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Marine's lawyer: Corps changed story on charges
The Washington Times ^ | February 16, 2005 | Rowan Scarborough

Posted on 02/16/2005 12:18:26 PM PST by rightalien

The Marine Corps has issued what seems to be conflicting statements on the legal status of an officer who fatally shot two Iraqis, leading his attorney to contend commanders are split on the decision to charge him with premeditated murder in the combat deaths. Last week, the Corps initially announced that 2nd Lt. Ilario Pantano faced unspecified charges in the shooting deaths. Lt. Pantano's civilian attorney, Charles Gittins, told reporters his client faced two murder charges. But later, spokesman Maj. Matt Morgan, at Camp Lejeune, N.C., where Lt. Pantano is based, said the officer had not been charged. This came as a surprise to Mr. Gittins, who said he has a copy of the official charge sheet signed by a prosecuting judge advocate that was handed to his client Feb. 1. On the sheet, it clearly states the Marine Corps has charged the 33-year-old officer with two counts of murder. The Corps stands by how it has handled public relations in the criminal case of Lt. Pantano. "I think it is because they are embarrassed by the fact they have charged him with premeditated murder," Mr. Gittins said yesterday. "They are looking for a way out."

(Excerpt) Read more at insider.washingtontimes.com ...


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Foreign Affairs; News/Current Events
KEYWORDS: ltpantano; marines; pantano
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1 posted on 02/16/2005 12:18:29 PM PST by rightalien
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To: rightalien
"They are looking for a way out."

Then give him a medal and send him back to his unit.

2 posted on 02/16/2005 12:20:48 PM PST by grobdriver (Let the embeds check the bodies!)
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To: rightalien
"I think it is because they are embarrassed by the fact they have charged him with premeditated murder," Mr. Gittins said yesterday. "They are looking for a way out."

Well help them find it, maroon, and keep your mouth shut.

3 posted on 02/16/2005 12:24:27 PM PST by thegreatbeast (Quid lucrum istic mihi est?)
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To: rightalien

Defend the Defenders.com
http://www.defendthedefenders.com

Lt. Pantano's mother set up this sight.


4 posted on 02/16/2005 12:25:01 PM PST by kellynla (U.S.M.C. 1st Battalion,5th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Div. Viet Nam 69&70 Semper Fi)
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To: rightalien

My squad and me shot fleeing Iraqis in the back after they faked a surrender and wounded one of my men in Desert Storm. I guess this would have warranted charges in this current climate.


5 posted on 02/16/2005 12:25:54 PM PST by speed_addiction (Ninja's last words, "Hey guys. Watch me just flip out on that big dude over there!")
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To: All
Attention Marines.

Be careful you don't kill any peaceful Muslims.

SEMPER FI BROTHER and may God bless you in every way.

6 posted on 02/16/2005 12:26:21 PM PST by Dubya (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)
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To: grobdriver

It takes a lot of gall to second guess a split second combat situation. Someone should lose their career over this and it shouldn't be the Lt.


7 posted on 02/16/2005 12:26:50 PM PST by Mustard Plaster
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To: grobdriver
Yesterday, I listened to Lt. Pantano's mother on Hannity's radio show. Last night his good friend was on Hannity and Snake. If I heard right, an initial investigation was conducted right after he shot the terrorists - all was deemed well and good. Three months later a disgruntled Marine made a murder accusation against Lt. Pantano. The case was reopened and Lt. Pantano was charged.

If the JAG team screwed up they need to honor Lt. Pantano and own up to it and be disciplined heavily for it, imho. Lt. Pantano is deserving of honor and right standing among his fellow Marines and this great country. His excellent record/name needs to be restored.

8 posted on 02/16/2005 12:29:05 PM PST by mrs tiggywinkle
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To: rightalien

Shoot the "snitch" first, and then give this hero a medal and then send him back to his unit to continue his honorable work his has done for this Great Country.

God Bless everyone American Soldier, past, present and future!


9 posted on 02/16/2005 12:30:53 PM PST by standing united (The second amendment does not stand for the right to hunt, but to over throw a corrupt Gov.)
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To: rightalien

The Marine Corps is looking for a few good men.

Our JAG corps needs somebody to persecute.


10 posted on 02/16/2005 12:33:32 PM PST by mercy (20 years a Gates sucker was enough!)
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To: Mustard Plaster

"It takes a lot of gall to second guess a split second combat situation."

It also takes a lot of gall to second guess a Marine's reaction in combat, and we Americans sitting in our comfy little chairs with our feet propped up watching the MSM in our warm homes with the aroma of good cooking and the promise of a relaxing bath in clean water and a safe, goodnight's sleep have no business judging this Marine's actions.

He did the best he could in a dangerous situation most of us will never experience. He should be rewarded.


11 posted on 02/16/2005 12:36:37 PM PST by peacebaby ("...please refrain from impugning my integrity." Dr. Condoleezza Rice, 1/18/05)
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To: rightalien
This is a disgrace. The military need not buckle to the criticisms of the "America can do no Right" crowd on the left.
12 posted on 02/16/2005 12:37:30 PM PST by msnimje
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To: msnimje

They should keep the JAG guys out of the field and let the warriors be warriors.


13 posted on 02/16/2005 12:40:15 PM PST by mortal19440
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To: rightalien
You will find people here that will defend the Corp to the end. The stupid end

Perhaps they would care to release the name of the person bringing charges????

14 posted on 02/16/2005 12:43:01 PM PST by cynicom (<p)
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To: msnimje; All

How can we be heard? Anyone got a email address or website we can communicate with to voice our opinions as friends and fellow Americans to this soldier?


15 posted on 02/16/2005 12:43:07 PM PST by peacebaby ("...please refrain from impugning my integrity." Dr. Condoleezza Rice, 1/18/05)
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To: msnimje

If I was on the court martial, I think I would give him a commendation.

Tough call, but I think a soldiers medal would be about right. Bronze star seems a bit low, silver star a bit high.

Your mileage may vary.


16 posted on 02/16/2005 12:52:52 PM PST by donmeaker (Burn the UN flag publicly.)
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To: rightalien

Why don't the military brain dead lawyers just JAG OFF?


17 posted on 02/16/2005 12:55:37 PM PST by Ursus arctos horribilis ("It is better to die on your feet than to live on your knees!" Emiliano Zapata 1879-1919)
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To: All
You know he has not been found guilty of anything yet. Give the Corps a chance to make things right. The public does not have the whole story and there may be unknown circumstances that may raise questions. On the flip side he is not on trial for anything at this point, the whole thing may be dropped. I don't think it is time to damn the Marine Corps for reviewing a situation.
18 posted on 02/16/2005 12:57:48 PM PST by USMCBOMBGUY (No longer Banned, but still mad as hell)
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To: rightalien

Something isn't right here!

I get this tingle up and down my spine. I am not sure which
side of this coin is dirty but one thing is sure, one side
is dirty.

To many holes in this story. Why the charging after being
ruled on? Did facts come to light that weren't presented at
the time? Is there someone out to get the LT.? I don't see
it or any reason for it. Just too many questions that are
not being addressed by either side.


19 posted on 02/16/2005 1:01:59 PM PST by cleo1939
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To: peacebaby

Post number4 may help.


20 posted on 02/16/2005 1:02:20 PM PST by Dubya (Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father,but by me)
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