Recently I received a hand written letter from Ft. Leavenworth prison written by American soldier Private First Class Corey Clagett.
The letter- dated on Christmas Day- wished me well and asked me to
thank our radio audience for both their emotional and financial support.
Corey Clagett also informed me that he has an upcoming Clemency Hearing scheduled in the near future. He asked if I would be willing to send a letter of support on his behalf.
Below is a copy of my letter to the Clemency Board at Ft. Leavenworth, KS prison in support of PFC Clagett.
(Letters have also been written by House Chairman of the Veterans
Affairs Committee, Bob Filner and by San Diego resident Bill Wells):
January 28, 2008
Dear Members of the Clemency Board:
As a journalist who follows military justice issues closely, I am
writing to appeal for clemency for Private First Class Corey Clagett.
I understand that PFC Clagett pled guilty to murder charges against
him, even though he killed no one. His current attorney believes that
he was given extremely poor legal advice from his JAG attorney who told
him that he might spend the rest of his life in prison if he did not
plead guilty. There were three insurgents who were killed in this case,
and the other two defendants have admitted to killing all three.
In similar cases, military members who killed the enemy outside of
the rules of engagement have often been given sentences of months. I
understand that one of the other two defendants in this case, who
killed one insurgent, was given a sentence of six months. His
commanding officer was given immunity. Although he never fired his
weapon, PFC Clagett was given a sentence of eighteen years.
PFC Clagett went to Iraq as ordered and served as required. As a
result, he is facing a life in prison for an action he did not take. I
urge you to grant clemency to Corey Clagett. I appreciate your
attention to this critical case.
Sincerely,
Rick Amato
Radio Talk Show Host, KCBQ San Diego
Op-Ed Columnist, The Washington Times
Columnist, Townhall.com