Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Criminal indictment of Labor Secretary Raymond Donovan said used by President Reagan to complain of mistreatment of his administration mbrs.; criticism of FBI conduct in Donovan investigation noted.
REPORTER: Tom Brokaw

(NYC) Donovan's surrender and scope of criminal chgs. against him and others examined. [DONOVAN - claims indictment was prepared before he testified for grand jury; accuses district attorney Mario Merola of misusing his office] [MEROLA - accuses Donovan of benefitting from construction company's fraud.]
REPORTER: James Polk Artist: Ida Libby Dengrove

(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Tom Brokaw

(DC) Questions about FBI conduct in Donovan investigation examined; FBI official Francis Mullen recalled testifying at Donovan's confirmation hearings that agency had no information reflecting unfavorably on Donovan despite earlier report linking Donovan with Mafia figure William Masselli. Masselli mentioned indicted with Donovan today. Justice Department spokesperson said acknowledging Mullen lied; Mullen recalled promoted to head Drug Enforcement Admin. shortly after his testimony. FBI agent assigned to Donovan case noted writing director William Webster, complaining of serious improprieties and breach of agency ethics in investigation; allegations of cover-up of FBI incompetence since 1981 noted. Bronx district attorney's office said claiming neither FBI nor special prosecutor investigating Donovan ever examined New York City Transit Authority's affirmative action files before concluding lack of evidence. FBI said also never investigating Donovan's own public disclosure forms indicating partnership in Bayonne Equipment Leasing which may help link to the suspected fraud. FBI wiretap tapes said also basis for Bronx indictment; Merola noted having to threaten New York City FBI official Ken. Walton with court action to get the tapes in question. Walton reported also refusing to allow FBI agents involved in case to testify before Bronx grand jury despite Merola's protestations to United States attorney in Manhattan. [FBI director William WEBSTER - denies FBI cover-up.]
REPORTER: Brian Ross

(Studio) [Bronx district attorney Mario MEROLA - believes Donovan benefitted from defrauding government; comments on Donovan's recent appearance before grand jury.]
REPORTER: Tom Brokaw