A federal lawsuit filed by Army veteran claims the FBI disqualified him from becoming an agent due to his disability.
By H. Nelson Goodson
July 22, 2013
Alexandra, Virginia - On July 29, a trial is set to start involving the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and former Milwaukee FBI Special Agent in Charge Teresa Carlson in a lawsuit filed by Army veteran Justin Slaby, 30, who claims the FBI disqualified him from the academy due to his handicap. Slaby of Wisconsin had served two tours in Afghanistan was injured in an Army training camp in Georgia when one of his hands was blown off. While he was in the FBI academy, several training instructors in Quantino, Virginia decided that Slaby was unfit to become an agent due to his disability.
FBI agent Mark Crider, Slaby's weapons instructor disagreed with the other instructors because Salby could use and fire weapons with his dominant hand. Carlson allegedly met with Crider and adviced him that it would be for his best interest to take the side of the government in the case, which Crider disagreed and alleged that Carlson was attempting to coerce him into lying.
Last month, Carlson failed to testify in court regarding the case and cited she was being investigated by the Office of Inspector General and needed an attorney.
On July 18, U.S. Magistrate Judge Ivan D. Davis sanctioned the government for the conduct that Carlson and other FBI officials have taken in the case, the AP reported. The judge wrote it would be up to the jury to determine, if Carlson attempted to get Crider to commit perjury. But Davis determined that Carlson did meet with Crider about his testimony, according to AP.
Carlson was temporarily reassigned to the Washington, D.C. FBI office pending the outcome of the case and internal investigation.
