ANN ARBOR, MI – Late yesterday morning, the Navy-Marine Corps Court of Criminal Appeals sitting in Washington DC, released their unanimous decision upholding the dismissal of charges against Marine Lt. Col Jeffrey Chessani on the grounds of Unlawful Command Influence.
But rumors abound in military circles that the government is not done with the prosecution of this loyal Marine, considered by his superiors as one of the most effective combat officers in Iraq.
The Government has 30 days from the court’s decision (March 17, 2009) to decide if they will ask the court to reconsider their opinion, ask for an en banc decision from the entire Navy and Marine Corps Court of Appeals, or seek a petition for appeal to the Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces (CAAF) – the next higher court. The Government could also decide to appoint a new convening authority to make an independent decision on whether to re-charge LtCol Chessani – essentially starting over.
For the last four years, LtCol Chessani has been investigated and prosecuted for his involvement in the so called “Haditha Massacre” – a massacre that never happened. During this entire court process, the Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been representing LtCol Chessani without charge. The estimated attorney fees thus far would have amounted to a million dollars. However, the Law Center is receiving donations from patriotic Americans all across America to support the cost of their defense of LtCol Chessani.
One of LtCol Chessani’s greatest supporters is conservative radio talk show commentator, Dr. Michael Savage. Dr. Savage personally donated upwards of $20,000 dollars to the Law Center to assist in LtCol Chessani’s defense. It is estimated that because of his encouragement, Savage listeners donated tens of thousands of dollars to LtCol Chessani’s defense as well.
Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center, observed, “Michael Savage has given a national forum to the Law Center so that we could show the government’s persecution of one of our bravest combat leaders.”
Continued Thompson, “The government took its best shot and lost. They have wasted millions of taxpayers’ dollars. It’s time for the Pentagon to say ‘enough is enough.’ I now call upon our military and civilian leaders to drop this persecution of LtCol Chessani and his family.”
LtCol Chessani is the highest ranking officer facing criminal charges as a result of the much-publicized and ill-described “Haditha massacre.” The criminal charges against him stem from a legitimate combat action taken by four enlisted Marines in his command after they were ambushed by insurgents in Haditha, Iraq, on November 19, 2005.
Even though LtCol Chessani wasn’t present during the incident, he was criminally charged with failing to launch a full investigation into the incident. If convicted, he faces 2 ½ years imprisonment, dismissal from the Corps, and loss of all of his retirement pay.
The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission 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.