◆ SpookStack

Feinberg. Clearly and uniquely, he controlled and directed Abscam. Defendants contend that Puccio agreed with Jack Newfield, an editor of The Village Voice, to write a book about Abscam. If true, such an agreement would be grassly improper, if not a criminal violation under at least the . conflict of interest prohibition of 18 USC §203. Upon closer examination, however, defendants' allegations have proved to be mere wishful. thinking. Newfield and Puccio have known each other since 1976 and became close personal friends in 1978 when both. became fathers. They and their families have vacationed together; they meet frequently on a social basis. In the summer of 1979, Newfield, who has written a number of books on social topics, inquired of Puccio whether he would be. interested in collaborating on a-book about federal law enforcement based primarily upon Puccio's experience in the Strike Force. Puccio's response was that he might be interested someday, but could not consider it as long as he remained employed by the ‘government. Newfield per- suaded Puccio to meet once with Newfield's literary agent, who, after discussing the book possibility with them, con- cluded that such a book would have only limited sales appeal. Nothing further was done about such a book. At that time,