The F.B.I. is looking for evidence that a truck may have traveled from New Jersey to Cleveland about the time of Jimmy Hoffa’s disappearance.
Here’s the release:
CLEVELAND – The FBI is seeking any information that could lead to the whereabouts of former Teamsters International President Jimmy Hoffa. He has been missing since 1975.
On Monday, June 25, the FBI began excavation at a property at 1107 E. 65th Street, off Western Reserve Avenue in Cleveland, Ohio, as part of its excavation warrant. The warrant authorized excavation at the home of Anthony “Tony” Russo, who has pleaded guilty to paying Hoffa protection money and illegal campaign contributions while serving as the Teamsters’ 53rd president between 1973 and 1974.
Russo, who is now 83, told the FBI in a written statement that from his home he could see the corner lot occupied by the Peter Pan Bus depot and the old Gate 7 Motel. The depot and motel were demolished in the 1980s.
Shortly after the excavation began, agents found a state-issued permit to remove soil from that corner lot and then transport it to an EPA-approved site off Cleveland’s western border.
Investigators have unearthed a shovel, dirt and partial remains for testing at this site. Based on a possible sample of soil from Russo’s home, investigators have concluded the dirt did not contain human remains.
The FBI has tentatively agreed to allow Robert G. Bennis to bury the remains inside the container that the excavation unearthed at his address. But Bennis is requesting authorization for the area behind his house on Cocalico Street to be covered with more soil for further testing.
Agents have also set up in the lot adjacent to the excavation site on E. 65th Street so that they can photograph and analyze any development as the excavation progresses.
FBI agents spent a total of 16 hours at the scene, which includes searches on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of the property and a lot on Cocalico Street.
For the latest information on this investigation, contact the Cleveland Division of the FBI at (216) 621-1000 or click here.