Author here. I'd recommend reading until the end - unfortunately, it didn't end when I was released from airport.

Regarding the last part, have you asked if your landlord (or someone on their behalf) entered your apartment? For a newly rented out apartment, they may have had some kind of work to do or something to check over, and since you were away, may have just let themselves in.

Have you considered filing a FOIA for raids on your apartment & the painting?

I didn't. I've never actually had to file a FOIA request before - is this something that would be available through one?

I would file one on yourself with all relevant agencies. It's a painless process (I emailed mine to the FBI), albeit a slow one.

What did you get back? Anything redacted?

The last part made me throw up a bit in my mouth.

I'm not able to access your site. I'm getting "Unable to connect" in Firefox. The rest of the net is fine.

Here is a mirror / cache: http://peg.gd/3pI