Posted on 07/07/2012 5:22:04 PM PDT by DogByte6RER
Fiery Reaction to Marine’s Stolen Saddam Rifle
Is it among the spoils of war? Or worthy of a felony conviction that carries a 10-year prison sentence?
The recent conviction of a Twentynine Palms Marine from Hemet has sparked a debate from readers and a fierce defense from the Marine himself.
To rewind, Staff Sgt. Joel Cleve Miller was convicted last week of illegal possession of a machine gun. Federal prosecutors said he smuggled a chrome-plated AK-47 that once belonged to Iraqi Dictator Saddam Hussein’s Royal Guard back to his home in Hemet after a 2005 tour in Iraq.
Miller now faces up to 10 years in federal prison (more likely four years based on legal statutes) for the felony conviction. The conviction marks the end to a 20-year career in the Marine Corps and a checkered past that previously led to his bad conduct discharge for forging more than $30,000 in fraudulent travel expenses. He was acquitted of two other charges that he possessed and sold other weapons.
The debate comes down to the question of should a Marine’s tour of service outweigh his criminal transgressions.
In his own defense, Miller has started a website, Free Joel Cleve Miller, U.S Marine
On his site, Miller lists a brief statement that he thought all chrome machine guns were inactive. Consequently – federal prosecutors found the gun was a functioning machine gun.
“His wife and her boyfriend set Him up. They were given 5th amendment protection because they are both being investigated for perjury for there grand jury testimony. It prevented him from bringing in much of the evidence that would set him free,” Miller said.
Supporters from across the country have decried the conviction as well, arguing that Miller’s tour of service should exonerate him and calling the story a fabrication of the “libelous media.”
To be fair, the article written is based on federal court documents which outlined the evidence in the case.
Other comments call Miller a fool for being caught in a bumbling crime. One comment, who appears to be his wife also commented defending herself and turning him in.
“WOW amazing how you people want to attack ME for doing the right thing!!!! Not one of you attacking me know me nor do you know what I dealt with in my marriage!! So before you have me sent to Iraq and stoned to death get your heads out of your rear and just know you do not know the whole story also I was never in jeopardy of losing my children, or did you forget he was discharged with a dishonorable that should tell you something about him”
On his Facebook page, Miller also touts his defense and asks for support and letters to his federally appointed public defender. He is set to be sentenced in Riverside federal court Sept. 27.
The Facebook page also carries a photo of a Marine platoon with the American flag and a SS flag for the “Scout Sniper” team. It’s unclear if Miller was listed in the photo.
The flag coincidentally is also the symbol of the German Nazi Schutzstaffel – an armed guard for the Nazi’s during World War II.
The Marine Corps investigated the case last year, according to CNN, “They determined that the Marines in the photo were ignorant of the connection of this symbol to the Holocaust and monumental atrocities associated with Nazi Germany.”
This boy is already soup sandwich. He should be labeled as an ex-Marine. He has brought shame on the Marine Corps.
Once he got the BCD... he shouldn’t complain... he is the Master of his own Destiny IOW he brought this on himself ... and he has a big mouth and an EX with a big mouth
all in all ... a lot of bad choices
TT
Thanks!
He shouldn’t have to make it inoperable. The MG ban needs to die a horrible death and the NFA needs to go away. That would solve the problem nicely and bring Federal Law into compliance with the Constitution. Sadly, we’re going to have to jam a SCOTUS decision on this up their backside to get it.
And if SCOTUS finds that the MG ban and the NFA are Constitutional, that will be when the fun begins because we’re going to slap the leftists with the decision on every other Civil Rights front.
“My, oh my, how things have changed.”
You can say that again twice; and not for the better, either.
My first reaction was similar to yours, but given that the guy got a BCD for forging $30,000 of travel claims, I am not standing behind this guy. He isn’t one I extend that to.
///////////////////////////
They don’t call them jarheads for nothing!
Still, we must stand against these “manufactured” crimes that have little or no basis in Scripture or conscience.
Hell, if they outlaw farting more than four times a day, I would be a criminal, too. :-)
I agree with you on the “manufactured” crimes.
Hahaha...when the government can control your Gore-Like Global Warming Emissions...THE SPHINCTERS ARE IN CHARGE!
“Sphincters in charge!” Love it! Thank you.
When I was in Iraq our squad brought back an AK-47 for the BN HQ back at Bragg. We went through the proper channels (and yes it was kind of a pain in the neck).
This Marine knowingly smuggled a war trophy without using proper channels. All of our souvenirs from Iraq had to be checked: books, gear, etc. Why is this Marine so special that he can skip the rules like everyone else?
Personally, I think every American male between 18 and dead should be required to have a full auto rifle and plenty of ammo and know how to properly use it.
This weapon would have simply helped him fulfill his civic duty.
And every American female should have at least one if they want to...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.