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HARRISOTR XCO Dlnifed Siates Senale COMMTT ECK DANKING HOSINANDLNDAN AFAIS Washington, D.c. 205i0 December 21, 1978 The Honcrable Griffin B. Bell Jj 43 Attorney General Department of Justice 1Oth and Constitution Avenue, N.w. Washingten, D.c. 20530 : : Dear Mr. Attorney General: i During the past several years, ranchers throughout the West : including my hons state of New Mexico, have been victimized. by a series cf cattle mutilations. As a result, these ranchers. have as a grour and individually suffered serious economic Covet so. losses. JAn IU LA These mysterion: killings have beer the subject of at least twc articles in national publications, copies of which are RF enclesed. Mr. Ccckburn's article in the December 1975 issu 6L i1J h0 1 of Dsquire states that there had been a federal investigation-. intc this matter, out it was droppea. Mr. Cockburn implids. the invcstigation may have been terninated because cattle NOuY" 3 E mutilation per. se is not a federal offense. While an individuai cattle mutilation may not be a federal. offense, I an very concerned at what appears to be a continued pattern of an organized interstate criminal activity. Therefore, I am requesting that the Justice Department re-examine its jurisdiction in this area with respect to the possible reopening of this iavestigation. Enclosed are copies of my files on this subject. Wnile awaiting what will hopefully be a favorable reply, I shall continue to gather materials that could be of help in such an investigation. If you need further information in studying this matter, please. do not hesi.tate to contact me. Sincerely, Harrison Schmitt Q0-4 DEPARTMENTMF HS:jri RECEIvED Enclosures 23: DEC 28 1973 0 - 9479 i: ECICE CREINAL DIVISION