A Break in the Hoffa Case?

Sept. 7 -- The FBI expects to pursue a prosecution in the disappearance 26 years ago of labor leader Jimmy Hoffa, his son told reporters today.

James P. Hoffa, the current Teamsters president, confirmed the FBI had found DNA evidence linking his father to a car he allegedly rode in the day he vanished.

The Detroit News reported today that FBI investigators have matched hair found in the car driven by a longtime friend to James R. "Jimmy" Hoffa's DNA. Hoffa, president of the Teamsters union from 1957 to 1971, disappeared July 30, 1975, and is presumed dead.

Hoffa was last seen at the Machus Red Fox, a Detroit-area restaurant, after allegedly meeting with reputed Mafia figure Anthony Giacalone and New Jersey Teamsters boss Anthony Provezano. However, neither Giacalone nor Provezano showed up, and both denied that a meeting was scheduled. Hoffa has been missing ever since, with no promising leads — until now.

The FBI in Detroit refused to comment on the report, saying only that U.S. Attorney Alan Gershel would give a statement Monday. But Hoffa verified the newspaper's reporting.

"The FBI has announced that new DNA technology has detected his presence in a car that was involved in the disappearance," he said.

"They are projecting that there's going to be a prosecution in the disappearance of James R. Hoffa. This is startling news, and we urge the FBI to bring to justice those who are responsible for my father's disappearance."

A Car Trip for Hoffa?

Investigators and Hoffa's relatives have long suspected that Charles "Chuckie" O'Brien was involved in the disappearance. The car O'Brien used to allegedly drive Hoffa around on the day he vanished was owned by Giacalone's son. But O'Brien has insisted Hoffa was never in the car and that he was not involved in the disappearance.

O'Brien's attorney, William E. Bufalino II, told The Associated Press his client is not commenting.

"Mr. O'Brien categorically denies any involvement in the Hoffadisappearance, as he has over the last 26 years," Bufalino saidtoday from his Clinton Township, Mich. office. "I would challenge theFBI to use all their efforts to find the rightful killer. Mr. O'Brien was contacted 26 years ago, five years ago, three weeks ago. There is nothing different that has transpired over the years."