Falsification charges dropped against SEAL Keefe

Recent developments have further weakened the case against three Navy SEALs charged with assaulting an al Qaeda detainee. One development will impact the case for all three—the inadmissibility of a statement given by Petty Officer Jonathan Keefe.

At a Scottsdale, Ariz. rally on Saturday, Petty Officer Matthew McCabe - the only SEAL actually accused of striking the detainee - announced that he passed an independently-administered polygraph on March 16.

Neal Puckett, McCabe's attorney told The US Report, “No military polygraph was administered.”

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Ten sites join Maritime Tactical Security in support for Navy SEALs

by Kay B. Day

Ten websites are supporting three Navy SEALs facing court martial because of accusations related to a detained terror suspect. The websites represent a Support The Navy SEALs Facebook group with more than 108,000 members, a Christian publisher, Republican congressman Dan Burton (Ind.), Republican congressional candidate Scott Taylor (Va.) who served as a SEAL,  Sark Securities and others. The US Report is among the ten sites supporting the SEALs.

Burton and 40 Republican congressmen have written a formal letter  to the military commander on the SEALs' behalf. Burton wrote, "There is more than enough doubt as to whether these SEALs committed any wrongdoing at all."

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Prosecutors want first trial delayed in Navy SEAL3 cases paper says

Commentary by Kay B. Day

NORFOLK (July 18, 2009) U.S. Navy SEALS conduct a fast-rope insertion demonstration from an MH-60S Sea Hawk helicopter into the Chesapeake Bay during a capabilities exercise at Naval Amphibious Base, Little Creek. The Naval Special Warfare community displayed its capabilities during the 40th UDT-SEAL East Coast Reunion celebrations. Events are planned throughout the weekend to honor UDT/SEAL history, heritage, and families. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Joshua T. Rodriguez/Released) The Virginian-Pilot said government lawyers are asking for a delay in the first trial scheduled for the Navy SEAL3. Petty Officer 1st Class Julio Huertas Jr.’s  court-martial is set for Monday, Jan. 11, in Norfolk. Huertas is charged with dereliction of duty because the government alleges he did not keep the detainee safe. He is also charged with giving a false statement to authorities in response to questions about alleged minor injuries to the detainee.

The paper reported, “His civilian attorney, Monica Lombardi, said government lawyers have asked to reschedule the trial for March 29, which she opposes.”

Lombardi has asked for more information about accusations against Huertas. Lombardi had also asked for additional information when The US Report corresponded with her by email in early December.

The US Report located the charge sheets with general details of allegations against SO2 Jonathan E. Keefe, SO2 Matthew V. McCabe and SO1 Julio A. Huertas by following a link posted at the military justice website CAAFlog.

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