After spending more than 10 years incarcerated for crimes he didn’t commit, 1SG John Hatley was finally released from Leavenworth Federal Prison on Friday, October 16.
As they excitedly awaited their son’s arrival to their home, Hatley’s mother and father had this special message for all UAP supporters who stood by their son.
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 is despite the lack of any ballistic or forensic evidence but based solely on the testimony of a few soldiers who had taken pre-trial agreements in exchange for testimony leading to his conviction.
The Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID) conducted a thorough investigation, and despite the rigorous efforts of the investigating team, found no bodies, no brass, and no evidence of a crime. The only “evidence” was from compelled statements from a few soldiers who 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, which he was currently serving at the United States Disciplinary Barracks at Ft. Leavenworth, KS. John’s impeccable record, lack of identified victims and forensic evidence, warranted his release with the persistence and help of UAP and Justice For Warriors Caucus members Gohmert and Flores.
After enduring the heartbreak of losing their son to an unjust incarceration, Mr. and Mrs. Hatley’s son is now home to stay. Watch the incredible moment that the Hatley family was reunited at last.
UAP is now fighting for a full pardon from the President. Please visit this link to support our fight for John Hatley’s pardon!
