Lawyer, 2 Others Trying to Block Sept. 11 Informant's Deportation

Lawyer, 2 Others Trying to Block Sept. 11 Informant's Deportation

by Doris Bloodsworth
The Orlando Sentinel
November 10, 2002

An Orlando immigration attorney and two other men are joining forces to help block deportation of Walid Arkeh, a Jordanian national who told federal authorities about terrorist plans he learned while imprisoned with three associates of Osama Bin Laden.

Arkeh, who has lived in Central Florida since 1991, thought he would get asylum in exchange for testifying about his knowledge of the Sept. 11 attacks and the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings in Africa. Arkeh's hopes of avoiding deportation and staying near his family in Florida fell apart when federal authorities in August thanked him for his "credible" information as a material witness but refused to offer him help, Arkeh and his attorney said.

"If there is a punishment for speaking the truth in this country, you're going to have a serious problem getting people to cooperate," Arkeh said at a North Florida prison.

Arkeh, 35, now serving the final days of a 30-month sentence for dealing in stolen property and slapping his child, said he fears terrorists will kill him in revenge for providing information related to the attacks.

It is a concern shared by his New York attorney, Labe Richman, and Arkeh's family. They and Arkeh are pinning their hopes on the attorney and two men who helped Arkeh contact the FBI before Sept. 11.

Barry Brumer, an immigration attorney with 30 years' experience, said Arkeh deserves to stay in the United States for the help he provided federal investigators. He also thinks Arkeh, who speaks Arabic and English, could be an asset in the future.

"We were clueless about the tactics of the terrorists," Brumer said Thursday. "The only way we'll get up to speed is to talk to the people who understand them."

'I feel guilty'

Leroy Hardman, who helped Arkeh contact the FBI in August 2001, said he is upset at the government's plans. Arkeh would be sent to Jordan, where he says he has not lived since childhood and knows no one.

"I feel guilty because I told him to call the FBI," Hardman said. He recalls telling Arkeh, "If you'll talk to them and be open and honest, they'll give you protection."

Hardman, 52, was serving a 45-day road-rage sentence in August 2001 when the two men met. Arkeh had fled the country the previous year because he feared deportation and was returned in July 2001 for sentencing.

While imprisoned in London's Brixton prison awaiting extradition, Arkeh met three men indicted for their roles in the 1998 U.S. embassy bombings. Arkeh said he encountered his fellow Muslims during religious ceremonies and later overheard plans for upcoming attacks on the World Trade Center and government buildings in Washington, D.C.

Shortly after he arrived at the Seminole County jail, Arkeh sought Hardman's help to warn the FBI. Hardman contacted longtime friend and bondsman Russell "Bruce" Moncrief , 53, who persuaded agents to meet Arkeh on Aug. 21, 2001.

Orlando FBI agents said they did not find Arkeh credible, but in April, New York FBI agents and assistant U.S. Attorney Leslie Brown transferred Arkeh to a Manhattan prison where they questioned him as a material witness. Arkeh and his attorney said in August that federal authorities thanked Arkeh for his "credible, helpful" information but declined any help with immigration.

Some foreign nationals who were detained as material witnesses -- people who have information pertaining to a criminal investigation -- already have been deported.

Attorney general's plan

Last year, U.S. Attorney General John Ashcroft announced his Responsible Cooperators Program -- extended visas and even U.S. citizenship -- to encourage the kind of help Arkeh gave the FBI and U.S. Attorney's Office.

It is unclear, though, if even one person has been offered Ashcroft's plan. Department of Justice officials did not return repeated phone calls and faxed requests. As of January, no applications had been approved, Justice officials said earlier this year.

Attorney Brumer is ready to champion Arkeh's cause. He wants to move Arkeh's case to the Orlando immigration court.

Scheduled for release

Arkeh, an Altamonte Springs resident who is married to an American citizen, is scheduled for release next month. He will probably be detained by immigration until his fate is decided in a closed hearing.

Hardman said he wants to testify on Arkeh's behalf and plans to launch a petition drive. Moncrief said he also would help.

Arkeh is clinging to the three Central Florida men as his last hope.

"I did it to show my loyalty to the United States," Arkeh said about his attempts to help authorities. "It is home to me."

Doris Bloodsworth can be reached at dbloodsworth@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5446.

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