Census Worker Found Naked, Bound with “Fed” Written on Chest

Man found hanged may have been targeted because he worked for the government

A 51-year-old part-time U.S. census worker was found hanging from a tree in rural Kentucky with the word “Fed” marked on his chest in an apparent homicide, cops said.

Bill Sparkman, also a teacher and former Eagle Scout, may have been targeted because he worked for the government, a police source told The Associated Press. Sparkman’s truck and the computer he used on the job were found near his body in Daniel Boone National Forest on Sept. 12, according to the AP.

Sparkman's body was found naked and gagged with his hands and feet bound with duct tape, a witness who discovered the body said. Sparkman was wearing only his socks, according to the witness.

The Census, which had been gearing up for the 2010 count with small interviews, has suspended all door-to-door canvassing in Clay County, Ky. until Sparkman’s autopsy report is released.

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our co-worker," Commerce Secretary Gary Locke said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with William Sparkman's son, other family and friends."

Get more: MSNBC
 

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