative how does the first representative take the credit?
5) What are some of the other key facets of lobbying - from the standpoint of the lobbyist') and the members - that American citizens should keep in mind when considering how things work in Washington? Examples?
6) Many people talk about the "problem" of lobbyists. But aren't members a key part of the problem? Examples?
7) In your experience have other lobbyists been successful at using trips and small favors and campaign contributions to influence legislation?
8) Could you talk about how vociferously lobbyists work on behalf of their clients? Examples,
9) In working for their clients, do some lobbyists also have a political/ideological agenda -- le: funding key elements of the Republican Party?
10) Are a lobbyist's relationships with key DC figures important to a lobbying practice?
11) Can you give examples of ways in which the relationship between lobbyists and elected officials may lead to corruption?
11) Even in presidential campaigns, do candidates have a tendency to bend to the will of lobbyists?
i 2) Can you give me some background on how you became interested in the political process?
13) What are some of the biggest lessons that you have learned?
NEWS INTERVIEW AUTHORIZATION U. S _ DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
!nmate's name and number (print) Abr§.moff, Jack Reg. No. 27593-112
Name of lust i tution_1F~C;";IUC;;:u~m!!l,f;;btSei1:r~llJ· m~:4~~~~~=========-=-r------
Name of news media representative (b)(6), (b)(7)(C)
Name of media represented _~J~lo!:..' a;:':2s.;oa~w~. _;Pwr""o:;:;di:lou~cc.>;t;..;i",,o<.±n.!.!s=- .. _
Address of media represented 601 West 26th Street New York, NY 10001
I, the above-named inmate, do hereby freely give permission to the abovenamed news media representative to interview me on or about
date: unknown and I do hereby authorize the news media
represented by this person to use any information gathered about me during this interview for any legitimate purpose. I ftlrther authorize the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice, and their authorized representatives, to release to representatives of the news media any documents or information relating to
allegations or comments made
me in this interview.
I, the above-named inmate, refuse permission to the above-named news media J;;;l.:u:es.e.ut..a.t..bLe~_,.mD-,,_-~"---------------""-----
I, the above-named inmate, do further freely give permission to the abovenamed news media representative to make recordings of my voice during this interview and to take photos of me (still, movie, or video) and I do hereby authorize the use of such pi'ctures or recordings by the news media represented
b~~er§on ,t~g:il;jrnate rmrnose ,,-~----,--,-.,-~-
Record CopY" Inmate's file; Copy - l'ieriia Representative (This form may be replicated via WP)
This form replaces BP-233(14) dated July 1979,
· .el5/22/2aaS 15: 24
Mr. Dwayne Hendricks FCr Cumbertand Cumberland, :MD
BY FAX: 301~784*1004
I hope that you received the FAX from HDNet (copy attached) confirming that r am under contract to HDNeCs "World Report" and, in that regard, wish to conduct an interview with. Jack Abramoff at FCl Cumberland.
Can you give me an update about the status of my request? I would very much like to do this as soon as possible.
_1 .R.s,a~--"
601 Wl'!<1 26th Sl~t
N= Yt»'k, NY 10001 t 212.352.3010 f 212.35Z3020 wu.!w·figttrruprods.com
PAGE 02/£13
· ,05/22/21313'3 15: 24
PAGE 031133
Ma>y 12, 2009
Mt, Dwayne Hendricks Fet Cumberland Cumberl$nd, MaryIand BY FAX; (301) 784-1004
Dear Mr. Hendricks)
I wrltem tefurence td- (b)(6~"';~';'~;~~;~'"-"]OfJigsa\V Productions, and his request to mterv).t:W irunal:e ikrIUmmOIf."--
Please allow truslette.t to confitm ;(;'(b)(7)(C~is uncl<:;; contract ~'lth HDNet to
conduct this int~ Eot our pro"iiflTKij)f1rt.
Feel free: to call me if there is any mote information I crulprovide. Tbaok you very mucl1.
~ and Documentaries (303) 542-5605
c (303) 887-4284 f. (305) 484-7S79
~ (b)(6), (b)(7)(C)
8269 East 22rt! Avenue Denvf:J" CO 80238
:; 03- 542·5600
601 \.y'e~i/ 261h Street Suit" 1762 N,'U, YiJrK, NY 10001 f 212352.3010 f 212.352302il t1'<I"u;,iigsa<l'prod5,(Om
c~enceNO. 090664, warde~s ()fi'iCe'
Mr. ID, Whitehead Warden
Dear MI. Whitehead
I am writing to request permission to videotape an interview with Jack Abramoff (inmate #27593-112), for a news documentary I am directing and producing under the aegis ofHDNet's "World Report."
I am an Emmy and Oscar-winning producer/director of documentaries.
For your information, World Report is an award-winning hour-long newsmagazine that airs weekly on HDNet On Tuesday nights. The program Covers stories of national and international import, in depth. Owned by Mark Cuban, HDNet is a prominent HD network seen in
approximately 8 million homes on Direct TV, Dish, Time Warner Cable, and numerous other cable providers. HDNet World Report, along with HDNet's Dan Rather Reports, arc the only news programs shot and aired exclusively in High-Definition.
For additional information about BDNet's World Report, you may wish to contact Dennis O'Brien, Executive Producer, News and Documentaries, HDNet, 8269 East 23rd A venue, Denver CO 80238,
The subject of the documentary is lobbying and campaign finance. This is a particularly newsworthy topic since there has been so much discussion recently about the way that lobbyists for the financial industry may have helped to undermine regulations that might have prevented the recent global economic crisis, Mr. Abramoff has unique insights into some of the ways thaI aggressive and illegal lobbying can damage our democratic system,
Since Mr. Abramoff has pled guilty to crimes and has been sentenced for those crimes, he is in a good position to show remorse and to shed light on some of the ways that our elected government officials can be manipulated in ways that fun counter to the public interest. My questions wil] be
limited to matters that have already been publicly disclosed and to general discussions of the inner workings of Washington politics and lobbying, as well as questions about Mr. Abramoff's personal history.
I would like to conduct the interview as soon as possible. Please let me know in can supply you with any additional information.
(b)(6). (b)(7)(C)
t:JOfLLIL!JI:l':J 1b:24 21
J1S$AWP-RD·DUCT10NS
iii r ", " ' , , '" <" T! " ~ '."
fRO!I1:{ _--~:(:b)(7)(C) --~-J!-------
PAGES(induding Cover Sheet): - __
FX NUMBER:'- 30( 784- 1004-=
BP-S32S.058 STAl[pS,
INSTRUMENT & OTHER
TO SENIlER CDFRM
~---'--~ ... ~
[-.---~ (b)(6), (b)(7)(C)_J
JIGSAW PRODUCTIONS INC, 610 WEST 26TH ST
FROM: (Institution)
Federal Correctional Institution 14601 Burbridge Rd., SE Cumberland, MD 21502
TO: (Sender - See Retum Address)
..1 You enclosed with your correspondence The below material cannot be inspected
stamps or stamped items that cannot be without damage
You enclosed with your correspondence an
incorrectly prepared negotiable instrument Electronic Musical Greeting Card
(Negotiable instruments require the
inmate's committed name and register Padded Card
nurnber.)
_. You enclosed unauthorized material: Double Faced Polaroid Photos
Plant Shavings Other ~ specify below
Sexually ExpliCit Personal Photos
Other'- specify below
The correspondence or letter has, however. been provided to the inmate with a copy. of this notice. Specific Material Returned
- ~~py ~ nmate; Copy - Mail Room FHe; Copy - Central File.
(This form may be replicated via WP)
Replaces BP-328(58) of JAN 91
BP·A62M52 MAR 02
ViSlT~ INfORMATION
US "'IEPARTMENT Of JUSTICE fEl At BUREAU Of PRISONS
(b)(6) & (b)(7)(C) entire pg
! am requesting that you be inch. dad amorg my approved visitors. in m:!er to establish your subbiNty as a visitor, it may be f1!SC$ssary for in:>tMon officials to send an Inquiry to an appropriate law enforcement or crime information ~V to ascertain whstmf or net pladng you on my visiting list WOI..kf preseri a management problem for the mstiWtion, or have other possible adverse etIecls. 1lw inbrmaOOn ~ will be !Jse<i to determine your ~ptabiiity as a visitor. The Bureau of Prisons' authority to request bad<ground information on proposed. visitors is contained in Title 1 a U.S.C. § 4042.
In crder for you tobs considered ior the visitirQ privilege with me, it win be necessary for you to fin out the qwstionnaire and
release term below and ratwn It to the fcllowirg acl/::te$s: C~I Co\ltwelor.FPC Cumberland;
14$01Sumridg$ ~oad, SE; Cumberland,MO 21502
You a.re not f®qUtreO to suppiy!:he imormation requested. However. if you do not furnish tt. information, the prClC$ssing <:Ii your r~ will be suspended, and you win receive 00 iurther consideration. If you fl$l'll$h only part of the information required, !:he processing Of your request may be si~icarn!y delayed. If the infurmanon withhel<f is found to be esSlm'liai to 1ne prOC$ssing of your reqLlest, you win be infOlTl'tOO, and )'QUr r~t will receive no 'U1her ~eratlcn wmss,Yotl supply the missing information. ~ no penaiies a.re authorized ii ywdo !'KIt supply the imormatiQrl requested. failtJra to supply such infomlation c~ rasult in yow not being considered for ad~ as a visitor. The crimina! penalty fer makil'tg mise statements is; 11 ina 01 net more than $250,000 or imprisOM"IE)m for not m«a than five years or both (See 18 U.S.C. § 1(01).
Sin<;$Fely. ~~
12. Are you CUil'TErily 00 probation, parole, or any other type of st.4Pervision? ff so, state ti1& name oi your supervisirQ probatkmlparole officer and the add'sss and telephone no. where Mlshe em be contacted:
Federal Correctional institution 14601 Burbridge Road, S.E. Cumberland, MD 21502-8724
Re: Abramoff, Jack Register No. 27593~112
This letter is in to your correspondence dated July 19,2007, requesting an
interview{~ _ with Jack Abramoff, a federal inmate currently assigned to
the Federal Prison Camp, urnberland, Maryland.
32,$233.0] 4 NEWS INTERVIEW AUTHORIZATION CDFRt1 MAY 9'4
Inmate's name and number (print) Abramoff, Jack Reg. No. 27593-112
Name of Insti tution Federal Correctional Institution, Cumberland, Mfl
Name of news media representa
Address of media represented Metropol} tan Books, 175 5th Ave _,New YorK, NY
I, the above+named inmate, do hereby fr ee Ly give permissiontQ the above-named news medi.a representative to interview me on or about date: August. 2007 and I do hereby authorize the news media represented by this person to use any information gathered about me during t h is interview for any legitimate purpose. I further authorize the Bureau of Prisons and the Department or Justice, and their authorized representatives f to release to representat.ives of the news media any documents or
in forma t i 0ll_f_e 1 a t i ng,_,to __ ell eq i!_1;:j&n§,,~O r_~ll!ls;llt.s__madiLb-'L_mfL.irLtl::Li.s.._iJlLe.c:u:..Lew~,,~_, __ .. , .. _, __
I nmat e , refuse pe
r eo.re.senr.at .v e ro i nr.ar vie .. me
s s i.on to the above-named news media
I, the above-named inmate, do further freely give pe rnu 5s10n to the ahove-named news media representative to make recordings of my voice during this interview and to make photos of me Cstill, movie, or video) and I do hereby authorize the use of such pictures or recordings by the news med i a represented by this person for any legitimate
(This fo.!'m l'l.\ay be replicated Vi~l WP!
SP ·A232 .0 14 MAY 94
MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE'S AGREEMENT
us. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL BUREAU OF PRISONS
215'1"5 - \ I '2-
(b)(6) & (b)(7)(C) entire pg I
I. __l- .. . do hereby stale that I am
primarHy e vrovev!rnrrgL:iUSl1lg~ga!Fienfl9ofTej5Orm1gr1ewS1oTanewspaper quafifying as a general circulation newspaper in the community to which it publishes; or a news magazine or periodical having a national or international
news service radio or television n~W1LQJ~MJJ!ljdlruLEru::IP:JmmUt1icatjOnS Commission license
My employer i"~-(Bu:-;nes-~ Name) -, ~-~-"~~--.-:T+:~~ B~ c~S; Ck~~Y-1\{J t)
my immediate supervisor is
who may be reached at (phone)
I have familiarized myself with Program Statement "Contact With the News Media" governing my conduct during interviews and visits within the institution and agree to comply fully with them
1 hereby fully and completely waive my personal right to be free from search of my person or property so long as j remain withing the boundaries of the institution grounds,
! agree to provide no compensation, either direct or indirect, to the inmate or his or her famify for any interviews or correspondence, I further agree to respect the rights of privacy of all inmates and to obtain a release from any inmate before any photos or recordings are utilized or personal information derived from any interview or correspondence is used in any publication or broadcast.
I recognize a visit to a prison presents certain hazards, and I agree to assume all ordinary and usual risks 10 my personal safety inherent in a viSit to an institution of this type,
ReCOrd Copy, Inmate File' COP)' Media Representative
ThiS form replaces 8P-232 (14) dated july 1979
Lisa J, W, Hollingsworth FCI Cumberland
Federal Correctional Institution 14601 Burbridge Rd. Sg Cumberlandv Ml) 21502
Dear Ms. Hollingsworth:
I am writing to request an interview with Mr. Jack Abramoff register number 27598·112, as per the instructions given in PS 1480.05, the policy statement regarding prisoner contact with the news media. I believe Mr. Abramoff will gl'Hnt the interview. I have also read over the rules and regulations of the institution and agree to comply with them.
The interview would have to do with Mr. Abrarnoff's political and lobbying activities over the course of his career, from 1980 to 2004. It would not have to do with his ownership of the Sun Cruz casinos and only slightly to do with his lobbying for Native American casinos. I estimate that the interview would take several hours. It will require a pad of paper, several pens, and a minidisc recorder, My assistant would also attend and would also take notes.
I am enclosing copies of the NCIC check form and form BP·A232,014. In
Lisa J. W. Hollingsworth Fer Cumberland
Federal Correctional Institution 14601 Burbridge Rd. Sf Cumb0rland,MD 21502
This is to confirm tha
MetroplttBoOks
An Imprint 0 Henry Holt and Company
t75 Fifth Avenue
New York. NY WOW
• __ .~_~. _ __j contract to Metropolitan Books, a division of ~~.;'.,:;;,~~~ partially to do with the career of Jack Abrsmotf Any
assistance you can giv setting up an interview with Mr. Abramoff would be ve
much appreciated. If questions, you may contact me
._--:_----
BP-s233.014 NEWS MAY 94 U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
FEDERAL BUREAU OF P~ISONS
Inmate's name and number (print) Abramoff, ,iack Heg. No. 27593-112
Name of Institution. Federal Correctional Institution, Cumberland, plD
Name o f ne w S med i a rep res e n tat i v 'L ,_(~b~)(~6:_) :&~(b~:):(7::.)~(C~)~8:Il:::ti:.:r8~p~~g: __ ,."" __ ,"_,",-,,r- _
Address of media represented r-';etrop()Iitan Books, 175 5';' Ave. I New York, NY
I, the above-named i.nmat.e , do hereby f.l:ee.ly give permission to the above-named news media representative to interview me on or about date: August 2007 and r do hereby authorize the news media represented by this person to use any information gathered about me dUT ing this interview for any legi timate purpose. I further authorize the Bureau of Prisons and the DepaTtment of Justice, and their authorized representatives, to Telease to t'(,presentatives o.f the news media any documents or
refuse permission to the above-named news media
1, t he above-named inmate, do further free] y give permission t.o the above-named news media representative to make recordings of my voice during this interview and to make phot.os of. me (still, movie, or vi.deo) and I do hereby authori.ze the use of such pictures or recordings by the news media represented this rson for any
BP"Al::l2.014 MAY 94
21S't3 - \. 11-
I. -.----- (b)(6) -& (b;("~~;~:~~~~:·--·-·--J
1-. , do hereby state that! am
primarily em usmess of gathenng or reporting news for a newspaper qualifYing as a general circulation newspaper in the community to which it publishes; or a news magazine or periodical having a national or international
news servt . , ~-rJeral Communications Commission license.
who may be reached at (phone}
i have familiarized myself wjth Program Statement "Contact With the News Media" governing my conduct durIng interviews and visits within the institution and agree to comply fully with them,
I hereby fully and completely waive my personal right to be free from search of my person or property so long as ! remain withing the boundartes of the institution grounds.
I agree to provide no compensatlon.veither direct or indirect, to the Inmate or his or her family for any interviews or correspondence. ! further agree to respect the rights of privacy of all inmates and to obtain a release from any inmate before any photos or recordings are utilized or personal information derived from any interview or correspondence is used in any publication or broadcast
I recognize a visit to a prison presents certain hazards, and I agree to assume all ordinary and usual risks to my personal safety inherent in a visit 10 an institution of this type,
This form replaces 8P·232 (14) dated July 19I5
SP·A629.052 MAR 02
iIISITOR iNFORMAllON
[ .,--+-, FPC Cumberland
Re: Hnmate's Nam@ and Reqist$!' No.,
(b)(6) & (b)(7)(C) entire pg Jack ramoff_ 27593-112
-'-4rrrrErqrn~stm~rtrnUy~~ amCirg ri1y approved visitms. In order to establish ywr svitability as a visitor, it may be necessary for institutioo offiCials to send an inquiry to an appropriate law ~1"!1ent or crime information agency to ascertain
whether or no!: placing you on my visiting ~st would present a management problem for the institution, or have other possible adverse effects. The infomlation obtained Will be used to determine your acceptability Q$ a visitor. The StNeau of Prisons' authority to request bacl<grouM information on proposed visitors is c~ In Title t e U.S.C. § 4042-
In order for you to be c~ for the'lIisitil"Q pmn1age with me, it wil! be necessary for Y«.I to fill out the qusstionnaire and
re~as.e Term below and r~UI'n it to the following 3ddre$s: COf'!'t'IetioMI CoullM!or; FPCCllmhritlnd;
14$(11 Burbridg& R~ SEt CumboriMG, lliO 21S02
You are not required to supply the i!'!formation requested. However, if you do not iumish the information, the prOC$ssing of your r~ will be suspended, and you wlJI receive 00 further consideration. If you ilJl'nish 001)1 part of the information required, the processing of yoIJI' raquest may be signific3l"lt!y delayed. if the information withheld is found to be essential to the ptOC$ssing of YOUI' request, you will be Itrfoon«l. and ywr request will receiVe no fLiliher consideration unfass you supply the missing information. AJthoogh 00 pemItles are authorized if you do not supply !he imol'!'l'tatioo requested, failure to supply such infomlatiQn cwkJ result in yOUI' not being oonsidersd for admittanoe as a visitor. 11te criminal pMaity for making false staternel'lfs is a fine oi not more than $250,000 Cf( imprisonment 10r not more than five years or bO'ih (See 1 e U.S.C. § 10(1),
Sil'loarely. q_~flb...-.tt\
e. Are you a U.s, Citizen,"'? __ --,
6a. )f yes, provide SOCia! Security No: 1Sb. If no,provide Alien Registrati
Ik. Provida Pa No:
Signature "'" .. ''''"1''''''''.'& e-e .......... es-r- ",,",~IU1'JI!lT'---' ..
(lfapplic:mt is ~ 1 S Veal'S Qf <1QS. siQnalur& of parent or If ad:::!ltlonal space Is reQUired, you may use the back of this
Fnll'ml ('01Tt'lfitlllll! Institution
[.16111 Burhruisr R('<ld. S I Cumbrrlani], Af"ryl,1I1t! :; I :>n:'
(b)(6) & (b)(7)(C) entire pg Horne-Be
1100 6th Avenue, 11th Floor, 98 New York, NY 10036
Re: ABRAMOFF, Jack Register No. 27593-112
We are in receipt of your request to conduct an 00 camera interview wim
Jack Abramoff, Register Number 27593-112, an inmate confined here at the Federal Correctional Institution (FCI) Cumberland. Maryland, for a story which will air on me Home Box Office NetwOrk, Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel.
The Federal Bureau of Prisons makes every effort to accommodate representatives
of th m dia within the provisions gf Program Statement 1480.05, NeXlws~·~~~·~ ~ .. __ +r:»
Sincerely, ~htteh.ad
BP,A133 014 MAY 1\194
NEWS INTERYIEW AUTHORIZATION
Inmate's name and number (print) Abrarnoff, lad # 275<f3.112
Name of Institution PO Cumberland
Name of news mecla representativeLJ~~L~_5.?lEL(C) e~tire.E9 eal Sports w.tIl BryantGumbe!
Name of media represented HorneBox Oflicc (HBO)
Address of media represented I JOO6th Avenue, 11 til Floor. 913, New York, NY 10036
I, the above-named inmate. do hereby freely give permission 10 the above-named news media
representative to Interview me on or about date: and f do hereby authorize
the news media represented by this person to use any information gathered about me during this interview for any legitimate purpose. I further authorize the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice, and their authorized representatives, to release to representatives of iha news media any documents or information
relating to allegations or comments made me in this interview.
r;1l'itf'~amed mmate: refuse permission to the above-named news media representativ_e to_ .... ._ ... .
·o.~ . ..1. ....... _., ..... ~ __ ~. ~ __ ,,_~.w m~~ •• ~_,~~_~~~~~.AA'''~'_ ... " •• _~<_.~. ~_w~~~_~ ... ~ __ .~~~
1, the above-named inmate, do further freely give permission to the above-named news media representative to make recoroings of my VOice during this interview and to take photos of me (still, movie. or video) and I do hereby authorize the use of such pictures or recordings by the news media represented by this
_..nru:sru:tlaL~in'l.2in..ru~ __ .___ ._
f4I 0001/0001
1100 Avenue of the Americas New York. NY l0036-6737 (212) 5!2-1000
To; Dwayne Hendrix
rno Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel
Re: TV Camera interview with inmate: Jack Abramoff
I work for HEO's Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel [-------'-] I am
y-.'e would like to do a camera interview with Mr. Abramot{._ ~~ __ . ' ]
1S a repoZL9n oy-r sbQw jd would most likely be involved In tne story, Mr, Abram~ knows 0
The setup would involve 2 cameras, minimal lighting and some audio equipment. We would bring 2 cameramen, 1 audio person, the reporter-and a producer.
We do not have a specific time frame for this interview and are flexible in terms of dates/times.
The interview would consist of a first time chance for the public to hear Mr. Abramoff's side of his story as we have the time, effort and journalistic integrity to tell his story candidly. We would allow him to speak freely and for as long as we are permitted to be present. As we are a sports-related program, we would discuss his involvement with golf as well.
Please let me know if this is an option as soon as possible. Thanks in advance.
1100 6th Ave. 11 th Floor, 9B NY,NY HJ036 212-512-5360
of Jllst ice
We are in receipt of your letter dated June 10, 2009, which also included a copy of a letter dated June 1, 2009, which ! had not received, While the letters contain some inaccuracies regarding the types of access we have previously granted to other media entitles or individuals, we acknowledge Jigsaw Productions may not have been given the appropriate consideration under our policy. We have gone back and reconsidered HONet's World Report request and believe it does meet our policy definition of news media; therefore their contractor, Jigsaw Productions, should have been given
a ro nate consideiation under our policy, In accordance with such p~licy, we
"--~~-~~~----.~-~
We apologize for the delay in responding to your request
NEWS INTERViEW AUTHORIZATION
u.s. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE FEDERAL SUREAU Of PRISONS
Inmate's name and number (print) Abramoff. Jack 11215'13-112
Name of Institution FCI Cumberland
Name of media represented Jig~w l'nxlu<;tion,
Address of media represented 601 West Z6th SHod. Suite 1162 New Yorx, NY !!lool
1, the above-named inmate, do hereby freely give permission to the above-named news media
representative to interview me on or about date: and j do hereby authorize
the news media represented by this person to use any information gathered about me during this interview for any legitimate purpose. I further authorize the Bureau of Prisons and the Department of Justice, and their authorized representatives. to release to representatives of the news media any documents or information
relating to a!(egations or comme~ts made by me in tJ:!i~.intervjew:.::.:.. _
I, the above-named inmate. refuse permission to the above-named news media representative to
I, the above-named inmate, do further freely give permisston to the above-named news media representative to make recordings of my voice during this interview and to take photos of me (still. movie, or video) and I oo hereby authorize the use of such pictures or recordings by the news media represented by this
~rsQ!1 for ~n~ legftimate purpose. ~.~ ..• . •.. __ " __ •. ~
(Th,s rom1 replac'<s gp·;:>33(14) dated JUt 1979)
RECEIVED JUr4 192009
Wardenls Office
June 10. 20()9
Co~pondence No. 090100 \'\S~$()ik.t
Warden J.D. Whitehead
U. S Department of.l usrice Federal Bureau of Prisons 1460l Burbridge Road. S,E, Cumberland. Maryland 21502
Via Certified Mail and Facsimile: (301) 784-J(}()8
RE: Follow-up Concerning Denial of Access for Interview of Inmate Jack Abramoff
Dear Warden Whitehead:
As you know from my June J, 2009 letter (attached). I representL ~_
Jigsaw Productions ("Jigsm.v"), ~ . __ ,~_.__,j
It is regrettable that you have chosen not to respond to my June l letter q,L~<d£J1ho!lt: .. s:_al!s_._ .......s.9!1ceming,Jl1Y client's request for access to interview inmate Jack Abramoff
L_ .. __ . __ . .] from HDNet have also previously written to you in a showiLn-g-c-)" ~g-(K-)d"';". -;.'-m'_'·t~h-. -1
expressing a willingness to abide by the Bureau Of Prison ("BOP") guidelines for such an interview. The continuing refusal to permit my client access to interview inmate Jack Abramoff
is vexing and violates both federal regulations and the First Amendment rights of my client and
ML Abramoff While my client would rather not litigate this issue, we may be forced to do so if access is not promptly granted.
As you may know, we have discussed the matter at length with Abbe Lowell. Mr.
Abrarnoff's attorney. Mr. Lowell informs us that denial of access may stern from the Public Integrity' Section ("PfS") at the Department of Justice. currently under some criticism for its recent handling of the Ted Stevens matter. We understand that, subsequent to my client's request to interview Mr. Abramoff, the Cumberland Facility contacted the PlS. We understand that the PIS told Mr. Lowell (and, likely, the Cumberland facility) that the PIS did not want Mr.
Abrarnoff 1<1 be interviewed camera. We believe that this may be the underlying reason for
the refusal to permit 1 conduct an interview with Mr. Abramoff. which if true. j;, not
a valid basis for denYing access.
Mr. Abrarnoff has agreed to be interviewed. Mr. Abramoff s interview is undoubtedly in the public interest. As part of his proffer, Mr. Abramoff did not give up his First Amendment
June 10, 2009 Page 2
,_~_.!l[hts, In order to prevent any possible interference with ongoing criminal investigations. Mr. [bll~L(b)(7)(C)lhas offered to have Mr. Lowell in attendance at any interview of Mr. Abramoff, as well as any officer from the Department of Justice who may wish to attend.
We also find it odd that, in an era in which the Obama Administration has declared its commitment to openness and integrity, the Department of Justice is allowing the appearance to be created thatjt is attempting to hide important information from the American public by refusin~~__ ] permission to interview Mr. Abrarnoff on camera. [t is also inconsistent with prior access provided to other media members, a particularly troubling violation of wellsettled Jaw. As you know, the Cumberland Facility previously permitted Kevin Spacey, a motion picture actor, access to M r. Abarmoff for the purpose of preparing a fiction fi Im based on aspects of Mr. Abramoff's life.
We agree that Mr. Spacey is an excellent actor. We hope that he wiil make an entertaining fictional film. But it is discriminatory to allow Mr. Spacey acce~2JQ. interview Mr.
Abrarnoff f the ,05e of a Hollywood entertainment, while denYinC ~__ similar
acces . IS one .OUll~_i1~QrldJLn:l.as.L~~t.!d1as.ed. __ dO£11ll:l.Cll1arl.ll,l1S_~~'--'--]
work on 'ecol1omlC COITUPtiOl[
investization into so-called ..
served the public Interest by . 7' .... t1'rtH~~"'."""' .. ::t::t:.,--t ~,m~'Caea re!Ul1iiK:'~
defies logic to deny are.s.£~ J based on "publicity" concerns given prior media
access and the nature otL ntlc1pated news documentary for HDNc£s World Report.
it also defies applicable regulatIOns an legal precedent.
Your prior letter indicated that may use "already existing means of
interacting with Mr. Abramoff" (e.g .. letters, p 10l1e ca sand emails). But as you arc well aware, video is the medium used to convey information in the public interest on television, When President Obama goes before the nation, he does not release an email; he broadcasts an address on video. Mr. Abramoff is willing to be interviewed on video. There is no valid justification for denying the requested access.
As previously stated, we are prepared to abide by all reasonable guidelines set by the BOP as conditions for conducting a video intervie v v with A-1r. Abramoff at Cumberland. '>'\i;;; look forward to receiving a favorable response indicating that the requested access will be granted; otherwise, we must pursue more formal avenues of redress.
June I o, 2009 Page 3
cc: Eric Ho!der
Lanny Breuer (Department of Justice, Criminal Division) William \Velch (D~artment of Justice, Public Integrity Section)
C (b)(6}'(b}:C~ ,
June J, 2009
U.S, Department of Justice Federal Bureau of Prisons ]4601 Burbridge Road, $.E. Cumberland, Maryland 21502
Via U..'i'. iilail and Facsimile: (30]) 784· J nos
RE Denial of Access for Interview of Inmate Jack Abramoff
This firm represent ---"'--~'=-'-'--Jand Jigsaw Productions ("Jigsaw"), which is under contract to HDNe!'s W eport to produce a news documentary on lobbying and Jack Abramoff' I have been asked to respond to your letter, dated May 22, 2()09, in which you denied Jigsaw's request to conduct a videotaped interview of inmate Jack Abrarnoff for purposes of the documentary film. For the reasons outlined below. we request that you reconsider your decision to deny access and approve Jigsaw's request for an interview with Mr. Abramotf.
First, 28 CF.R. § 540.63, entitled "Personal Interviews," specifically authorizes interviews of inmates by members of the news media. There is no dispute over whether Jigsaw is a member of the news media, as your letter concedes. Thus, Subsection (g) sets (()fIb the sole grounds under which Jigsaw's request for interview of an inmate may rightly be denied. None of these grounds appl y here, and none are cited or relied upon by you in the letter denying access.
Second, it is clear that the stated reasons for denying Jigsaw's request - "undue publicity" and "the appearance of special privileges" .... are not among tnt' grounds for denial llf access allowed under 28 CF.R, § 540.63(g). Perhaps recognizing this fact, your letter refers instead to the "purpose and scope" language. contained in the iruroductory section (§ 54060). which states in part that the intent of the rules is nOI to provide publicity or grant special privileges to the news media. However, thestated Intent of the rules governing access do ntH trump the specific provisions thereafter that address access and state the grounds UP{)I! which access may be denied.
Even assuming that the "intent" language controls over the more specific provisions (and it does not under well established rules of statutory construction), there is no "undue publiciry" being sought '" the information sought is of public interest. and any indirect publicity created thereby is nor the purpose of the interview and, moreover, is not undue in nature. Nor is Jigsaw seeking a special privilege _. it merely seeks to invoke its rights of access under federal 1:1\\, rights that are available to all members of the news media, Indeed, the same introductory
Warden J,D. Whitehead June 1,2009
language that you reference goes on to state that interviews must merely be "regulated to insure the orderly and safe operation of the institution," Thus, interviews are expected to occur, and there is no specific and identifiable threat to the orderly and safe operation of the prison by permining the requested interview. Interviews of this nature are routinely conducted in federal and state prisons throughout the country, and this very facility has granted similar interviews in the past. In any event, Jigsaw is certainly willing to abide by any reasonable condition that you feel is warranted to help ensure the orderly and safe operation of the prison, Such a CO!10\:ffl cannot and should not serve as a basis for denying access,
Third, we have grave concerns that denial of Jigsaw's request constitutes discriminatory treatment of a member of the media, as other media have been granted similar access to interview other inmates, Indeed, the Bureau of Prisons previously allowed interviews of Mr. Abramoff for purposes ,)1' entertainment film-making, rt is well established that a governmental agency may not selectively grant access to one member of the media without making Stich access available to all members, See, e.g.. Huminski v, Corsones, 386 F.3d 116, 142 (li\d Cir 20(4):
Anderson \" Cryovac. Inc" 805 F.2d 1, 9 (1 ,I Cit, 1986); Capita! Cities Media, Inc v Chewer. 797 F,2d J 164. 1176 Ofd ell'. 1986); American Broadcasting Company, inc v. Cuomo, 570 F,2d 1080, 1083 (2nd Cir, 1977), Accordingly, it appears that Jigsaw is being treated different than other members of the news media in violation of the U.S, Consutution and federal law.
In summary, the Code of Federal Regulations specifically authorizes Jigsaw and other news media representatives to conduct personal interviews of inmates, subject to conditions and other necessary limitations. Potential publicity and a mere perception of special access are not alone sufficient grounds for denying an interview to a member of the news media, In any event. an interview of Mr. Abramoff no more threatens to provide undue publicity or the appearance c>t' special treatment than any other interview conducted at facil.ities within the Bureau of Prisons system, including prior interviews of Mr. Abramoff himself
In light of the policy in favor of media access and prior authorization of persona! interviews of prison inmates and Me Abramoff in particular, we request that you reconsider the denial of access and grant Jigsaw the requested interview of Mr, Abrarnoff Jigsaw is, of course. willing to conduct the interview at any place and time provided by you, and abide by any reasonable conditions that you may impose,
I f you would like to discuss this matte~ by telephone, please feel free to conract me,
response to attnys for Jigsaw
, (6/30/2009
Subjed:
Trad L Billingsley
Cully, Marybeth; Hendrix, Dewavne 6/30/20091:38 PM
Recommended response to attnys for Jigsaw Productions
Recommend the f~·t.eSOOo.~·l.l:L~~ligsaw Prod) for the Warden's signature and
they should attactt . (b)(6), (b)(7)c _Jmake sure it's correct- media auth - copy).
DeaL....... -J
We are in receipt of your letter dated June 10, 2009 which also induded a copy of a letter dated June 1
that we had not received. While the letters contain some inaccuracies regarding the type of access we
have previously granted other media entities or individuals, we_%acknowledge that Jigsaw Productions may not have been given appropriate consideration under our policy. We have gone back and
reconsidered HDNet's WOrld Report request and believe that it does meet our policy definition of news medta: tberefore their contractor, Jigsaw Productions, sh~uld have been gl~ 1
L ~ __ ~. (b)(6), (b)(7)c, (b)(6) & (b)(7)(C) entire pg We apologize for the delay in responding to your request,
Documents Similar To CREW: Department of Justice (DOJ): Regarding Jack Abramoff and the Casino Jack Documentary: 12/16/10 - Federal Bureau of Prisons Disbursement
CREW v. Department of Justice (DOJ)