MUFON of Ohio Newsletter

Magazine Overview

The MUFON of Ohio Newsletter, Issue 3, dated Second November 1992, published by MidOhio Research Associates, focuses on UFO investigations and cases. The cover headline highlights a talk by UFO investigator Jerry Black on abductions.

Ohio's Jerry Black Speaks on Abductions

This section reports on veteran UFO investigator Jerry Black's lecture at the Moraine Civic Center in Moraine, Ohio, on October 19. Black, accompanied by his wife Peggy, presented a 95-minute program titled "UFO Abductions A Serious Reality." The presentation included a historical overview of UFOs from the late 1940s to the present, examples of government documents acknowledging UFO existence, and several abduction cases. A significant focus was placed on the celebrated case of three women abducted from Liberty, Kentucky, on January 6, 1976. Jerry Black has investigated UFO sightings in Ohio and other states for 30 years and is a frequent media guest.

Correction

A correction is noted for the first November 1992 issue, stating that the words "Cummings said he saw a dark bronze bellshaped..." were omitted from the first paragraph, second column, on page 14. This article concerned sightings of the crashed Kecksburg object at Ohio's Lockbourne and Wright-Patterson Air Force bases.

The Linda "Cortile" Case

This article introduces the "hottest" abduction case in ufology: the purported abduction of a Manhattan housewife in November 1989. The case, under investigation by ufologist Budd Hopkins, is presented as having the potential to bring the reality of alien abductions to the world, similar to the Betty and Barney Hill case. The case has been discussed at various conferences, including MIT, the MUFON Convention in Albuquerque, and the Midwest Conference. The article notes that a report by George P. Hansen, included in this newsletter, raises a fundamental question about the priorities of UFO researchers: whether investigating an important UFO case is more critical than resolving allegations of criminal conduct by law enforcement or intelligence officers. Hansen believes that if his report is correct, such conduct has occurred and warrants immediate investigation by appropriate authorities.

The author expresses that some leaders in the UFO community disagree with the approach to the "Cortile" case, but they have not heard from them. The newsletter is being issued quickly to inform subscribers about this significant controversy. The author hopes that researchers can continue to investigate the case without interruption and that the community will learn from it, whether it proves to be valid or not.

Rick Dell'Aquila To Hold Organizational Meeting

Rick Dell'Aquila, a State Section Director and attorney from northern Ohio, is hosting an informal organizational meeting for MUFON members and independent UFO investigators. The meeting is scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 1992, from 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 P.M. at the Cuyahoga County Regional Library in Parma, Ohio. Contact information for Dell'Aquila is provided for those seeking more information or directions.

Letter from George P. Hansen

This section includes a letter from George P. Hansen, dated October 20, 1992, from Cranbury, NJ. He states that he is enclosing a short piece discussing a part of Budd Hopkins' case involving Linda Napolitano, also known as "Linda Cortile." The events involve a purported abduction by a UFO and alleged actions by U.S. government agents. Hansen encourages the recipient to copy and distribute the letter and article, and to publish them in periodicals or post them on electronic bulletin boards. He mentions that UFO researchers Joseph Stefula and Richard Butler have uncovered much of the information and that they are planning a more detailed paper, welcoming additional input.

Attempted Murder vs. The Politics of Ufology: A Question of Priorities in the Linda Napolitano Case by George P. Hansen

This article by George P. Hansen presents an abstract detailing Linda Napolitano's claims of being kidnapped, assaulted, battered, harassed, and nearly drowned by two U.S. government agents. Prominent ufologists, including Budd Hopkins, John E. Mack, David M. Jacobs, Jerome Clark, and Walter H. Andrus, Jr., reportedly accept her claims. Hopkins has gathered extensive materials that could be used to apprehend and convict the agents. However, Hopkins, Clark, and Andrus have argued against reporting these alleged crimes to law enforcement, citing potential "politically damaging" consequences for UFO research. Hansen questions their decision and priorities.

The article details the alleged events of November 30, 1989, when Linda Napolitano reportedly floated out of her 12th-floor apartment in lower Manhattan, accompanied by three humanoid figures, and ascended into a hovering craft. Three witnesses, including two government security officers, allegedly observed this. Over a year later, these witnesses wrote to Hopkins. Hopkins has amassed over 80 pages of letters and other material related to the case.

Hansen notes that the case involves alleged felonies such as assault, battery, and kidnapping. He criticizes Hopkins' published account as sketchy and potentially misleading, particularly regarding the gravity of the situation. The article then elaborates on the alleged kidnappings and attempted murder, detailing Linda Napolitano's contact with Richard Butler and Joseph Stefula in January and February 1992 due to safety concerns. She recounted an encounter in April 1991 where she was forced into a car by agents Richard and Dan and interrogated for 3.5 hours about aliens. At a MUFON symposium in July 1992, Napolitano stated she had not reported the kidnapping because it was related to national security and she feared retaliation. She also recalled a second car involved, and under hypnotic regression, provided a license plate number that was reportedly traced to particular agencies.

Further details emerge about an incident on October 15, 1991, where Dan allegedly pulled Linda into a red Jaguar sports car. She managed to record part of his questioning but the tape was confiscated. Dan drove her to a beach house on Long Island, where he demanded she change into a white nightgown and spoke incoherently. She fled but was caught, and Dan allegedly forced her into the water, pushing her head under twice. She believed she would not come up again until a "force" hit Dan, knocking him back. She then saw Dan taking pictures of her. Richard then intervened, convincing her to return to the beach house, and claimed he would control Dan with a "Mickey Finn." Inside, Linda found a cassette tape and stationery bearing a Central Intelligence Agency letterhead.

In a conversation on October 3, 1992, Hopkins stated that Linda came to him after returning to Manhattan, disheveled and traumatized. Linda also reported attempts by one of the men to contact her near the South Street Seaport on December 15 and 16, 1991, driving a black Fleetwood sedan with Saudi Arabian United Nations license plates.

Evidence Accumulated by Hopkins

Hopkins has gathered significant information about Richard and Dan, including approximately 80 pages of letters that might help identify typewriters and potentially contain fingerprints. He also has tape recordings that could be used for voiceprint identification. Hopkins claims to know the government agency employing the two and the identity of the dignitary they were guarding, who could assist in their identification. Linda reportedly told Stefula and Butler that the dignitary was Javier Perez de Cuellar, former Secretary General of the United Nations.

The Counsel of Ufology's Leaders

Hansen acknowledges that readers might dismiss Linda's account but notes that several prominent ufologists, including Dr. John Mack and David Jacobs, believe she is telling the truth. Mack, former head of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, met Linda and found her not to be the type to fabricate such a story. Jacobs, a professor of history at Temple University and abduction research colleague of Hopkins, also believed Linda. Hopkins presented additional evidence to Walter Andrus (International Director of MUFON) and Jerome Clark (editor of International UFO Reporter), who are now also persuaded of Linda's honesty. Andrus and Clark are described as highly influential figures in U.S. ufology.

At a meeting on October 3, 1992, Linda expressed willingness to testify against Richard and Dan, despite earlier fears. Hansen informed attendees that he was prepared to request a federal investigation into the attempted murder. However, Hopkins, Andrus, and Clark vigorously objected, urging him not to proceed, stating it would be "politically damaging" to ufology. Hansen was puzzled by their priorities and called Andrus on October 5 to confirm his position, asking him to join in requesting a federal investigation. Andrus questioned Hansen's right to raise these issues and reiterated his opposition to reporting the crimes. The following day, Clark also reaffirmed his opposition.

Hansen concludes by stating he has not received a satisfactory explanation for their views. He emphasizes the risk to Linda and the general public if federal agents have engaged in such acts, calling for them to be brought to justice. He urges Clark, Andrus, and Hopkins to publicly explain their rationale and priorities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently addresses UFO sightings, abductions, and investigations. The editorial stance, particularly in Hansen's article, is critical of certain UFO research leaders who prioritize the perceived political implications for ufology over pursuing allegations of serious criminal conduct by government agents. The publication advocates for transparency and accountability, questioning the decision to withhold information from law enforcement authorities in cases involving potential felonies.