FBI Agent Lacks Notes To Back Up Her Story

WASHINGTON — An FBI agent acknowledged yesterday that some of her testimony could not be backed up by notes, an admission that attorneys for I. Lewis Libby Jr. seized on in an effort to undercut perjury and obstruction charges.

Agent Deborah Bond testified last week that in his FBI interview, Mr. Libby adamantly denied discussing a CIA operative's identity with a former White House spokesman, Ari Fleischer. Under cross-examination yesterday, however, Ms. Bond conceded that FBI notes contain no record of such a denial. Rather, they say he may have discussed it but couldn't recall.

"Adamantly might not be the perfect word," Ms. Bond said.

A defense attorney, Theodore Wells, highlighted that message for jurors during Ms. Bond's cross-examination. Ms. Bond said she misspoke during last week's testimony and wanted to correct a statement.

"People make mistakes, don't they?" Mr. Wells said.

"Sometimes," Ms. Bond replied.