FBI Expert Allegedly Sold Files to Mob

LAS VEGAS — An FBI security expert who had access to informant identities and witness lists has been charged with selling classified files to organized crime figures and others under investigation.

James J. Hill, an Air Force veteran and security analyst in the FBI’s Las Vegas office, was paid $25,000 for files from 1999 until last week, according to a complaint filed by the bureau in federal court in New York.

He was arrested Friday in Las Vegas after allegedly faxing classified information drawn from computer files to a private investigator in New York. The FBI said the private investigator was also arrested, but it did not release a name.

Hill’s attorney, Barry Levinson, said another former agent used Hill to obtain the files and sell them. “My guy is the fall guy,” he said.

Hill, 51, was charged with obstruction of justice, conspiracy and the theft and sale of top-secret FBI information.

Hill remains in federal custody without bail.

According to the complaint, Hill had security clearances and access to national security data, confidential informant identities, witness lists and electronic surveillance information.