IRAQ: Group pleads for judge to release Marine

A group supporting Marine Sgt. Jermaine Nelson has written to U.S. District Judge Stephen Larson pleading with the jurist to order Nelson released from jail in San Bernardino.

Larson ordered Nelson jailed last week after he refused to answer questions from a federal grand jury about the alleged killing of prisoners during a battle in Fallouja in 2004. The jury is particularly interested in former Sgt. Jose Nazario, who faces manslaughter charges in federal court.

By law, Nelson could remain in jail during the term of the grand jury, which is 18 months. Nelson faces charges in the military court system and is concerned that his testimony to the grand jury will be used by military prosecutors. He has also said he won't testify because Nazario saved his life during combat.

The letter writers note that Nelson has served three tours in Iraq and was also part of a humanitarian mission to the Philippines. The group suggests that keeping Nelson in jail will demoralize active-duty personnel and discourage young people from enlisting.

"Please consider the service of this young man, and the damage to his future, to the future of the United States military, and most importantly, to the future of the United States of America if he remains jailed with hard-core criminals (murderous gang members, drug dealers and rapists) simply because he remains loyal and faithful to his nation and the U.S. Marine Corps as he has been trained to do."

Signing the letter were Penny Alfonso, a registered nurse; retired Marine Col. G.I. Wilson; retired attorney Carolyn Blashek; and William McNulty, secretary of the Marine Corps Intelligence Assn., a group of active-duty and former Marines involved in intelligence gathering and analysis.

-- Tony Perry, in San Diego

Photo: Marines during battle in Fallouja.  Credit: Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times