FBI Was Told Of O.J. Simpson Plan In Advance

According to FBI reports, federal agents knew three weeks in advance that O.J. Simpson and a memorabilia dealer were planning a sting operation to retrieve items Simpson says were stolen from him.

The reports, obtained by The Associated Press, say dealer Thomas Riccio told FBI agents in August that Simpson wanted to televise the operation.

Special Agent Linda Kline writes that Riccio was advised at the meeting, which took place in Los Angeles, to contact a lawyer before taking any action. She also notes he was told that alerting the FBI would not absolve him of any potential crime.

Simpson and five other men were arrested in September after they allegedly stormed a Las Vegas hotel room. Simpson is facing an assortment of felony charges, including armed robbery and kidnapping. Three of his co-defendants have made plea deals and agreed to testify against Simpson.

Las Vegas police say the FBI contacted the department only after the incident occurred.