Mexican Judge Orders US Marine Reservist Released - East Idaho News
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Mexican Judge Orders US Marine Reservist Released

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Thinkstock 103114 Judge?  SQUARESPACE CACHEVERSION=1414804401907AndreyPopov/iStockphoto/Thinkstock(MEXICO CITY) — U.S. Marine reservist Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, jailed in Mexico on gun charges since March, was ordered released by a judge in Mexico on Friday, according to documents released by the court.

The California native, 26, was arrested on March 31, after he says he got lost and crossed the Mexican border with three firearms in his pickup truck. Tahmooressi served two tours of duty in Afghanistan.

The possession of any weapon restricted for the use of the Army is a federal crime in Mexico regardless of whether visitors declare it or not upon entering the country.

Tahmooressi’s mother Jill in July said she was able to spent 20 minutes with her son after a court hearing, when he was ordered to be held in jail.

“He’s very strong. He’s very strong and positive. And he’s confident,” she said then.

The State Department has been actively engaged in the case. Consular officers have visited Tahmooressi numerous times, and at least 71 members of Congress have signed a bi-partisan letter asking the judge for leniency.

Unlike American law, in Mexico one is guilty until proven innocent and the decision rests solely in the judge’s hands.





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