ATF Responds to Inaccurate News Reports Regarding "Fast and Furious" Personnel

WASHINGTON, Aug. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following statement is from Scot Thomasson, chief, Public Affairs Division, Office of Public and Governmental Affairs, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF):

"Recent media reports have inaccurately characterized personnel changes involving ATF agents associated with the Fast and Furious operation as promotions. Special Agents Voth, Newell and McMahon were laterally transferred from operational positions and moved into administrative roles, they were not promoted.  They did not receive salary or grade increases nor did they assume positions with greater responsibility.  

On May 13, 2011, Deputy Assistant Director McMahon, Field Operations was reassigned to a position within the Office of Professional Responsibility and Security Operations back filling a position that had been vacant for over a year.  His transfer was one of six other transfers announced on that day involving various other positions.

On August 1, 2011, Special Agent Newell, who had been selected as Country Attache Mexico City, was reassigned to the Office of Management to assist with the OIG investigation and Congressional inquiry.

Furthermore, Special Agent Voth was reassigned to a headquarters position, a lateral move into a program area.

These transfers/reassignments have never been described as promotions in any of the documents announcing them."

Contact: Public Affairs Division
(202) 648-8500

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives