The Hazards of A Messy Desk

By Sidney Urquhart

If there's anyone who should know how to guard against leaks, it's John Martin, chief of internal security at the Justice Department. Yet Martin went home from the office one night in April, leaving a thick pile of supersensitive documents on the Iran-contra affair sitting on his desk. A routine security sweep that night revealed his carelessness and earned Martin an immediate suspension. Justice insiders say Martin may receive further punishment for the accidental security breach but will probably be able to return to his job.

With reporting by Linda Williams