Wise Co. court reporter accused of lying to agents

NORTON, Va. (AP) — A circuit court reporter in Wise County faces charges of lying to federal and state investigators.

Ernest Benko is accused of providing false information to an FBI agent when questioned about his assignment to record sworn statements from a federal witness in a 2009 drug case.

Benko was indicted this week on charges of making a false statement and conspiracy.

According to the indictment, an attorney under investigation by the FBI hired Benko to record sworn statements from witnesses to falsely represent that the attorney didn't do anything illegal or unethical.

When questioned by the agent in September 2012, the indictment charges that Benko denied knowledge of the attorney's drug use.

A spokesman for the U.S. Attorney's Office tells the Bristol Herald Courier (http://bit.ly/13jew9z) that Benko was arrested Tuesday.

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Information from: Bristol Herald Courier, http://www.bristolnews.com