While local law enforcement officials were informed that the raids would take place several days before the event, they did not participate in the raids. In addition, local federal employees, including employees of the federal land agencies and FBI, were not directly involved in the investigation or arrests.



A local federal employee expressed frustration with the entire process. “We work for years trying to build a relationship of trust with local residents and officials. Then Big Wigs come down, stir up a hornet’s nest and leave for another 20 years. We can only pick up the pieces.”



Local law enforcement was on call to respond if federal agents uncovered evidence of other crimes (such as drug abuse) during their raids. Apparently, there was no evidence of other crimes.



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