Las Vegas NowLocal Patriot Act Probe

Local Patriot Act Probe

(Oct. 31) -- Channel 8 Eyewitness News political analyst Jon Ralson learned two local politicians have been included on a list normally reserved for terrorists. The development probably isn't because of suspected terrorist activity. Instead, investigators may be taking advantage of the Patriot Act to strengthen their case in Operation G-Sting.

The Patriot Act was passed shortly after 9-11 to locate terrorists and prevent any future attacks. But Friday, some say the law was abused so that investigators in Operation G-Sting could have a stronger case.

Las Vegas City Councilman Michael Mack, and former Councilman Michael McDonald probably aren't terrorists, but Eyewitness News has learned they are being investigated under a law used to prosecute terrorists. The Patriot Act allows investigators to obtain international bank information on people suspected of having terrorist ties or laundering money.

The two local politicians are on the list. The Patriot Act was passed 45 days after the 9-11 attacks. It gives law enforcement more power to tap phones and secretly search homes. The goal was to track down terrorists and keep another 9-11 from happening. It was not intended to be used in a case like Operation G-Sting. But that appears to be what has happened.

McDonald has already been named a subject of investigation in the alleged political corruption case. Mack has been formally questioned in the past for possible ethical violations, but has never been the target of a federal investigation, until now.

This development will have many opponents of the Patriot Act using it as the perfect example of why the law must be modified or repealed. Now, even some law enforcement officials Eyewitness News spoke to who support the act, say this time it was abused.