How would I find out whether someone is being investigated?

[kedrys]

That someone is not me or anyone in my family, and I'm talking specifically about an FBI investigation. I'm trying to figure out whether a crime has been committed, and I need to step lightly.

Any suggestions?

[AllegroRondo]

1. Investigated? probably not. Criminal record, yes.

Someone being investigated is usually not made public, unless its something big like a politician in the press. But you can do a quick search to see if someone has any criminal convictions or civil judgements. Just check your state and local government web sites.

[kedrys]

2. I'll try that, thanks!

I figured finding out anything about the other might be tricky.

[davsand]

3. As long as you are not doing anything wrong it shouldn't be a big deal.

Make sure you are physically safe (Geeze--I hope this person isn't an ax murderer!) but much beyond this I don't think I'd fret over it too much.

I would suggest that if you are on the phone with this person or visiting with them that you make sure you don't say anything you wouldn't want to talk about in open court, but much beyond that I'm not sure it really is anything to get worried about.

Things NOT to do:

1. Don't offer to buy or sell drugs anywhere around this person.

2. Don't talk about anything illegal that you or anyone else you know has done or might do.

3. Don't say anything that could be seen as threatening to any person or property.


Just my two cents.


Laura

[kedrys]

4. Good suggestions all

I'm not doing anything wrong - as a matter of fact, I may be an indirect victim of the crime in question. Long and convoluted story, and I hate to be cryptic, but I don't really want to get into it in any detail.

[SteppingRazor]

5. If it's an FBI thing, file a FOIA request with the Dept. of Justice.

By law, they'll have to turn over any public records they have on the subject in question, though you may be expected to pay a fee for copying, handling, etc.

On edit: Here's a link to get you started: http://www.usdoj.gov/oip/

[kedrys]

7. I hadn't thought of that

Mostly because I have no idea how long it takes, but it's worth a try.

Thanks! :hi:

[hisownpetard]

6. Hire an investigator!

[kedrys]

8. One of my buds is in that line of work

But I'm not sure how much I'd like him to find out about the situation. Good suggestion, though. Thanks! :hi: