For Immediate Release
September 28, 19999

Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office

The FBI today issued the following statement:

The Federal Bureau of Investigation announced today that Stephen W. Dillard, the current Special Agent in Charge of the Jackson Field Office, has been appointed as Inspector in Charge of a task force composed of FBI Special Agents and analysts that will investigate the possible theft or compromise of classified information from United States nuclear laboratories, including Los Alamos Nuclear Laboratory. The manpower needs for this task force are currently being assessed commensurate with the short and long term investigative strategies being developed.

Mr. Dillard, who received a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree from the Mississippi College School of Law, is a 21-year veteran investigator and administrator with the FBI. He has served in the FBI's Kansas City, Washington, D.C., and Salt Lake City Field Offices. In addition, Mr. Dillard has served in the National Security Division, FBI Headquarters, as Section Chief where he managed all foreign counterintelligence and counter espionage operations in the Global Section. Mr. Dillard has also held positions within the National Security Division as Assistant Section Chief of the Counterterrorism Section, Unit Chief of the Russian Section, and Unit Chief of the Counterterrorism Section.

Mr. Dillard's appointment as Inspector of the task force is effective on September 27, 1999.