FORMER FBI OFFICIAL IS INDICTED

A former head of the FBI in El Paso was indicted Wednesday on charges
that he covered up matters relating to his association with a man
accused of having ties to a Mexican drug cartel.

Hardrick Crawford Jr., who served as special agent in charge of El
Paso from July 2001 through November 2003, was charged with five
counts -- making a false statement in electronic communication,
concealing material facts from the FBI, making false statements to the
Department of Justice's Office of Inspector General and two counts of
making false statements in public financial disclosure reports
regarding gifts he allegedly received.

Each of the five counts carries a maximum of five years in prison and
a $250,000 fine. Crawford was expected to turn himself in as early as
today, officials said.

The charges stem from Crawford's relationship with Jose Maria Guardia,
a Mexican citizen who operated gaming houses in Mexico, including a
racetrack in Ciudad Juarez.

The indictment alleges Crawford socialized with Guardia, and accepted
gifts and favors from him, including trips to Las Vegas and Mexico
City, membership and services at an El Paso country club, weekly lawn
service at Crawford's house, and a $5,000 per month salaried position
for Crawford's wife. The gifts and favors were not fully disclosed in
reports required of senior executives, the indictment said.

The indictment alleges Crawford continued his relationship with
Guardia despite FBI intelligence agents advising Crawford that
reliable FBI sources reported Guardia's involvement in drug
trafficking, bribery and money laundering.

At Crawford's request, Guardia was given a polygraph on May 22, 2003,
and failed, the indictment said.

Five days later, Crawford defended Guardia at a news conference at
Guardia's racetrack, and used his position as special agent in charge
to vouch for him, the indictment said.

Neither Crawford nor his lawyer could be reached for comment
Wednesday.