AG taking part in anthrax probe

Thursday, Oct. 29, 1998 | 12:13 p.m.

CARSON CITY -- Attorney General Frankie Sue Del Papa confirmed today her office has been asked by the FBI to take part in the investigation of the anthrax scare in Las Vegas earlier this year.

"We took delivery of certain evidence acquired during the anthrax scare and our office has been requested to review the evidence" for possible violation of the law of practicing medicine without a license, she said.

The investigation targets William Job Leavitt Jr., a former Mormon bishop and civic leader in the Overton-Logandale area in Clark County. Leavitt and Larry Harris, a 47-year-old microbiologist, were arrested by the FBI on Feb. 18 on charges of conspiracy and possession of a biological agent for use as a weapon.

The investigation, however, revealed the substance was not anthrax but rather a harmless veterinary vaccine. And the federal charges were dismissed.

Del Papa said she had no timetable on completing the probe and added her office received a mountain of documents and evidence from the FBI.

Leavitt reportedly conducted biological research and concentrated on alternative medicine. His attorney, Lamond Mills, said in February Leavitt was trying to find cures for Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS and Hepatitis B at a lab he owned in Logandale.

Richard Legarza, attorney for the state Medical Examiners Board, said the board has not started any investigation, as no licensed doctor was involved.

Del Papa cautioned that this was only an investigation and no charges have been filed.