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Feds Can Keep Mum On Phone Taps, Judge Says

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Jul 17, 2006 2:52 pm US/Central

Feds Can Keep Mum On Phone Taps, Judge Says

Des Plaines Man Accused Of Being A "Sleeper Agent" For Saddam Hussein

CHICAGO (AP) ― A federal judge in Chicago says prosecutors aren't required to tell a man accused of being a "sleeper agent" for Saddam Hussein whether the National Security Agency has tapped his phone.

U.S. District Judge Rebecca Pallmeyer is refusing to order the government to say whether it has conducted surveillance without a warrant on the telephone of Sami Latchin of Des Plaines.

Pallmeyer's order was issued Friday and made public today.

Federal prosecutors contend Latchin kept track of the deposed dictator's American-based critics on behalf of the Iraqi intelligence service under the Saddam Hussein regime.

Latchin is charged with offenses ranging from lying to immigration officials to violating the embargo against trade with Iraq.

His attorneys say they'll ask the judge to reconsider.

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