WEB SITE ON INFORMANTS HAS SOME SMELLING RAT WEB SITE MIGHT TRAP 'RATS'

Oklahoma law enforcement officials believe a new Web site could put
investigators in danger. The site, www.whosarat.com, debuted Tuesday.
Its founder, Sean Bucci, said the site is designed to allow users to
post information about law officers and confidential informants --
including names, photographs and addresses.

The purpose, he said, is to provide a resource tool for defendants and
defense attorneys who need to gather information about their accusers.

"I'm not trying to harass anybody or incriminate anybody or anything
like that," Bucci said. "I'm just providing a forum for people to talk
about and discuss this stuff."

Even so, Oklahoma City police and the Oklahoma State Bureau of
Investigation expressed concerns about the site's intended content.

"Law enforcement would be justifiably concerned about any Web site
database that shows the pictures and personal information of
undercover officers and informants," police Capt. Jeffrey Becker said.
"Undercover work is a necessary part of some criminal investigations,
and many times the targets of these investigations are violent and
dangerous people.

"This irresponsible type of Internet exposure of sensitive information
could jeopardize the safety of those undercover and only benefit those
who want to engage in criminal activity."

OSBI spokeswoman Jessica Brown questioned the accuracy of the site's
information.

"We believe it is detrimental to the security of dedicated law
enforcement agents across the United States," she said. "We also think
it is detrimental to the security of the public whom the agents are
trying to protect."

Bucci, 31, of Boston, said he decided to launch the site after hearing
stories from others about bogus arrests based on information from paid
informants, or rats.

The subject may also be personal. Last year, Bucci was charged in
federal court with conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Court documents
show the investigation began after Bucci was singled out by a Drug
Enforcement Agency informant.

Bucci said he is still "in the middle" of that case and could not talk
about it.

He said he expects criticism from legal authorities but will not shut
down his site except under court order.

"The odds of most people having an agent's picture are slim to none;
99.9 percent of the agents don't have to worry about it," Bucci said.
"As far as the informants, what can I say about that? They have no
regard for the person they're informing on. ... If the person turns
around and informs on them, well, so be it. Sounds like they're even."