Because of Watergate (early 1970s), the CIA transferred their most questionable operations to the DEA. The DEA established BUNCIN and DEACON to collaborate with CIA SOG and SAG members. This permitted the CIA to conduct operations within the United States. During the process, a number of those associated died under questionable circumstances. And a few, one in particular, had to 'up and die' in order to keep secrets and continue operations. Staged deaths, complete with funerals, took place. The CIA relocated them outside the US. They continued their role in black and wet CIA operations. This ensured their stealth, as the dead could never be responsible for any of the CIA's questionable activities.