FBI AGENT SAW DRUGS BUT DID NOTHING

Allegations made in probe of Charlotte agent

Two witnesses told a federal investigator that Charlotte FBI agent Erik
Blowers watched people handling illegal drugs in his presence -- and
did nothing about it -- during a 2000 trip to Las Vegas.

The allegations are contained in portions of a 2004 search warrant
unsealed Tuesday after a lawsuit filed by the Observer and its news
partner, WCNC (Channel 6).

Blowers is charged with failing to disclose gifts and travel
reimbursements from two Las Vegas trips in 2000 with David Simonini, a
one-time informant under investigation. Blowers has been suspended
without pay since his indictment in April.

In the newly unsealed passages, Justice Department investigator Eric
Johnson said Simonini was one of the witnesses who alleged that
Blowers was present when "certain people used and displayed illegal
drugs." "Another witness did not recall any drugs used or displayed."

Johnson recounted conversations between Simonini and another informant
in May 2001. Unknown to Simonini, the conversations were recorded.
According to Johnson, Simonini told the informant he'd met with
Blowers to discuss possible loan fraud charges against Simonini.

"Simonini said that Blowers told him the FBI 'would not let him
[Blowers] in on the case, they think he's part of the problem,' "
Johnson wrote. " 'They think he's part of the conspiracy.' "

Simonini later told Johnson that Blowers said he could no longer
access Simonini's FBI file.

Simonini pleaded guilty to fraud and money laundering in 2003. He's
serving four years in federal prison.

The second witness is not identified. In the search warrant, Johnson
said only that it was someone arrested in 1995 for possession of
dangerous drugs, and who was alleged to have bought or distributed the
drug Ecstasy.

Blowers attorney Chris Fialko said, "The government apparently didn't
think Simonini was credible when they indicted him three years ago."

FBI spokesman Tim Stutheit declined to comment on the allegations in
the search warrant. He said only that Blowers remains suspended
"pending resolution of this matter."

Blowers was in federal court in Greensboro Tuesday for a hearing
before District Judge N. Carlton Tilley.

Prosecutors say Simonini paid $2,589 for two tickets to Las Vegas for
Blowers in 2000. Simonini also told prosecutors he gave Blowers a $600
set of golf clubs, which Blowers has repeatedly denied.