Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Operation Castaway

Exclusive: Story of central ‘Operation Castaway’ figure in his own words

by David Codrea

“Congress questions Tampa gun investigation,” Howard Altman of The Tampa Tribune writes in a July 20 report.
Grassley, Bilirakis and U.S. Rep. Darrel Issa, R-Calif., began looking into Operation Castaway after a pair of bloggers, David Codrea and Mike Vanderboegh, wrote a piece based on an anonymous source claiming that the Tampa ATF office was "walking" guns to Honduras the way the Phoenix office ran Operation Fast and Furious. The story was widely repeated in the conservative blogosphere and then on Fox News.
But a plea agreement in May 2010 — well before Terry was killed and Operation Fast and Furious became news — seems to show substantial differences between the two operations.
That may well be.  Mr. Altman approached this correspondent and Mike Vanderboegh of Sipsey Street Irregulars for details on this story on July 12, and this is what Vanderboegh took special care to point out in his responding email:
Mr. Altman,
Please read the first link below that David sent you to my story this morning.  It covers the distinction between the public face of Castaway and the Honduras gun walking allegations by our sources, which may, or may not, be related.  You would do well locally to ask questions on the general subject and not specifically Castaway. 
Now, if you would like to make a proposal for an interview that I can pass on to my sources, they can decide if they wish to get in touch with you to talk about it.  This is how David and I have handled requests from the politicians and media to the ATF whistleblowers since January.  Sometimes they want to talk, sometimes they don't.  Sometimes you'll get a response from one, just to see how you handle it, and it it goes well, you'll hear from others.  Sometimes, if you're Michael Isikoff, we'll get a response back saying, "I'm not talking to that arrogant a******." 
So, frame your request to the agent(s) and I'll pass it on.
Mike Vanderboegh
Altman’s story does not appear to have taken Vanderboegh’s specific caution to separate Operation Castaway from “gunwalking” allegations into consideration, but it does acquaint readers with a central figure in that investigation:
As a result of the investigation, Hugh Crumpler III, a decorated Vietnam War veteran, acknowledged that he illegally sold about 1,000 guns, shipping the bulk of them to Honduras and other countries in Central and South America.
This correspondent has established communications with Crumpler, currently doing time at a federal corrections facility, after being approached by a friend of his:
My dear friend, Hugh Crumpler III, was the sole gun dealer in the middle of the ATF Operation Castaway.  He is now doing time at a Federal Medical Facility in Lexington, KY. In hopes of gaining early release, he would like very much to share his true story with you for publication.  His wife is being contacted by the ATF, I believe to discourage him from telling his story and causing further embarrassment to them for this ill-advised program that ran concurrently with Fast and Furious. My sole mission in this is to help him get his story out.  It is truly fascinating and coming from one of the most honest guys I have ever had the privilege to call "friend".  Please let me know if you are interested and if so, I will be happy to put you in touch with Hugh.
What follows are my communications with Mr. Crumpler and his story in his own words, posted below, unedited, in the order sent. No representations as to accuracy and credibility are being made other than they are the words of Mr. Crumpler. 
7/14/2011 11:51:40 AM
David-
Hugh Crumpler here.  Glad we could connect.  Please forward any questions you want answered.  My time on the e-mail system is limited.  I will do what I can within the time allotted and then continue on my next available opportunity.
Looking forward to any info you can relate to me.
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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7/14/2011 5:21:51 PM
David-
I am ready to provide what ever information you wish.  Please let me know how you wish to proceed.
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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7/14/2011 10:10:17 PM
Hellow David,
Trying to reach you.  Have you received the previous two e-mails?
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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[NOTE: This correspondent had not yet established an account on CorrLinks, an email utility for communicating with incarcerated persons.]
Codrea, David on 7/15/2011 3:33 PM wrote:
Your friend contacted me and said you wanted to give me some information.  My response to him was to caution that anything said to me does not enjoy lawyer-client privilege, and while I am committed to protect my sources, going through CorrLinks with its attendant monitoring guarantees there can be no true confidentiality--so with that established, if you wish to proceed, my first question would be: Do you have evidence that any representative of the US government, either from ATF Tampa or any other agency--violated US law and/or ITAR regs and was involved in the illegal transport and transfer of firearms or other ordnance--and if so, did it involve export to any foreign nation, Honduras, or anywhere else?
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7/15/2011 5:06:40 PM
David-
I will e-mail you "my story" a very short version later.  It will take some time to enter into the computer.
My case, Operation Castaway, centered around me.  Agents from the Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and West Palm Beach offices of the ATF were actively involved.  I have no "proof".  Basically, my attorney never checked into what the ITAR regs (whatever that is) were, or even into the normal operations of the ATf.  My attorney did not know anything about firearms.  He was court appointed.
The other night, Senior Agent Keven McCann called my wife and told her that there were Blogs in the Tampa area comparing Operation Castaway to Operation Fast and Furious.  Kevin told my wife the operations were not similar because the ATF comfiscated the weapons I sold from the folks I delivered them to.
While I was working with/for the ATF I informed them of several ways that those who bought guns from me at the Alvena Way, Orlando residence shipped the guns to Honduras.  One way was through an International Shipper who shipped the guns in a Shipping Container.  ATF agents followed residents of the Alvena Way, Orland residence, with guns I sold them, to the international shipper.  The activities were photographed by the ATF.  The guns were placed in a shipping container.  The shipping container was taken, by the shipper, to a sea port.  I believe Miami, but I am not certain.  Agents McCann and Temple were visibly upset when ICE intercepted the shipment prior to its arrival at it destination.  The destination was Honduras.  This took two or more days, from the time the guns left the Alvena Way, Orlando residence until the guns were intercepted by ICE. 
The agents told me they had been "Watching me for a long time".  My attorney never asked for all records.  They had bunches.
Two of the guns I sold were susposedly used by criminals.  One in Columbia and one was found on a hit man in Puerto Rico.  All that is in my Plea Agreement.  Normally when they trace a gun used in a crime they ask every one from the manufacturer on down who had the gun next.  They never asked or contacted me.  I don't know if that is a violation of law, procedure, or?
I will get much more to you later.
God Bless You,
Hugh
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7/15/2011 7:20:49 PM
David-
My attorney, Roger Weeden, said on Fox News that he thought no guns made it to Latin America.  How would he know?  He did not request all the info of the investigation from the ATF.  He did not interview ANY of the over 20 agents who participated in my case.  He was not familiar with weapons, the ATF, or its operations and made no attempt to gain that knowledge.  All he did was what the Prosecutor and the ATF wanted.  Which is EXACTALLY what he is doing now.  He was a court appointed attorney.
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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7/16/2011 12:05:47 AM
David-
I went to gun shows throughout Florida.  I both sold and purchased guns.  I did not intend to be a large volume buyer and seller.  That evolved.  There are Private Sellers and Gun Dealers at gun shows.  A Private Seller is one who sells guns from his collection.  Through both attending and haveing a table at gun shows I learned that a vast majority (almost all) Private Sellers were selling guns for a profit without a license.
Some of these Private Sellers had been doing it for more than twenty years.  That is, they were selling guns for a profit without a lisence.  Over a period of time I learned some of their procedyures and practices.  I also learned how the ATF treated the Private Seller.
Amoung the practices and procedures of those Private Sellers who had been in business for a long time: buy guns from other Private Sellers where no paperwork was required; sell only for cash; and a couple of Private Sellers sold only long guns.
Purchases and sales through a lisenced gun dealer require a background check and paperwork.  Sales or purchases of multiple handguns require additional paperwork and reporting.  All the reports alert the government.  Several Private Sellers told me they were given either verbal or written warnings to stop or to get a lisence.  Some stopped.  Some got a lisence and afew got more cautious and continued selling guns for a profit without a lisence.
I did not intend to be a volume gun dealer.  in did not intend to be a long term gun dealer.  I kept no secrets.  i purchased guns from Private Sellers.  However, by far, the vast majority of my purchases were from gun dealers.  The vast majority of gun purchases, by far, were mulotiple firearms purchases.  Three sets of paperwork were required: a background check; a multiple purchase report; and a receipt.
Clues that alert the ATF that a Private Seller may be selling guns for a profit inclued: the frequency of purchases; purchases of the same model gun; the volume of the purchases; and the particular models of firearms purchased.  i was not attempting to hide anything!  I expected the ATF to stop me and give me a warning.  I planned to stop.
In the beginning my purchases were of one, two or three firearms; two to three times a week.  Most were handguns.  All purchases were from gun dealers.  Appropriate background checks and multiple purchase/sales forms were filled out.
Several gun dealers asked me if I was concerned that the ATF might be watching me.  My answer was: "i am sure they are!"  I believed the ATF would follow past practices and give me a warning.
I developed a group of clients.  Some in West Palm Beach, Orlando, Jacksonville, and Miami.  These clients all wanted many of the same model gun and many of them.  A large percentage of these clients were from Honduras.  I was positive the government was watching me.  But, why were they allowing me to continue?
My thought process was:  OK - these guys want the same model guns and lots of them - why?  So...I did my research.  Zalia was the President of Honduras.  Zalia was supported by Chavez (anti-US).  The Honduran government was supported by Chavez through lower oil prices.  The Hondurans were indeed sending the guns to Honduras.  I was told (once I found out) and i believed what i was told, theat the guns were for the general population to defend against Chavez, a corrupt government, and crime.  OK - I've heard of Oliver North.  Maybe the government actually wanted the guns in Honduras so they were letting me make the sales.
Low and behold Zalia presented the Honduran Congress with legislature that he be the President for life = the same thing Chavez did.  Zalia was escorted out of office.  Now there was real turmoil in Honduras.  Chavez was sending two Cesnas into Honduras daily.  Each was filled with ten million U S dollars in twenty dollar bills.  (I got paid in alot of twenty dollar bills during that time.)  The money was distributed to peasants to protest against the ouster of Zalia.
By this time I was making daily firearms purchases of thirty or more firearms and delivering them daily - six days a week.  My thoughts continued to be that: "Surely the government knew what I was doing.  And since they did dnot approach me they must either want me to do this or they approve.
Most of my sales and purchases were during the last half of '09' and early January '10'.  When the ATF stopped me in January of '10' I was informed that the guns I sold were ending up in the hands of Cartels.  Two had been connected with crimes.  The ATF asked for my cooperation and I said: "Lets go get them!"
With my cooperation and risking my life to obtain evidence at least twice the ATF was able to charge and convict numorous individuals; intercept weapons shipments and gain intelligence.
I asked the ATF agents handling my case many times why they did not stop me and warn me.  For many months they did not respond to my question.  Towards the end of their operations the ATF agent in charge gave me two different answers - neither of which I considered plausable.
From the very earliest contact the ATF informed me that my case was supervised at the National Level.  (I thought it must have been because of my anti-Obama sentiments.)  This was the time when Obama had the 'Tell on your friends" website.
The government provided me with an attorney who knew nothing about firearms and nothing about the ATF or its operating procedures.  He made no attempt to learn.  He never intervied any ATF agent involved with the case prior to the sentencing hearing.  He did not return any messages left by the ATF agent, Temple who asked him to return call.  He did not formally request notes of meetings or recordings of meetings I asked to get.  My attorney neglected in returning phone calls.  One of the ATF agents had the same problem with him.  My attorney made ZERO progress on my behalf.  During the Sentencing Hearing the Judge intimidated my attorney.  My attorney stuttered and stammered.  he did not ask my sitnesses any of the questions he told them he was going to ask them; he did not call all of my witnesses; and my attorney's closing argument enraged the Judge.
The ATF continues to investigate individuals based on information I provided them.
Recent revelations regarding ATF actions in Arizona appear to be actions taken very similar to actions taken in my case.  The ATF actions were Supervised Nationally and guns were intentionally let fo into the hands of criminals.
I feel I should be immediately released from prison; given a warning; pardoned; and both the firearms and the cash the ATF took from me be returned.  Based on recent revelations the ATF allowed me to sell guns way longer than under normal ATF practices.  The ATF has had my complete cooperation.  Basically, I should be reinstated to the position I would have been in when a warning should have been issued.
Information in the press indicated the ATF confiscated fifty thousand dollars from me.  In actuality, the ATF confiscated a little more that four thousand dollars from my person and home.  Other cash was obtained from other indivciduals by me under ATF supervision as evidence; seventeen thousand dollars in cash during a supervised transaction'; over thirteen thousand dollars from several individuals at one location - at the same; and a six thousand dollar deposit to my bank account.  (The cash was immediately given to the ATF,.)
I would be happy to testify in front of Congress.  And I have sent info to many congressmen (none have responded - info was sent in mid '10') so indicating.
During the ATF investigation and during my cooperation it was discovered that I was selling guns to the two largest gun dealing families in Honduras.  One with ties to the government.  Serious ties.  Solictor General and one of the new President's staff.
God Bless America,
Hugh Crumpler III

 
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Codrea, David on 7/16/2011 12:03 PM wrote:
I'm going to need some time to digest this and consult with my advisers.  Also, will be in and out all weekend with limited internet access.
What I want you to think about is what it is you want me to do with this information, how it can best be used, all with a mind toward what best protects your vulnerability from further legal action and/or retaliation.  I am more than mindful that your present surroundings could make such retaliation difficult to prove, yet nonetheless intimidating.
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7/16/2011 2:35:47 PM
David-
I am not worried about retaliation.  Most likely, if any, retaliation would come from the criminal element that I helped to turn in.  I did not for a second believe that I was selling to cartels.  I was looking for any connection to crime and I could find none.  The "looking" is how I was able to determine as much as I did.
I said it many times to the ATF that "It is easier to get guns out of the country than it is to get money in!"
I believe that the ATF allowed me to sell guns by not doing anything when they should have.  Further, they did not do follow up questioning of me when they found I gun I had purchased was used in a crime.  They were deliberately lax. 
I would like to see the approach to the article that I was used by the ATF to locate the individuals who were shipping guns to cartels and put me in a position where I could be of invaluable assistance to them- which I was.
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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7/16/2011 3:21:16 PM
David-
I have always wanted to be a hero.  My heros were John Wayne, Roy Rogers, Batman, Zorro, and so on.  I joined the Army to fight the Communist Invasion of South Vietnam in Feb of 1966.  I voluntered for Officer Candidate School that same year.  And graduated from OCS as a Second Lieutenant in the Infantry in Feb of 1967.  I was assigned duty in Vietnam in 1968.  I was there for the Tet Offensive.  I was an Infantry Platoon Leader in the Fourth Infantry Division.  Our missions were primarily along the Laosan & Cambodian borders with South Vietnam.  We went up and down the Ho Chi Minn Trail.  NO MAN UNDER MY COMMAND WAS KILLED!!  Not many Infantry Platoon Leaders can say that.  I never heard of another.  I was awarded medals for individual heroism by my country and by Vietnam.  Late during my tour in Vietnam I was promoted to Company Executive Officer.
I have saved the lives of several individuals as a civilian.  It is just my nature.  I have never smoked, or done drugs.  I don't even know the common terms of the drug culture.  Most folks consider me a "Goody Goody".  Crime, specifically, selling guns to criminals IS not in my make up.  I thought I was being a hero to the people of Honduras and I thought it was what my government wanted.
I have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and I was on Citalopram.  That drug will alter a person's behavior.  I believe that my taking that drug had something to do with my not seeing/being aware of things I should have known.  The Judge, at my sentencing hearing said I should have known (referring to the fact that the guns went to cartels).  Looking back, in retrospect, yes, I should have known.  But "should have" and knowing are not the same thing.
I thought you might want a little of my background.
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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Codrea, David on 7/16/2011 4:48 PM wrote:
Rep. Bilirakis of FL is looking into the Honduran allegations--can I share your story with his staff?
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7/16/2011 8:50:59 PM
Please do.  I am sending him a written version.  I just found out that he was investigating.  I am sending him the same as I have sent you.
Definantly, please do.  I am willing to testify before Congress.  Whatever!
God Bless You,
Hugh
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7/17/2011 7:05:42 AM
David and [REDACTED—name of Crumpler's friend mentioned earlier in this account]-
My internet e-mail access will be down Monday morning until aprox 11 AM.  They are doing a software upgrade.  I will be checking my e-mail as soon as possible.  However, if things work as they usually do around here the flood of e-mail usage when the system comes on will overload the server and we will be a little slow.  So......bear with me if you do not have a responce to any e-mail you might send.
Also, the usual BOP reading of incoming and outgoing e-mail applies.  That usually means a two and a half hour one way e-mail.
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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Codrea, David on 7/19/2011 10:03 AM wrote:
What is it that you want me to do with your story?  About all I can figure out is present it unedited on my Examiner.com page, attributed to you, give a background up front on who you are and that we are in communication, and then get out of the way and paste in what you've told me via email correspondence.  That will do two things--it will inform the public and possibly get other news orgs interested in finding out more from you, and it will be additional info for Congressional investigators to start pulling threads from.
It's up to you if I do that or not--I always protect sources and never use information or names given to me unless authorized. So what would you like to have me do?
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7/19/2011 11:50:23 AM
David-
Every thing you suggested is perfectly alright with me.  Post it, use my name.
Were you able to share the story with the Congressman from Florida's Staff?
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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Codrea, David on 7/19/2011 9:48 PM wrote:
Not yet but I will--writing it up and sending my contacts there the link is really the best way--it will consolidate all the info in one place plus I will mention it in the article to help create a pressure for both Bilirakis and Issa staffers to give it a serious look.
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7/20/2011 9:05:42 AM
Thank you.  I appreciate all the help.
God Bless You,
Hugh
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7/20/2011 9:50:52 AM
Not Sure If I sent you this info
David-
While I was working for/with the ATF I informed them about methods the individuals at the Alvena Way, Orlando residence used to ship the guns to Honduras.  One of the methods was that they took the guns to an International Shipping Company where they were placed in an overseas shipping container and shipped.  The ATF photographed individuals leaving the Alvean Way, Orlando residence and driving to the International Shipping Company (I do not know which one.)  The guns were placed in an overseas shipping container.  The shipping container was taken by the shipping company to a sea port.  I believe it was Miami.  ATF agents McCann and Temple were visibly upset when ICE intercepted the shipment and confiscated the guns prior to their arrival at their destination.  The destination was Honduras.  These actions occurred over a period of at least, an probably, two days.
God Bless You,
Hugh Crumpler III
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Codrea, David on 7/20/2011 11:08:02 AM wrote:
When did this take place?
# # #
This article is being forwarded to staffers for Sen. Grassley and Reps. Issa and Bilrakis.
Also see:
A Journalist’s Guide to ‘Project Gunwalker' Part OnePart TwoPart Three and Part Four for a complete list with links of independent investigative reporting and commentary done to date by Sipsey Street Irregulars and Gun Rights Examiner.
Note to newcomers to this story: “Project Gunrunner” is the name ATF assigned to its Southwest Border Initiative to interdict gun smuggling to Mexico. “Project Gunwalker” is the name I assigned to the scandal after allegations by agents that monitored guns were allowed to fall into criminal hands on both sides of the border through a surveillance process termed “walking” surfaced.

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