Plain-English summaryThis CIA Memorandum for the Record summarizes a review of a broadcast entitled "Mena, Arkansas Under Investigation" from the National Empowerment Network's program American Investigator. The memo notes that the broadcast covered allegations of drug smuggling, arms trafficking, and money laundering at Mena airport during the 1980s, highlighting figures such as Barry Seal and Don Lasater, as well as the company Rich Mountain Aviation. It also identifies several interviewees and notes an effort to obtain Terry Reed's book Compromised for background information.
Key line (verbatim from the document)“The main thrust of the video related to suspicious activities at the Mena, Arkansas airport in the 1980s time frame”
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Full text (2,373 characters)
MENATEAM eee
SUBJECT: VIDEO TAPE REVIEW: NATIONAL EMPOWERMENT NETWORK,
AMERICAN INVESTIGATOR, “MENA, ARKANSAS UNDER
INVESTIGATION,” AIRED FEB 8, 1996
FROM: __| Lows
DATE: FEB 22, 1996 COMMENTS: (Please DATE Comments)
TO:
COPY TO TEAM - APPROVED FOR
RELEASEUDATE:
23-Sep-2009
(Record pails
@
ADMINIS : RNAL USE ONLY
February 22, 1996
MEMORANDUM FOR THE RECORD
SUBJECT: Video Tape Review: National Empowerment
Network, American Investigator, "Mena, Arkansas
Under Investigation," aired February 8, 1996.
1. On February 21, 1996, the undersigned reviewed the above video tape.
The main thrust of the video related to suspicious activities at the Mena,
Arkansas airport in the 1980s time frame. Allegations included drug activities,
arms smuggling and money laundering. Possible connections to CIA and
government officials were explored. Particular emphasis was placed on the
activities of deceased drug smuggler Barry Seal. Additional focus was placed on
the activities of wealthy Arkansas businessman Don Lasater and his possible ties
with Seal and high ranking government officials. The role of Rich Mountain
Aviation also received significant attention.
2. Interviewees for the program included Congressman Leach, Fred
Hampton of Rich Mountain Aviation, and former Arkansas law enforcement
officers L.D. Brown and Russell Welch. References were made to a book by
Terry Reed, entitled "Compromised,” which reportedly relates to the topic at
hand. The credibility of this book was questioned somewhat, however, it may
be useful in terms of background information and leads. Accordingly, an
attempt will be made to obtain this book through the library.
3. Overall, the video provided useful background information on the
Mena allegations and featured some of the key participants.
ONLY
ADMINSRAT REL USE p\\
