DEPARTMENT OF THE AIR FORCE
HEADQUARTERS 144m FIGHTER WING (ACC) (ANG)
FRESNO AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE CALIFORNIA

 

041311uary 2018

MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD

FROM: 144 
5323 East McKinley Avenue
Fresno, CA 9372??

SUBJECT: Los Angeles Times Story

1. At 1523L on 03 January 2013 I received an email in my personal civilian email box from Ms.
Alene Tcheionedyian (reporter from the Los Angeles Times) concerning a story they are writing.
In the email, she states: ?retired Maj. Dan Woodside told us that you informed him in December
2017 that you were ordered to destroy the Pineda evidence by the 144th wing ?leadership,? which
in May 2016 consisted of Maj. Gen. Garrison and Col. Drake?. At no time was I ordered, .
instructed, or told to destroy evidence by then-Col. Garrison or Col. Drake. in fact, the evidence
had been stored for nearly a year (several months after the investigation was closed). In
discussions with my investigator and after reviewing the appropriate Air Force histruction

(AFB 1-1 15) about investigations, evidence holding, and disPosition, the investigator and I felt
that there was no reason to continue storing it. I discussed disposing of the evidence with then-
Col Garrison and his only guidance was to consult with the Wing?s Judge Advocate General
(then-Lt Col Caryn Warren) beforehand to ensure we were doing things properly and in
accordance with the A memorandum for record (MFR) from the investigating officer
specifying evidence destruction and disposal was written on 16 Mar 2016 and signed by the
investigation o?icer. It was concurred with and signed by myself and Lt Col Warren. The
evidence was destroyed and disposed of on 16 June 2016.

lfyou have any ?irther questions about this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at
(559) 454-5125 or DSN 83995125.

MT 

W. DA OHNSTON, Colonel, CA ANG
144??1 Mission Support Group Commander