Ohio UFO Notebook - No 03 - 1992

Magazine Overview

This is the "MUFON of Ohio Newsletter," Number 3, dated the Second November 1992 Issue. Published by MidOhio Research Associates, it covers UFO-related news and investigations, with a focus on abduction cases and the potential involvement of government agencies.

Ohio's Jerry Black Speaks on Abductions

Veteran UFO investigator Jerry Black from Blanchester, Ohio, delivered a 95-minute program titled "UFO Abductions A Serious Reality" at the Moraine Civic Center on October 19. The program included a historical overview of UFOs, government acknowledgments of their existence, and examples of abduction cases. The main focus was Black's celebrated case involving three women abducted from Liberty, Kentucky, on January 6, 1976. Black, who has investigated UFO sightings for 30 years, is a frequent guest on Cincinnati television and radio. This report was submitted by Dave Miller of Moraine, Ohio.

Correction

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

The Linda "Cortile" Case

This section delves into the highly publicized abduction case of Linda Napolitano, a Manhattan housewife, which occurred in November 1989. Investigated by ufologist Budd Hopkins, the case is presented as having the potential to significantly bring the reality of alien abductions to public awareness, comparable to the Betty and Barney Hill case. The evidence has been discussed at various conferences, including one at M.I.T. and the MUFON Convention. George P. Hansen has submitted a report for this newsletter that raises a fundamental question for UFO researchers in a free society: what is more important—investigating a UFO case or resolving allegations of criminal conduct by law enforcement or intelligence officers sworn to protect society? Hansen asserts that criminal conduct by law enforcement cannot be tolerated and that if the information in his paper is correct, such conduct has occurred and requires immediate investigation by appropriate authorities.

The author notes that some leaders in the UFO community disagree with this position regarding the "Cortile" case but states that their views have not yet been heard. To ensure the UFO research community is aware of this controversy, the newsletter is being issued soon after the previous one. The author hopes that researchers like Hopkins can continue their investigation without undue interruption and that the case will be fully investigated, whether it proves to be valid or not.

Rick Dell'Aquila To Hold Organizational Meeting

Rick Dell'Aquila, a State Section Director and attorney in 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 AM to 1:00 PM at the Cuyahoga County Regional Library in Parma, Ohio. Contact information for further details is provided.

Letter from George P. Hansen

George P. Hansen, from Princeton Arms North, Apt. 59, Cranbury, NJ, dated October 20, 1992, sends a "short piece" discussing a part of Budd Hopkins' case involving the purported abduction of Linda Napolitano (using "Linda Cortile" as a pseudonym). Hansen encourages the recipient to copy and distribute the letter and enclosed article, and to publish them in periodicals or post them on electronic bulletin boards. He mentions that information was uncovered by UFO researchers Joseph Stefula and Richard Butler, and that he, along with them, is planning a more detailed paper, welcoming additional information.

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

This article, authored by George P. Hansen, presents an abstract stating that UFO abductee Linda Napolitano claims she was 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., accept her claims. Hopkins has gathered extensive materials that could aid in apprehending and convicting the agents. However, Hopkins, Clark, and Andrus have argued against reporting these crimes to law enforcement, citing potential "politically damaging" consequences for UFO research. Hansen questions their priorities and asks them to defend their decision.

The article details the case, asserting that on November 30, 1989, Linda Napolitano floated out of her 12th-floor apartment in lower Manhattan. Three witnesses, including two government security officers, allegedly observed Linda and three humanoid figures emerge from a window and ascend into a hovering craft. Over a year later, the security officers provided written accounts to Hopkins. The case is described as complex, with alleged felonies including assault, battery, kidnapping, and attempted murder committed by government agents.

Budd Hopkins' published account of these aspects is criticized as sketchy and potentially misleading. The article recounts Linda Napolitano's contact with Richard Butler and Joseph Stefula on January 28, 1992, due to concerns about her safety. During a meeting on February 1, 1992, Linda described an encounter in April 1991 where she was forced into a car by Richard and interrogated for 3.5 hours about aliens.

At a MUFON symposium in July 1992, Linda stated she had not reported the kidnapping to the police, believing it was legal due to national security and fearing death if she opposed a government agency. Hopkins reportedly did not dispute this. Linda recalled details about another car involved, including its license plate number, which Hopkins claims have been traced to specific agencies.

Further details emerge from the February 1 meeting, where Linda reported an incident on October 15, 1991. 'Dan' pulled her into a red Jaguar sports car and took her to a beach house on Long Island. There, he demanded she change into a white nightgown, similar to one she wore during the UFO abduction. He then expressed a desire for sex with her. After she refused, he forced her into the water, pushing her head under twice, leading her to believe she would drown. A "force" then hit Dan, knocking him back. Linda fled but was stopped by Richard, who convinced her to return to the beach house. While Richard showered Dan, Linda searched the premises and found her cassette tape and stationery bearing a Central Intelligence Agency letterhead.

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

Evidence Accumulated by Hopkins

Hopkins has reportedly gathered extensive information on Richard and Dan, including approximately 80 pages of letters that could help identify typewriters and potentially contain fingerprints. He also has tape recordings that might 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 identified this dignitary as Javier Perez de Cuellar, former UN Secretary General.

The Counsel of Ufology's Leaders

Hansen acknowledges that Linda's account may sound like a "preposterous script for a grade B movie" and states he personally does not believe her claims. However, he notes that several prominent ufologists, including Dr. John Mack (former head of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School), David Jacobs (professor of history at Temple University), Walter Andrus (International Director of MUFON), and Jerome Clark (columnist for Fate magazine), have expressed conviction in Linda's truthfulness. Mack and Jacobs confirmed meeting Linda and believing her story. Andrus and Clark, described as influential figures in U.S. ufology, are also persuaded of her honesty.

At a meeting in New York City on October 3, 1992, Linda expressed willingness to testify against Richard and Dan. Hansen informed attendees he was prepared to request a federal investigation into the attempted murder, but Hopkins, Andrus, and Clark vigorously objected, calling such action "politically damaging" to ufology. Hansen was puzzled by their reasoning and priorities. He spoke with Andrus on October 5, who questioned Hansen's right to raise these issues and again urged that the crimes not be reported. Clark also reaffirmed his opposition.

Hansen concludes by stating he has not received a satisfactory explanation for their views. He emphasizes that the safety of Linda and the general public is at risk if federal agents have engaged in such conduct. He calls upon Clark, Andrus, and Hopkins to publicly explain their rationale and priorities.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The newsletter consistently focuses on UFO abductions, presenting both investigative reports and detailed case studies. There is a strong emphasis on the credibility of witnesses and the thoroughness of investigations. The editorial stance, particularly in George P. Hansen's contributions, highlights a concern for justice and accountability, questioning the priorities of ufologists who may prioritize the perceived political implications for the field over reporting alleged criminal activity by government agents. The newsletter encourages open discussion and investigation within the UFO research community.