] Critics of the Patriot Act say the 2001 law, which was intended
] to enhance police powers to track terrorists, has recently been
] misused to investigate a political scandal in Las Vegas.
 . . .
] (they) say the Las Vegas case is
] the first -- but certainly not the last --
] example of federal law enforcement using its broadened
] surveillance powers to prosecute domestic criminals who
] do not threaten national security.

I'm not entirely thrilled with linking this particular article, because it's heavy on accusations and short on facts or details. And it's on Fox News, which I'm often inclined to rate in believability somewhere around the level of the National Enquirer.

But, if the story is true, it's something that would raise a red flag for me. I don't have time to check the veracity now, but am meme-ing it for later research. If anyone else has checked out the details and would like to post a summary of what actually happened, please let me know.