Black Ministers Say Agents Grill Members Like Suspects

A group of black ministers whose churches have been torched by arsonists complained to Attorney General Janet Reno Sunday that they have been intimidated by law enforcement officials probing the crimes.

“The pastors were absolutely concerned that these investigations have turned into interrogations rather than investigations,” said the Rev. Mac Charles Jones, a spokesman for the church leaders.

After a 90-minute private meeting with Reno, the pastors won a promise by Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Duval Patrick to look into the investigating methods.

Earlier, Jones said agents have grilled some of the ministers and congregation members as if they were suspects.