Anti-ACORN Filmmaker, Others Accused of Trying to Infiltrate Senator's Office
Christopher Weber
Among those taken into custody was James O'Keefe, the conservative filmmaker who shot undercover videos targeting the community organizing group ACORN last year, Politico reported. O'Keefe, 25, was arrested by the U.S. Marshal's Service along with Joseph Basel, Robert Flanagan and Stan Dai, all 24, according to Politico.
The suspects face felony charges of "entering federal property under false pretenses," according to a copy of an FBI affidavit obtained by Politico:
The complaint said that Flanagan and Basel each entered the premises, wearing light green fluorescent vests, denim paints and blue work shirts, tool belts and hard-hats. They informed a member of Landrieu's staff that they were telephone repairmen and requested access to the main telephone at the reception desk, Politico reported.
When asked for identification the men said they left their credentials in their vehicles. They were arrested shortly afterwards.
According to the FBI, the four men could each face up to 10 years and a fine of $250,000 if they are convicted, Politico reported.
O'Keefe made news last year after an undercover video he shot showed ACORN employees discussing prostitution, tax evasion, and smuggling with a couple posing as a pimp and a prostitute.
In December, a report commissioned by the House Judiciary Committee found ACORN, which was heavily criticized after the video came to light, did not violate any federal regulations.