◆ SpookStack

The Attorney General NOTE: The investigation involving prominent political figures in the Baltimore, Maryland, area, as well as Vice- President Spiro T. Agnew has been handled since its inception by the IRS. It started out as a basic tax investigation; however, during the ensuing months, information has been developed indicating there are possibly other Federal viola- tions involved including the Federal Bribery statute. The 8-9-73, edition of "The Washington Post" on page Al7, sets forth the text of USA George Beall's letter to the Vice- President's attorney, Judah Best. This letter clearly sets forth the statutes under which the investigation is being conducted, and they are Title 18, Section 371 (Conspiracy), Section 1951 (Extortion), and Section 1952 (Extortion and Bribery). Section 1951 is commonly known as the Hobbs Act, and Section 1952 is the statute covering Interstate Transporta- tion in Aid of Racketeering. While this letter sets forth that the investigation is not limited to these statutes, Beall's letter did set forth these statutes as the main ones in addition to certain criminal provisions of tax laws. At the instructions of the Director, letters are being furnished to the Department and the Commissioner of IRS setting forth the opinions we have received regarding this matter.