AP
Posted: 5:00 am
June 28, 2008
WASHINGTON - The Justice Department has agreed to pay $5.8 million to settle a lawsuit with former Army scientist Steven Hatfill, who was named as a person of interest in the 2001 anthrax attacks.
Hatfill claimed the Justice Department violated his privacy rights by speaking with reporters about the case.
Settlement documents were filed in federal court Monday. Both sides agreed to the deal, according to the documents, and once they are signed, the case will be dismissed.
The deal requires the Justice Department to pay $2.825 million up front and buy Hatfill a $3 million annuity that will pay him $150,000 each year for 20 years.
"The United States does not admit to any violation of the Privacy Act and continues to deny all liability in connection with Dr. Hatfill's claims," Justice Department spokesman Brian Roehrkasse said in response to the settlement.
Five people were killed and 17 sickened by anthrax mailed to Capitol Hill and members of the news media in New York, including The Post, and Florida weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.
