Feds Accused Of Deception By Terry Nichols’ Lawyer

Bombing suspect Terry Nichols’ attorney accused federal agents on Thursday of using unlawful interrogation tactics and detaining his wife for more than a month.

In documents supporting a motion that Nichols be released on bail, Michael Tigar wrote “federal agents have used deceptive and unlawful tactics to obtain statements from him while he is in custody.”

Nichols and his Army friend Timothy McVeigh are being held at a federal prison in El Reno on charges in the April 19 federal building bombing that killed at least 167 people.

Tigar said agents have kept Nichols under 24-hour video surveillance and recorded a telephone conversation Nichols had with his mother.

Tigar also said that Nichols’ wife, Marife, has been held in custody since April 21 while FBI agents and senior Justice Department officials take turns questioning her.

Tigar asked for bail for Nichols under a list of seven conditions, including that Nichols wear an electronic monitor and that he report to a law enforcement officer each day.

The FBI said next week 20 to 30 agents will begin sifting through the debris left after the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building was demolished.