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CNN Sunday Morning

Hatfill Expected to Hold Press Conference Shortly

Aired August 11, 2002 - 10:03   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: In a few hours from now, Dr. Steven Hatfill will make a public statement about the anthrax investigation that he says has destroyed his life. Hatfill is one of 20 people of interest the FBI has been investigating, but he has denied having any connections to the attacks. Joining us with more on this story, CNN's Jeanne Meserve from Washington. Hi there, Jeanne.
JEANNE MESERVE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Fredricka. Steven Hatfill, the former U.S. Army scientist and bioweapon expert is expected to proclaim his innocence in the anthrax attacks and criticize officials for their handling of his case.

In a front page interview with "The Washington Post" this morning, Hatfill says: "I went from being someone with pride in my work, pride in my profession to being made into the biggest criminal of the 21st century for something I never touched. What I've been trying to contribute, my work is finished, my life is destroyed."

The FBI has had no public comment on Hatfill. Government sources have said that he is one of about 20 people they are looking at in connection with the anthrax probe. The FBI has searched Hatfill's apartment twice. The first time was consensual; the second time they got a criminal search warrant. Sources say they turned up no hard evidence, quote, "just circumstantial, but a lot of it, nothing that we can take to court."

Another interesting note, bloodhounds that were given scent packets off the anthrax letters that were sent to Senators Daschle and Leahy had a very strong reaction at Hatfill's apartment, the apartment of his girlfriend, a restaurant where he'd recently eaten and to Hatfill himself.

Pat Clawson, who was a friend of Hatfill's and a spokesman for him said just yesterday: "At no time has he refused to cooperate with the FBI. It has been an open door policy."

However, the effect of this has fallen on Steven Hatfill. He was suspended from a job for 30 days at Louisiana State University. Today, he is feeling compelled to come out and make his case, speak his piece, despite the fact that he's not been charged in this, he has not been named as a suspect. He's not been in any way connected in a more tight way with this. Fredricka, back to you.

WHITFIELD: And, Jeanne, Dr. Hatfill will be making his case by himself, or will he have his family members there? What do we know about how this 1:00 press conference will be conducted? MESERVE: His attorneys will be with him here today here in Alexandria. We expect him to arrive at this location sometime shortly -- Fredricka.

WHITFIELD: Thanks very much, Jeanne Meserve.

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