Several members of law enforcement agencies in Georgia may belong to a
"dangerous" white supremacist group, an FBI agent testified
today.
The testimony came today at a bond hearing for the group's state leader
who is being held on gun charges.
A federal magistrate denied bond to Chester James Doles, 42, a Dalonega
man who authorities say was the Georgia organizer of the National
Alliance and a longtime Ku Klux Klan activist.
Doles was charged with being a felon who illegally possessed a number of
rifles and handguns.
FBI Special agent Joseph Thompson, a member of the joint terrorism task
force that investigated Doles since July, 2001, said "Mr. Doles is a
very active member of a group the FBI considers a terrorist group. That
group is known commonly in law enforcement as the most dangerous group in
the United States."
Thompson also testified that a confidential informant who met with Doles
since 2001told authorities about the law enforcement ties to the group.
No names were mentioned in court.
"That shows that Mr. Doles has a support network including law
enforcement" members, said Thompson. "You vastly increase the
capacity of the network," by having authorities as members. They
"can look the other way."
U.S. Magistrate Linda Walker also mentioned the alleged law enforcement
connections when denying bond.
"Who better to help you flee or get around law enforcement than law
enforcement?" asked Walker.
The judge discounted defense contentions that Doles was being prosecuted
for his involvement with the white supremist group. She pointed to a 1993
Maryland assault conviction for an attack on a interracial couple and a
1997 burglary conviction where Doles beat a homeowner.
"It doesn't matter if he's a member of the National Alliance or the
National Peacekeeping Association," she said.
Thompson testified that Doles often met with white supremacist leader
William Pierce, whose book ''The Turner Diaries'' is believed to have
inspired Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVeigh.
Upon leaving the courtroom, Doles asked to hug his wife, Theresa. He was
denied.
Walking out, he looked at his two teenage sons, saying "You know
what's on trial here. Step up to the plate. You boys got to."
His wife responded, "They will."
Link:
http://www.accessatlanta.com/ajc/metro/0303/12doles.html
