ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center, a national Christian legal advocacy group, announced today it is reinvigorating the “Lieutenant Colonel Chessani Defense Fund” in order to fully prepare for the upcoming general courts-martial for LtCol Chessani. The defense fund was originally set up in response to the flood of calls and emails from people wishing to support this Marine Corps officer in his politicized legal battle.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Chessani is accused of criminal wrong-doing in the high profile case arising out of a terrorist ambush in Haditha, Iraq, on November 19, 2005, in which one Marine was killed and several others wounded. As Marines moved in on the attacking terrorists who were firing from nearby homes, several civilians were tragically killed.
Months later, after inflammatory media articles and comments by an antiwar politician, LtCol Chessani, the battalion commander of the Marines involved in the fighting, was accused of failing to properly report and investigate the incident.
He faces a maximum punishment of two and a half years in prison, dismissal (an officer’s equivalent of a dishonorable discharge), and the loss of his retirement benefits.
The Thomas More Law Center, based in Ann Arbor, MI, agreed to represent LtCol Chessani at no charge.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Law Center commented, “LtCol Chessani is a devout family man and Christian, who dutifully defended our country for twenty years, including three tours in Iraq, Panama, and the Persian Gulf War. His expectant wife and five young children should not have to worry about finances to ensure that he receives the best defense possible. I can think of no better way to honor a veteran than by helping in the defense of this worthy veteran.”
Law Center spokesperson Brian Rooney stated, “LtCol Chessani has dedicated his life to the service of his country. Had LtCol Chessani hired a private for-profit law firm to represent him, his legal bills would be approaching a million dollars at the end of the day – certainly out of reach for a career military man with five young children and a sixth on the way.”
“It is unfortunate that LtCol Chessani is being made a political scapegoat,” added Rooney.
Rooney is asking once again for concerned Americans to help defend LtCol Chessani: “You can be a direct help in his defense by mailing a donation to the Thomas More Law Center at 24 Frank Lloyd Wright Drive, P.O. Box 393, Ann Arbor MI 48106, or by simply visiting our website (www.thomasmore.org) and clicking on the ‘LtCol Chessani Defense Fund’ icon. Please indicate your donation is for the ‘Defense Fund.’”
The Law Center, working with assigned military defense counsel, has already worked through the first part of the court-martial process at the Article 32 Hearing, the military’s version of the grand jury. A tentative date for the general court-martial is set for April 28, 2008. There will be an arraignment and several motion hearing dates from now until the April 2008 date.
The two Law Center attorneys assigned to handle the case, Robert Muise and Brian Rooney, are both former Marine officers. Muise is a former infantry officer and judge advocate who served in the Persian Gulf War, and Rooney is a former judge advocate and Iraq War veteran. Brandon Bolling, who recently joined the Law Center will be consulting on the case. Brandon is a former Marine Judge Advocate and veteran of Afghanistan and Africa.
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at www.thomasmore.org.