Posted on 01/14/2022 12:22:18 PM PST by gattaca
The attorney for Capitol Hill protest participant Ray Epps, former FBI agent John Blischak, told The Epoch Times on Jan. 12 that his client has been interviewed by federal law enforcers and “unequivocally, he is not an FBI informant.”
Speculation about Epps has gradually built for months, coming to a head when top federal law enforcement officials refused to answer questions about his alleged connections to law enforcement during a Jan. 11 Senate hearing on domestic terrorism. The Democratic-led House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, breach of the U.S. Capitol released a statement following the hearing, claiming to have interviewed Epps and that he’s not a “fed”—but this prompted further questions and criticism.
While The Epoch Times was initially unable to reach Epps for comment, he responded to a text message later on the night of Jan. 11.
“Please refer any questions to our attorney John Blischak,” Epps wrote. “He will be happy to answer your questions, as I’ve been advised not to talk to anyone at this time.”
When reached by phone the next morning, Blischak vigorously denied that Epps is a federal informant.
Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, speaks during a hearing to examine US–Russia policy at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, on Dec. 7, 2021. (ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) “He was interviewed by the FBI in Arizona,” he said. “I was present during that interview, and unequivocally, he is not an FBI informant.”
Asked whether Epps is an asset for any government agency—law enforcement, intelligence, or otherwise—Blischak said, “Not to my knowledge.”
Then why didn’t Department of Justice officials deny any connections to Epps?
“Knowing the FBI as I do, they’re not going to comment one way or another,” Blischak said.
Epoch Times Photo Ray Epps is shown at lower left on an early FBI ‘wanted’ poster, but his photo has since been scrubbed from the FBI website. (FBI.gov/Wayback Machine) Blischak also denied any deals or agreements between Epps and the FBI. He said he’s representing Epps “in the event that he becomes a potential defendant in any action brought as to what happened on Jan. 6, 2021.”
“We’ve been working with the House Committee,” Blischak. “That’s what we’ve been doing.”
The Epoch Times asked whether Epps was under oath during his interview with the Jan. 6 Committee or with the FBI. Blischak didn’t directly answer the question, instead explaining that when FBI agents interview individuals, they typically aren’t under oath.
When asked for a copy of the transcript between Epps and the committee, Blischak said copies will be provided to attorneys of Jan. 6 defendants.
Epoch Times Photo Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), speaks as members share the recollections on the first anniversary of the assault on the US Capitol in the Cannon House Office Building in Washington, on Jan. 6, 2022. (MANDEL NGAN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) “I can, but I don’t have it. I probably can down the road, but I haven’t made any effort,” he said when The Epoch Times requested a copy. “I first want to get with my client.”
When asked to characterize Epps’s actions on Jan. 5 and 6, Blischak said, “Merely present.”
Video footage shows Epps urging protestors to enter the Capitol on multiple occasions, as well as talking to someone at the initial breach site right before that person began rushing the barricades—raising questions among some about whether Epps told the person to attack.
As to why his client hasn’t been charged, Blischak said, “Because he’s not guilty! He has a good attorney.”
Blischak is a former FBI agent who worked in Cleveland and then Arizona from 1974–85.
His bio says: “In 1975, John W. Blischak embarked on a rewarding nine-year career as an FBI agent with the U.S. Department of Justice, commencing in Cleveland and thereafter transferring to Phoenix. Wanting to seek independence and a challenge, Mr. Blischak, voluntarily left the FBI and commenced a three-year stint as a prosecutor in the Maricopa County [Arizona] Attorney’s Office.”
Epoch Times Photo Law enforcement officers walk out of the J. Edgar Hoover FBI Building in Washington on Jan. 28, 2019. (Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Since then, Blischak has been handling a variety of criminal matters, from DUI cases to white-collar crime, according to his site.
Blischak downplayed the significance of his past with the FBI.
“There’s no correlation. It’s public record. I can’t lie that I was an FBI agent from ’75-’84, but I do not know that when he retained me, that he knew that,” he said. “In other words, he didn’t retain me because I’m a former FBI agent.”
Richard Booth, an independent researcher of the Oklahoma City bombing, told The Epoch Times that it’s common for FBI agents to transition into private practice for financial reasons. He cited former FBI Deputy Director Weldon Kennedy, who wrote in his memoirs about how many agents struggled to make ends meet when transferred to expensive places such as New York City.
“Many in FBI are lawyers and they’re notoriously underpaid, so not surprised to see one practicing law,” Booth said. “On the other hand, it sure looks suspicious.”
Meanwhile, Blischak said he hasn’t issued a demand for a retraction or had any other communications with Revolver News, the site that published the original deep dives into Epps.
“We’ve had discussions. … I personally haven’t been involved in that aspect,” he said.
“They [Revolver] are throwing him against the wall. I know that, and right now I have a meeting [with Epps today]. He’s going to be in my office in about four hours, and I’ll know our future plans after that meeting.”
Very good point.
The only person, that I know of, who is on video inciting people to breach the Capitol building and did it multiple times. That demonstrates clear intent. But he is “not a Fed” and not indicted for “insurrection” or “sedition.” You betcha.
He is the primary instigator of the Capitol breach and he is either a Fed, he worked for the Feds or is (should be) the primary suspect.
Instead he’s actually a hero to Jan. 6 Committee members.
#RayEppsDidntKillHimself
Or was hired by a government official who isn’t part of one of the alphabet agencies. IOWs a “private contract.”
He could truthfully claim he doesn’t and didn’t work for the government.
Because he was working for Schitt and Pelousi
“Mr. John W. Blischak was born in Scuvindile, Ohio. After graduating from law school in Cleveland, Ohio in 1975, John W. Blischak embarked on a rewarding nine year career as a FBI Agent with the U.S. Department of Justice commencing in Cleveland and thereafter transferring to Phoenix. Wanting to seek independence and a challenge, Mr. Blischak, voluntarily left the FBI and commenced a three-year stint as a prosecutor in the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office in the complex white collar crime unit where invaluable trial experience was accumulated and thereafter Mr. Blischak ventured into sole practice in 1987.
John W. Blischak also has attained a CPA certification in Arizona and has testified in U.S. District Court in Arizona as an expert accountant. This CPA background serves as an invaluable asset for various business-minded clients.
With over 40 years of experience working in the criminal defense field as an F.B.I. Agent, Maricopa County Deputy Prosecutor and as a Criminal Defense Attorney in Arizona, Mr. John W. Blischak is now the Supervising Attorney at Blischak Law and oversees all Criminal Law cases, DUI Law cases, and Personal Injury cases involving Automobile Accidents. Attorney John W. Blischak has seen it all, Mr. Blischak’s biggest asset is his relation with prosecutors and law enforcement in ways other lawyers cannot because of his background. He is known in the legal community for his honesty, forthrightness, and personal charm. If you or someone you know is facing criminal charges, or has been involved in an automobile accident, it is comforting to know that your attorney knows so many angles and opportunities to work any case inside and out.”
Well, since his attorney says…
So he’s Epps’ handler…
How stupid do they really think the American public are?
He’s above the law, you silly dilly. He’s not an informant, just a big Democrat donor.
Were they unaware of what was taking place on the opposite side
of the Capital Building?
This is pretty damning of their case IMO.
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