10-19-13 state justice department fires drug agent

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The state Justice Department has fired a drug agent who accused his former boss of illegally selling and manufacturing guns and possessing a stolen machine gun.  The agency fired Dan Bethards on Oct. 10. Deputy Attorney General Kevin St. John wrote in a termination letter Bethards' allegations were insincere and he failed to conduct himself honestly.  Bethards told the State Journal the letter was full of garbage and he can counter most of the allegations against him. He has filed three complaints with the state Department of Workforce Development claiming DOJ officials retaliated against him for making the accusations against Smith.  Bethards' allegations against Smith led to a federal investigation. Authorities declined to press charges against Smith in August.