Washington, D.C. — A former Army scientist who was named as a person of interest in the 2001 anthrax attacks will receive $5.8 million to settle his lawsuit against the Justice Department.
Steven Hatfill claimed the Justice Department violated his privacy rights by speaking with reporters about the case.
Settlement documents were filed in federal court Friday. Both sides have agreed to the deal, according to the documents, and as soon as they are signed, the case will be dismissed.
The deal requires the Justice Department to pay $2.825 million up front and buy Hatfill a $3 million annuity that will pay him $150,000 each year for 20 years.
"Our government failed us, not only by failing to catch the anthrax mailers but by seeking to conceal that failure," Hatfill's lawyers said in a statement. "Our government did this by leaking gossip, speculation, and misinformation to a handful of credulous reporters."
The statement also blamed journalists for not questioning the motives of the government's statements or its tactics.
"As an innocent man, and as our fellow citizen, Steven Hatfill deserved far better," they said.
The Justice Department said the settlement was in the best interest of the nation.
Five people were killed and 17 sickened by anthrax that was mailed to lawmakers on Capitol Hill and members of the news media in New York and Florida just weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
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smitty (anonymous) says…
This is the outcome of the good ole USA's top law enforcement agency's efforts on bioterrorism? Check out the ex-FBI agent's story now in the news. How come the honest agents(whistle blowers) are the ex-agents?