US Attorney's office explains hotline decision

Executive Assistant US Attorney, John Duncan offered insight into the Bernie Fine hotline the federal investigation opened last week. Fine is under federal investigation for allegations of sexual abuse levelled by Zach Tomaselli in addition to local investigations regarding Bobby Davis, Mike Lang, and Floyd VanHooser, who have all alleged abuse by Fine.

The idea of the hotline had been bandied about in the weeks leading up to its implementation last Wednesday. Duncan said the office wanted "to be as thorough as possible, giving the public at least a contact point." Citizens are able to offer tips pertaining to the Fine investigation through the toll-free hotline number (1-855-395-1106) and an email address of the Secret Service (syroffice@usss.dhs.gov).

There is some precedent for the use of hotlines in federal investigations. As Duncan explained, "It's used infrequently, but it's used as an occasional supplement." He alluded to the use of a similar hotline in the investigation of the murder of Assistant US Attorney, Thomas Wales in Seattle.

When asked about the response the hotline has received so far Duncan did not comment.