PING!
RAMOS/COMPEAN Ping
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http://www.star-telegram.com/national_news/story/790570.html
The agents’ lawyers said they will seek a rehearing before the appeals court and are prepared to take the case even further if necessary.
“I think it’s far from over,” said Dallas attorney Bob Baskett, who represents Compean. Ramos’ attorney, David Botsford of Austin, said that if the rehearing efforts are unsuccessful, “then I’ll take it to the Supreme Court.”
July 28, 2008 CONTACT: Joe Kasper
(202) 225-5672
HUNTER CALLS ON PRESIDENT TO PARDON BORDER AGENTS
Court upholds conviction of agents Ramos and Compean
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Duncan Hunter (R-CA) condemned the Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit today for its decision to uphold the conviction of imprisoned Border Patrol Agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean.
Agents Ramos and Compean were sentenced to 11 and 12 years in prison, respectively, for wounding a fleeing drug smuggler who was later convicted for running drugs into the United States.
“Those of us who have been following this case from the very beginning were confident that the Fifth Circuit, based on the evidence at hand, would rightfully correct this miscarriage of justice,” said Congressman Hunter. “Unfortunately, the Fifth Circuit decided to uphold this severe injustice.
“Agents Ramos and Compean were convicted based on the testimony of a known drug dealer that has since been convicted for running drugs across the border. In fact, the drug dealer was continuing to run drugs into the U.S. while serving as the government’s star witness. The fact that the drug dealer’s criminal activity persisted even as he took the stand against these agents is reason enough to vacate these two convictions.
“It is not too late for President Bush to do what is right and pardon Agents Ramos and Compean. The President has pardoned far less deserving individuals and these agents deserve no less.
“I intend to appeal to the President once again and personally request that he review the facts of this case and immediately pardon Agents Ramos and Compean.”
http://www.house.gov/apps/list/speech/ca52_hunter/Agents_Fifth_circut.shtml