Spotlight On: Leslie G. Wiser, Jr., FBI Special Agent in Charge, Retired

On Tuesday, February 27, 2007, 200 guests attended the retirement celebration of Supervisory Agent in Charge Les Wiser at Mayfair Farms in West Orange, New Jersey.

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FROM THE RETIREMENT PROGRAM

Leslie G. Wiser, Jr. was appointed by Director Mueller as Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Newark Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in April 2005. In this position, he was responsible for all FBI investigations and operations in eighteen of New Jersey's twenty-one counties.

Mr. Wiser entered the FBI in 1983, serving in the Minneapolis Division. From 1986 until 1995, he served in the FBI's Washington Field Office, where he was primarily assigned foreign counterintelligence and espionage matters. In September 1992, he was promoted to the position of field supervisor and directed the espionage investigation of former CIA officer Aldrich Hazen Ames, for which he received the National Intelligence Medal of Achievement from the Director of Central Intelligence.

In March 1995, he was assigned to the FBI's Congressional Affairs Office at FBI Headquarters and was responsible for liaison with the House and Senate judiciary and intelligence committees. In December 1995, former Director Freeh appointed him Inspector-in-Charge of the espionage investigation of FBI Special Agent Earl Pitts. From 1996 until 1999, Mr. Wiser served as Chief of the Overseas Espionage Unit in the National Security Division. In April 1999, he was assigned to the Washington Field Office as Assistant Special Agent in Charge, where he headed the Special Operations Branch.

In August 2000, former Director Freeh selected Mr. Wiser to Chief of the Training, Outreach and Strategy Section of the National Infrastructure Protection Center in the Counterterrorism Division. Under his direction, the FBI published a plan and guide to assist state and local enforcement agencies in protecting their data and communications systems. He also worked with the private sector to enhance information sharing for the protection of critical infrastructure.

In February 2002, Director Mueller appointed Mr. Wiser as Inspector-in-Charge, responsible for conducting national security investigations in the Los Angeles Division. The investigation he led resulted in the arrest and indictment of a retired FBI Supervisory Agent and his long-time confidential informant, for which Mr. Wiser received the Director's Award for Outstanding Counterintelligence Investigation.

In March 2004, Mr. Wiser was appointed SAC of the Columbia Division, where he was responsible for all FBI investigations and operations in South Carolina. On February 3, 2007, Mr. Wiser retired from the FBI after 23 years of service.

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During the retirement ceremonies, Mr. Wiser was honored with tributes and awards by numerous law enforcement, government and community representatives including:

• The Federal Bureau of Investigation
• The New Jersey Transit Police Pipe Band
• The Montclair Police Department Honor Guard
• St. Benedict's Preparatory School
• U.S. Attorney Christopher J. Christie
• New Jersey Attorney General Stuart Rabner
• New Jersey Senate President Richard J. Codey
• Sheriff Armando B. Fontoura of Essex County, NJ
• Bergen County Police Chiefs Association
• Port Authority Police
• New Jersey State Police
• FBI National Academy
• Canadian Security Intelligence Service
• Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory of the FBI
• Central Intelligence Agency
• United States Secret Service
• Essex County Police Chiefs Association
• United States Postal Inspection Service
• SWAT team of the FBI Newark Field Office
• U.S. Congress

Aside from the admiration of these many representatives, undoubtedly the most moving tributes of the day came form those most closely associated with Les Wiser, his co-workers and children Victoria and Daniel.

Les concluded the ceremony by graciously speaking of the privilege it has been to serve the FBI, his country and his deep appreciation for the devotion of his wife, children and loved ones.