Department of Justice SealDepartment of Justice
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 27, 2008
WWW.USDOJ.GOV
OPA
(202) 514-2007
TDD (202) 514-1888

Statement of Brian Roehrkasse, Director of Public Affairs, on Department’s Settlement with Steven Hatfill in Hatfill v. Ashcroft

"The United States has reached a settlement with Steven Hatfill to resolve pending civil litigation about the disclosures of information related to the investigation of the anthrax mailings in the fall of 2001. The government has determined that settlement is in the best interests of the United States and has agreed to pay Dr. Hatfill and his attorneys $2.825 million dollars and purchase for Dr. Hatfill an annual annuity of $150,000. By entering into this agreement, the United States does not admit to any violation of the Privacy Act and continues to deny all liability in connection with Dr. Hatfill’s claims.

"The government remains resolute in its investigation into the anthrax attacks, which killed five individuals and sickened others after lethal anthrax powder was sent through the United States mail. We commend the agents and law enforcement personnel who have devoted countless hours to the pursuit of the perpetrator of this horrible crime, and we reassure the public and the victims that this investigation remains among the Department’s highest law enforcement priorities."

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