Polygraph Maker Guilty of Export Violation

[George W. Maschke]

The Chicago Tribune reports in an article titled, "CEO pleads guilty to export charge":

The chief executive officer of a suburban manufacturer and the company itself pleaded guilty Friday in federal court in Chicago to trying to export polygraph machines to China without a license.

Lavern Miller, 79, the CEO and chairman of Stoelting Co. of Wood Dale, faces up to 16 months in prison, Assistant U.S. Atty. Brian Havey said. The company could be fined up to $500,000.

After the U.S. Department of Commerce denied the company a license to export five polygraphs in 1999, Miller admitted he tried to route the machines through a business associate in Italy. But United Parcel Service notified the Commerce Department.

The machines eventually were to be sold to law enforcement authorities in China, but U.S. officials denied the license because of China's history of human-rights abuses, Havey said.

Ironically, a page on the Stoelting Co. website includes a notice of U.S. Department of Commerce polygraph export restrictions under the banner, "Truth Through Technology":

http://www.stoeltingco.com/polygraph/export.htm

Polygraph-related companies with advertising banners on Stoelting Co.'s website include:

Skyhawk Polygraph Institute

Arizona School of Polygraph Science

J.A.M. Publications

Of course, the federal government's policy of requiring licensing for the export of polygraph instruments makes about as much sense as requiring a license for the export of Magic 8 Balls. Moreover, it should be noted that China, the world's leading toy manufacturer, produces its own polygraph instruments.

[suethem]

True colors, through and through...

So much for "complete integrity"!

But its no surprise that someone who peddles junk science would do anything for profit, including breaking the law!

I am sure the APA will write a stinging letter denouncing the company and its illegal actions... (yeah right)

Hey maybe if he gets out in a few years he can apply for an LE position, pass the poly and get hired!

LVMPD and the FBI are both hiring!!!!

[George W. Maschke]

In 1999, polygraph manufacturer Lafayette Instrument Company, Inc. agreed to pay a $10,000 civil penalty for allowing the re-export of polygraph instruments from Hong Kong to the People's Republic of China. A U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Export Control order implementing the settlement is available here:

http://antipolygraph.org/litigation/lafayette/e644.pdf

[George W. Maschke]

I don't know whether this website had anything to do with it, but the following websites no longer carry advertising banners from Stoelting:

Skyhawk Polygraph Institute

Arizona School of Polygraph Science

J.A.M. Publications