
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, August 15, 1993                   TAG: 9308150062
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-6   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: WASHINGTON                                LENGTH: Short

2 ATF OFFICIALS IN WACO INQUIRY PLAN TO RETIRE

The Treasury Department has interviewed top federal firearms officials about allegations mistakes were made in the initial raid on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco, Texas, and two plan to retire, a spokesman said Saturday.

Four agents of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and several cult members were killed in the Feb. 28 raid.

Thomas Hill, a bureau spokesman, said Ronald K. Noble, assistant secretary of the treasury for law enforcement, had met last week with ATF Director Stephen Higgins and several other officials.

The Washington Post reported Saturday that Noble told officials the investigation had disclosed serious errors of judgment on their part and that he had told some to consider retirement and others to expect severe reprimands.

Hill said it is "common knowledge" that Daniel M. Hartnett, deputy director for law enforcement, and Edward D. Conroy, deputy associate director, plan to retire.

Hill said, however, that both men are at or near retirement age and that he knows of no link between their decisions and the Waco raid.

- Associated Press

by CNB