Guide Note

June 27, 2008: The Justice Department reached a settlement agreement in a lawsuit filed by former government scientist Steven Hatfill. Dr. Hatfill was named as a "person of interest" in a series of anthrax attacks in 2001. Hatfield sued the Justice Department for disclosing his name to the media.

The Justice Department has agreed to pay Hatfield $5.8 million to settle the suit.¹

Fast Facts

Born: October 24, 1953

Named as "person of interest" by John Ashcroft in connection with anthrax attacks

FBI said 20 people were "persons of interest"²

Hatfill was only person whose name was released

Sued U.S. Department of Justice (USDOJ) in 2003

Settled lawsuit with USDOJ in 2008 for $5.8 million¹

USDOJ did not admit wrongdoing in settlement

Hatfill alleged his constitutional rights were violated²

Hatfill's apartment searched three times²

Hatfill alleged he lost job as a result²

In deposition for lawsuit, Ashcroft answered "I don't know" 85 times²

Steven Hatfill Settlement

The Mahalo Top 7

BBC News: Huge US payout over anthrax case (June 27, 2008)
The Associated Press: US to Settle Scientist's Anthrax Lawsuit (June 27, 2008)
Washington Post: U.S. Settles Scientist's Lawsuit...for $5.85 Million (June 27, 2008)
MSNBC: Congress Demands Anthrax Probe Answers (December 12, 2006)
CNN: Anthrax 'Person of Interest' Sues Ashcroft, FBI (August 27, 2003)
60 Minutes: "... Person Of Interest" Files Lawsuit... (March 11, 2007)
60 Minutes Video: Hatfill Files Lawsuit (March 11, 2007) (Time: 13:17)