Mukasey Among Targets in Marshals’ Complaint
Federal marshals assigned to protect Michael Mukasey and another federal judge say they were treated more like servants than security officers.
The 2005 employee grievance says marshals had to take out the trash and carry groceries and golf clubs for the two judges and their wives. Marshals were not allowed to flush the toilet during the night shift and in one instance were asked to give up first-class airline seats for one of the judges and his wife, according to the complaint.
The complaint says does not name the judges or say which person made which unreasonable demand. The Associated Press says Mukasey and Judge Kevin Thomas Duffy were the only judges with long-standing security details at the time the grievance was filed.
Mukasey would oversee the U.S. Marshals Service if he is confirmed as attorney general.
A Justice Department official who asked to remain anonymous told AP that most of the allegations concerned Duffy. White House spokesman Tony Fratto said Mukasey “has never treated anyone with anything less than respect.” Duffy did not comment.
Jim Parker, a deputy marshal who helped protect Mukasey during an eight-year period, said the judge would not allow him to carry groceries even when he offered help. “He told me, ‘Jim, it’s not your job to carry my bags. Your job is to protect me. So please don’t do that.’ “
