On July 28, 2009, a parole hearing was held for convicted murderer Leonard Peltier at the United States Penitentiary at Lewisburg, PA. In 1977, Peltier was convicted and sentenced to consecutive life sentences for the 1975 murders of FBI Special Agents Ron Williams and Jack Coler. Numerous judicial appeals over the years have been denied as well as multiple public attempts through celebrity and political means for Peltier’s freedom have also been unsuccessful for the convicted felon.
Retired Special Agent Ed Woods represented the FBIAA and the Society of Former Special Agents at the hearing. Director Mueller was represented at the hearing by EAD T.J. Harrington. Also present were the sons of Jack Coler. Special Agents of the Philadelphia Division are to be commended for their logistical coordination of this event.
In returning their decision, the Parole Commission denied Peltier’s request for parole. He will be afforded the standard review every two years to ascertain if this decision needs to be revisited. For a complete account of the Peltier’s parole hearing process, go to: www.noparolepeltier.com (click on newsletters). A link has been established at www.fbiaa.org. Agents are encouraged to bookmark both of these sites. |