| Posted on Fri, Mar. 14, 2003 |  |
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Man Accused in Bomb-Sniffing Dogs Case
Associated Press ALEXANDRIA, Va. - The federal government Friday arrested a businessman who had provided it with purported bomb-sniffing dogs that were allegedly unable to detect even 50 pounds of dynamite. Russell Lee Ebersole, 43, was in custody Friday awaiting arraignment next week on fraud and other charges. Ebersole is accused of lying about the qualifications of his dogs and their handlers and faking certifications. He did business with several federal agencies, including the State Department and the Federal Reserve. Ebersole, owner of Detector Dogs Against Drugs and Explosives near Winchester, Va., was paid $700,000 for work for the agencies in 2001 and 2002. Thursday's indictment alleges Ebersole's dogs failed five independent tests. In one, dogs and handlers were unable to detect 50 pounds of dynamite and 15 pounds of plastic explosives hidden in vehicles. Ebersole's lawyer, Spencer Ault, said his client is innocent. "Russ is a very talented dog trainer and handler. He has trained many dogs that have protected many people," Ault said. "The allegations that have been made cannot be supported." Ebersole was indicted on 26 counts, each of which carries a maximum prison sentence of five years. Virginia officials earlier brought charges against Ebersole that could have led to the loss of his certification. A hearing officer dismissed them, citing insufficient evidence. But the state has since charged Ebersole with perjury for allegedly submitting fraudulent documents about his training and expertise during the hearing. |
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