Poindexter Erased 5,000 Computer Files, Jury Told

WASHINGTON —  John M. Poindexter erased 5,000 computer files at the time he was resigning as national security adviser during the Iran-Contra scandal, a computer expert testified today at Poindexter’s trial.

Kelly Williams said Poindexter deleted the files from his computer, leaving just 50 of his own computer files behind when he departed the National Security Council in November, 1986.

Would deleting the files be comparable to “taking a Manila envelope and just throwing it away?” asked associate independent counsel Louise Radin.

“Yes, that would be the effect,” replied Williams, who was in charge of the computer software section at the White House communications agency in 1986.

Under questioning from Radin, Williams noted that Poindexter was logged onto the computer system for a 15-hour span Nov. 24, 1986, starting at 4:30 in the morning. That was the day before the national security adviser resigned.

On Nov. 22, then-White House aide Oliver L. North deleted 732 notes from his own computer file, leaving a total of just one.

Copies of some of the deleted computer files of Poindexter and North were recovered from backup computer tapes kept at the NSC and have been instrumental in tracing the Iran-Contra affair.

The deletions are part of a conspiracy charge against Poindexter. He is accused of working with North to destroy NSC records in an attempt to conceal the Iran initiative and North’s military assistance to the Contras.

Earlier today, Iran-Contra prosecutor Dan Webb said North gave such valuable testimony that the government may conclude its case against Poindexter by Monday.