The FBI is accused of a gold dig cover-up. Legend has it that in Dents Run, Pennsylvania, an 1863 shipment of gold disappeared on its way to Philadelphia.
The FBI conducted a search for the gold five years ago, after instruments detected a 7 to 9 ton mass underground. While the FBI insists the dig came up empty, treasure hunters who led the FBI to the site accuse the government of finding gold and covering it up.
FBI sued over gold dig records
Dennis Parada is leading the legal battle against the FBI and has been for years. Now, their dispute is playing out in federal court where a judge overseeing the case will decide whether the FBI will have to release its operational plan for the gold dig and other records the FBI wants to keep sealed.
This case follows a separate Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lawsuit where Parada won. Last year the treasure hunter obtained video of some of the gold search along with photos and other FBI records. But Parada says the agency is still hiding crucial documents, landing the FBI back in court.
Justice Department denies finding gold
In court filings, the Justice Department said its legal obligation to hand over records through the FOIA request has been fulfilled. The department asked the judge to dismiss the case. But Parada is asking the judge to ask the agency to look again. He is insisting the FBI is covering up a discovery of gold. The judge has yet to make a decision in the case.
