First Sergeant John Hatley was released yesterday from Leavenworth Federal Prison after spending 10 years incarcerated for crimes he didn’t commit. Although there were no victims found or ballistic evidence regarding the allegations he had still been charged.

“Today was an incredible day for 1SG Hatley and his family. Moreover, it marks the accomplishment of an objective, after several years of hard work by an incredible team of thousands of United American Patriots, Congressmen of the ‘Justice for Warrior’ caucus, and talented attorneys, John Maher and Colby Vokey.” David “Bull” Gurfein, CEO of United American Patriots said. “The long war to defend our defenders is not done. We will not stop fighting until President Trump pardons John and the rest of our Warriors who have been wrongfully accused and unjustly convicted. However, this weekend we will pause to celebrate the victory of this tactical battle,” he added.

Hatley was court-martialed and found guilty of premeditated murder and conspiracy to commit premeditated murder of four Iraqi detainees in 2007 near Baghdad. According to evidence and testimony presented at Hatley’s trial, the Iraqis were taken into custody after an exchange of fire with Hatley’s unit. Hatley was sentenced to life in prison with an opportunity for parole, reduction to E-1, and forfeiture of all pay and allowances. This was despite the lack of any ballistic or forensic evidence but based solely on the testimony of a few soldiers who had made pre-trial agreements in exchange for testimony leading to Hatley’s conviction.

The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) had conducted a thorough investigation. Despite the rigorous efforts of the investigating team, no bodies, brass, nor evidence of a crime were found. The only “evidence” was from the compelled statements of a few soldiers who had claimed that “four men of middle-eastern descent” were killed.

The additional charges against those who testified against Hatley were dismissed or reduced to lesser crimes unrelated.

In June 2016, his sentence was reduced to 25 years by the Army Clemency and Parole Board. John’s impeccable record, lack of identified victims, and forensic evidence warranted his release. Throughout, he received the persistent help of UAP and Justice For Warriors Caucus members Gohmert and Flores.

First Sergeant John Hatley said, “I am so grateful to God, my family, my friend, and all the soldiers I served with who know the truth. I am also so thankful for Maj Bill Donahue and LtCol Bull Gurfein, two combat Marines, who believed in me and generated such incredible Congressional, legal, and public support through United American Patriots to fight for my freedom. Now, I have to run. I am getting married!”

UAP is now awaiting a full pardon from the President. Please visit this link to support our fight for John Hatley’s pardon.