To SAC Seattle re Verner Weinz contact about Air Transport Association reward
Document date 17 May 1972
Also filed at: Part 73 pp. 318–319
Copies may differ in what was redacted.
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Id: Cooper-Part-25:390-391
Subject: Cooper Files: Cooper-Part-25:390-391 Document: Memo to SAC Seattle re Verner Weinz contact about Air Transport Association reward Id: Cooper-Part-25:390-391 Page: https://cooper.theunsolved.net/documents/Cooper-Part-25%3A390-391 What is wrong (title, date, type, which pages belong together, copies)? What does the scan show?
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FBI 164-81, Vault Part 25 pp. 390–391 (DB Cooper-8463–8464), Memo, dated 17 May 1972 — cooper.theunsolved.net/documents/Cooper-Part-25%3A390-391
UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT Memorandum
TO : SAC, SEATTLE (164-81)(P) DATE: 5/17/72
FROM : SA [REDACTED]
SUBJECT: NORJAK
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On May 10, 1972, Mr. VERNER WEINZ, 1401 S. 12th, Mount Vernon, Washington, was contacted by the writer in response to a phone call he made to the Everett Resident Agency concerning captioned matter. Mr. WEINZ indicated that he worked for the Skagit County Sheriff's Office as a deputy for five years about 20 years ago, and would have come forward with information sooner if he had not developed such a distrust for the American Court System. He recently saw an article in the Seattle Times, which indicated that the Air Transport Association of America would pay up to $250,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of persons committing airborne crimes. Mr. WEINZ indicated that he is a businessman and felt that he could furnish some information concerning this hijacking if the reward was high enough.
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Mr. WEINZ indicated that an individual he has known for several years, came to his home in Mount Vernon several weeks before the hijacking. He indicated that he and friends were going to pull a big deal with a take of $200,000. He said it would be the greatest news event in the northwest and would make all of the papers. His partner remained outside in the car while WEINZ spoke with his friend. Mr. WEINZ said he would furnish no other information until he was told how much reward he would get.
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On May 10, 1972, SA CHARLES E. FARRELL was contacted by the writer regarding the above information. He indicated that the reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the subject is $5,000.
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On May 11, 1972, Mr. VERNER WEINZ was again contacted at his home in Mount Vernon by the writer. He immediately inquired as to the amount of the reward and was given a figure of $5,000. Mr. WEINZ laughed and said he would furnish the information for no less than $50,000 and would have to have a majority of that amount in his possession before he would furnish any names. WEINZ did agree to furnish additional details concerning his conversation with the friend.
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SEARCHED ......INDEXED...... [illegible date stamp] DB Cooper-8463
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(5) TMK/slb Buy U.S. Savings Bonds Regularly on the Payroll Savings Plan
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b6 b7C
SE 164-81
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He advised that in November 1971, approximately 3 weeks before the hijacking, his friend stopped by the house. The friend indicated that a big deal had been set up two weeks prior, but was cancelled because of bad weather. He said there were three individuals involved and they needed one more. He indicated that one partner had backed out of the deal, and they needed a replacement. The friend indicated the group would make $200,000 and that this would be the biggest deal ever pulled in the northwest. As he left, he said,"You will read about this in all of the papers." He gave no details and never mentioned airplanes or hijacking. He stayed at the home approximately 1 1/2 hours, but said nothing specific about the type of job he had planned. On a previous contact the friend asked WEINZ if he would ever consider a job outside the law. WEINZ told him that he needed work and would consider anything. WEINZ further stated that there was a second man waiting for his friend in the car. He did not get a good look at him, but assumed he would be the man known as "D.B. Cooper". His friend is a large man,and in no way, fits the description of the hijacker.
Mr. WEINZ again stated that he would furnish no other information and would furnish no names, unless he is insured of at least $50,000. He said that the more he thinks it over, the more he thinks the information is worth at least $100,000.
WEINZ is a white male, American, born May 24, 1911, 6'2", 210 pounds, gray hair, blue eyes.
On May 11, 1972, this matter was discussed with Sheriff JOHN BOYINGTON, Skagit County Sheriff's Office, Mount Vernon, Washington. BOYINGTON advised that he has known WEINZ for many years and served with the sheriff's office at the same time as WEINZ. He indicated that WEINZ was in the pinball machine business for several years before the state clamped down on the business. He has many contacts out- side the law and has the ability to obtain information about crimes. In most instances, his information is fairly accurate. BOYINGTON stated that WEINZ is in desperate need of money and would furnish information if even a small amount were offered to him. He also stated that WEINZ drinks too much at times and tends to become loud and boasts. He can be a very dangerous man at most times and is very strong.
No further investigation being conducted, unless requested by case agent.
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DB Cooper-8464
Serials: SE 164-81