FBI Bristles at 'Rolling Stone' Expose

Jann Wenner might want to be extra careful not to cut any corners on his tax return this year. The FBI is none too pleased with a recent Rolling Stone story by Guy Lawson on the (alleged!) excesses of Joint Terrorism Task Forces, and has taken the somewhat unusual step of issuing a lengthy rebuttal via its press office.

"There is an old saying among reporters: The worst thing you can do to a good story is check it out," writes John J. Miller, the Bureau's assistant director for public affairs. "Guy Lawson brings hypothetical theory to new heights. After 'checking it out,' Mr. Lawson simply tailored his story around any compelling facts that did not fit his original premise." (Rolling Stone published an abridged version of Miller's letter in the Feb. 22 issue.)

Miller backs up his criticism by noting that he is a former investigative journalist who has "won most of the major awards they give to a reporter." According to his FBI bio, that includes nine Emmys, two Peabodys and a DuPont Award.