time atf special agent in star bill newell informed he had the top national security official at the white house about the operation back in september of 2010. >> he had direct e-mail connolly tact with the staff at the white house. >> he's a friend of mine. >> how many times did you talk to him about this case? >> the specifics of this case? i don't think i had someone specific conversation about this case. >> could you take the specific out in general did you talk to him about this case? >> i might have talked to him about this case, yes. >> following that hearing more details about newell's correspondence with former national security aid kevin o'reilly had been made public. the white house released extensive e-mail communications between both men showing they discussed in great detail the progress of the administration's efforts along the southern