Pubdate: Fri, 04 May 2012
Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA)
Copyright: 2012 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.utsandiego.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/386
Note: Seldom prints LTEs from outside it's circulation area.

A HORROR STORY FOR THE DEA

There remain many questions for federal drug agents about how a UC 
San Diego student was left handcuffed in a cell without food, water 
or a toilet for more than four days last month resulting in serious 
medical issues that he says nearly killed him. And the answers when 
they come had better be pretty darn good.

To be sure, it is understandable that there might be confusion in the 
wake of a drug raid in which multiple suspects are detained. But 
Daniel Chong, 23, who was not charged with any crime and was 
reportedly told he was about to be released within hours of being 
taken to the Drug Enforcement Administration field office in Kearny 
Mesa on April 21, was instead seemingly forgotten. He says he could 
hear activity outside his cell, but those in the office inexplicably 
did not hear or did not heed his calls for help. When finally rushed 
to a hospital, he was suffering dehydration, a perforated lung, 
possible kidney failure and other ailments.

The DEA's special agent in charge here issued a public apology this 
week, though evidently not to Chong directly. But it will take more 
than that to shed this heap of trouble. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, 
who chairs a key House oversight committee, says he will investigate. 
Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., demanded answers from Attorney General 
Eric Holder. And then there's the no-small matter of Chong's $20 
million claim against the government.

We look forward to learning the full story and expect all details to 
be made public.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom