Tuesday, February 18, 2025

PELTIER SERVED AN EXTRA '289' MONTHS

Dear Supporters:

 

Peltier did not have to serve an additional '289' months, (24 years).

 

As Peltier finally leaves the U.S. prison in Coleman, Florida for North Dakota’s Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation, there remains a question as to why and how he served an additional twenty-four years’ incarceration—after—President Clinton left office on January 20, 2001

 

Why didn’t President Clinton commute Peltier’s consecutive life sentences?

 

In the waning weeks of the Clinton presidency there was much activity and Peltier was a major news topic. 

 

Peltier supporters were elated, out in droves, demonstrating, campaigning and calling for his release, while those opposing made their voices known as well. 

 

FBI Director Louis Freeh wrote official letters and spoke publicly; the FBI Agents Association placed a large ad in a Washington newspaper; The Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI added their opposition as many current and retired Agents wrote letters opposing any consideration for a possible commutation.

 

Susan Lloyd, an Agent based in Washington D.C. assembled a team and organized what became—only the second time in FBI history, a rare public display of solidarity to voice their collective opinion to the President. It was no small task to arrange permits, logistics and spread the word that a supportive and public gathering was necessary. [1]    

 

On that crisp morning, December 15, 2000, upwards of five-hundred off-duty Agents began gathering at the Washington D.C. Law Enforcement Memorial. FBI Director Louis Freeh was there to show his unwavering support, understanding that he would be unable to accompany the Agents. There was a prayer vigil, and the names of FBI Agents killed in the Line-of-Duty were solemnly read.

 

By late morning, a silent and dignified two-by-two procession made its way to the Ellipse and White House. The morning chill offset by occasional sunshine. FBI Agents, including Agents from other agencies, reached the White House. Standing in silence, they displayed two large photographs of Agents’ Coler and Williams. At the head of the procession a prominent white banner read:

 

 “Never Forget,” “FBI Special Agents, Coler and Williams, Killed June 26, 1975.” 

 

Special Agent John Sennett, President of the FBI Agents Association, was permitted to enter the White House with large binders containing over ten thousand petitions and signatures asking President Clinton not to grant Peltier a pardon or commute his consecutive life sentences. Agent Sennett placed the binders on the President's desk in the oval office. Although the President was not there that day, he was certainly aware of the event and petitions as well as considerable news coverage, both filmed and in print. [2]

 

As expected from the Peltier camp, Peltier attorney Jennifer Harbury—quoted in the press, absurdly described that day as “Armed forces marching on the White House.”

 

A federal lawsuit followed from Peltier attorney Bernard Kleinman, claiming that government misinformation and disinformation prevented Peltier from receiving a fair hearing on his claims for both clemency and parole. The federal suit was eventually, along with another later federal civil suit, dismissed with prejudice[3]

 

Peltier pinned his best hope at that point, after 25 years of incarceration, that he, his supporters and attorneys believed the end was at hand. President Clinton was his very best chance since there was nothing positive from four previous Presidents as Peltier’s many, often frivolous appeals, made their way through the courts. But it was not to be. 

 

* * *

 

During the early months of 2000, a prominent attorney, Stan Chesley, received antisemitic and threatening letters directed at him and his family. [4]  Mr. Chesley was well-known and influential in Democratic circles. The younger President looked to Mr. Chesley not only as a powerful supporter but as a mentor. When visiting the city, the President stayed at Mr. Chesley’s home. When Mr. Chesley visited the White House, he had stayed in the Lincoln bedroom. The bond between the two was strong on many levels. Mr. Chesley’s wife, a federal district court judge, was appointed by President Clinton. 

 

The threatening letters continued with no readily apparent leads until they were sent to the FBI Laboratory Identification Division for latent fingerprint analysis. In late September, the Lab came back with a hit on an individual who lived locally. Ultimately, affidavits were prepared for the subject’s arrest and a search of his residence. The subject was arrested, held without bond and the search secured additional evidence along with the typewriter used to write the threatening letters. He later pled guilty.

 

As a result of this investigation, I was well-known and liked by the Chesley family. 

 

December was fast approaching, as was the final days of the Clinton Presidency and a personal decision was contemplated; then made. 

 

I had a rewarding, productive and unblemished nearly thirty-year career and believed it was the right thing to do; to step outside the box and see whether this could work. I was willing to take the risk, regardless of the outcome. 

 

I contacted Mr. Chesley’s security manager and bodyguard, Tom, a retired local police Lieutenant who I had previously met, probably at a bank robbery. I asked if he could arrange just a fifteen-minute meeting with Mr. Chesley so I could provide him with details regarding Peltier’s conviction, appeals, many public statements and the facts related to the brutal murder of two, already wounded and defenseless, FBI Agents. 

 

The meeting was set for 11:00AM on December 7th.

 

* * *

 

I was given a casual tour of the law firm and directed to wait in Mr. Chesley’s office. Looking around his corner office it appeared to be rather ornate, nothing fancy, but with many plaques, awards and photographs. There were stacks of papers and files on his desk and elsewhere. I was certain he knew what each pile represented and if he needed to look at a case would know exactly where to find it. There were also about a dozen scale model cars. I learned later he had quite a luxury car collection.

 

Mr. Chesley arrived about a half hour later.

 

He apologized for being late, not realizing I would have sat there for a week if necessary. 

 

The fifteen minutes turned into forty-five.

 

He appeared as distinguished as I had seen him in news coverage and newspapers, smartly attired with his notable pure white hair. In person, he was a dignified, warm and soft-spoken gentleman.

 

Mr. Chesley wasn’t familiar with the Peltier matter so I began with a recitation of what had happened, how the Agents were first taken under an unprovoked attack, severely wounded and defenseless; and then Peltier shot them both in the face. Adding too, that Agent Williams was still alive and had defensive wounds. I outlined the appeals and court decisions. The binder I brought remained closed. It contained crime scene photos but I chose not to show them. As expected, he stopped me several times for additional details and clarification as any experienced attorney would. I reviewed many of Peltier’s claims of innocence, public statements, and mentioned that he and his supporters considered him a political prisoner. 

 

Mr. Chesley nodded often in agreement with occasional age lines at the corner of his eyes. When I reached the critical purpose of my visit, knowing that Peltier was on the very short list for a pardon or commutation, without hesitation he said “I’ll tell him he can’t let this guy out.”  

 

The tension building throughout my entire body dissipated almost as quickly as his comment ended. What he was telling me, in very real terms, was that he would tell the President of the United States that he should not free Peltier. 

 

Mr. Chesley wrote down Peltier’s name, then added that he had just left a message for Bruce Lindsey but had not heard back yet. He continued that he would call Mr. Lindsey after our meeting and relay how he felt about the entire Peltier matter. [5]

 

With immense gratitude, I stood and gave Mr. Chesley a firm handshake.

 

Tom was there the whole time but never said anything. He did though offer an occasional nod of approval. As he walked me from the office, he casually mentioned that Mr. Chesley was going to the White House that weekend. 

 

* * *

 

The phone call.

 

Early the following week, I received a telephone call from Mr. Chesley as he was returning from Washington. It was a brief but exceptionally meaningful conversation. He said he spoke with the President and that Peltier would not be released. He commented that some White House staffers wore ‘Free Peltier’ buttons and he told them that it was inappropriate. The call ended with “Thank you very much sir, it is greatly appreciated.”

 

For the next twenty-four years, this encounter has been held in abeyance. The time has now arrived to tell the story as it happened and its ultimate effect on Peltier’s future. I still had to wait until January 20th to appreciate that the potential of Peltier’s freedom ended thanks to that brief meeting. For all these years, and now, those in the FBI and law enforcement still owe Mr. Chesley an incredible debt of gratitude as he clearly recognized what was the right thing to do.

 

Peltier’s commutation challenges continued. He unquestionably recognized that the eight years of President Bush and four years of President Trump would not benefit him at all. President Obama could have released Peltier at any time during his eight years. Although there was concern about that possibility, ultimately President Obama denied Peltier’s application. President Obama certainly recognized Peltier’s unrepentant and murderous acts. 

 

This now totaled twenty (20) years of Peltier’s additional incarceration—beginning with that crucial connection with President Clinton.

 

But what of President Biden? Biden, who with absolute authority could have released Peltier on January 20, 2021, but for untold reasons chose not to. He instead preferred to let Peltier languish in prison for another four years. However, in a highly controversial move, Biden waited until the very last moment to commute Peltier’s sentence, attempting, as it appeared, to conceal this act from major public scrutiny and also by pardoning his own family and others. History will determine and assess Biden’s actions and administration, particularly the infamous laptop and the still to be fully vetted decades of an influence peddling scheme. 

 

But for an unexpected intervention, Peltier would have been released in January 2001.

 

Peltier made a fateful decision that June day in 1975, a decision that cost him his fifty (50) best years, years he will never recover. Justice may not have been entirely served, but 50 years is nothing to take lightly. 

 

In the Spirit of Coler and Williams


Ed Woods

Founder, No Parole Peltier Association, April 30, 2000 [6]


[1] Special Agent Susan Lloyd did a masterful job organizing the December 15, 2000 procession to the White House. She essentially brought the entire Peltier matter, and the brutal murder of FBI Agents’ Coler and Williams to the public’s nationwide attention. A few Agents were designated to be interviewed and engage with the press. The next day, the No Parole Peltier Association website received over 5,000 hits 

[2] Founded in 1981 in the FBI’s New York office, the FBI Agents Association is a non-profit, non-governmental organization that engages in support and advocacy for current and retired FBI Special Agents. 

[3] Kleinman’s suit named FBI Director Freeh, FBI Agents Ed Woods, John Sennett and others named and unnamed. A later 2017 federal civil suit filed in Washington State by Peltier attorney Lawrence Hildes, naming Ed Woods and Larry Langberg (RIP), then President of the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, along with several Washington State officials. The suit claimed a violation of Peltier’s First Amendment rights. After many frivolous motions and appeals it was dismissed by the District Court with prejudice

[4] Stanley M. Chesley, the son of Jewish immigrants, grew up in modest means in the Cincinnati suburb of Avondale. He attended the University of Cincinnati for his bachelor’s and law degrees. Over a successful nearly fifty-year career he created a powerful law firm and won billions for victims in massive class action lawsuits. Mr. Chesley also engaged in many philanthropic endeavors and was personally active, and a fundraiser, for the Democratic Party. Regretfully, his career did not end well, facing personal lawsuits, legal actions and disbarment. Postscript: In December 2015, three gangbangers followed an older couple, Mr. Chesley and his wife, driving an expensive vehicle from a restaurant to their home in the suburb of Indian Hill. The subjects broke in, holding both at gun point, stealing what they could and demanding where other valuables were kept. At one point, Mr. Chesley, then 80, was pushed down a flight of stairs, suffering a concussion and serious injuries. The judge, in a nightgown and bare feet, was able to escape and ran through nearby woods to a neighbor’s house to call the police. The subjects fled, but in their haste, ran a stop sign and were pulled over by a local police officer. In their vehicle were items stolen from the Chesley home and a number of weapons. By April, the three pled guilty and were each sentenced to 34 years.

[5] I was not familiar with the reference, however, Bruce Lindsey served a critical role as assistant and Deputy Counsel to President Clinton during his entire two terms in office. 

[6] Peltier’s denied paroles: https://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#paroledeniedhttps://wwwnoparolepeltiercom-justice.blogspot.com/2024/05/peltier-parole-hearing-june-10-2024.html

See epilogue: https://wwwnoparolepeltiercom-justice.blogspot.com/2025/01/fbi-agent-jack-rcoler-1947-1975-rest-in.html, The ‘No Parole Peltier Association’ and its website’s mission was successful: Honoring the memory and sacrifice in the line-of-duty of FBI Agents Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams; providing the public with the facts; challenging Peltier’s decades of falsehoods and engaging any efforts to ensure that parole was not an option. 

 

Monday, January 20, 2025

BIDEN RELEASES PELTIER; at the last moment


Dear Supporters:

 

Considering the last four years and recent spate of unconvincing White House pardons and commutations, it comes as no surprise that a brutal convicted double-murderer will see the light of day.

 

There is little doubt that the President failed to understand the details of the line-of-duty killings of FBI Agents Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams. The likelihood is that some deceptive staffer slid Peltier’s commutation application across the President’s desk, and he just mindlessly signed it. [i] Certainly, the President did not see the dreadful crime scene photograph.  

 

Peltier sycophants and attorneys, collectively, either do not understand or are predisposed to ignore the facts, understandably so, because facts do not care about feelings and emotions. Marinating in old claims no longer works and will not win over those who have made the effort to review the entire record.[ii]

 

Over the decades, Peltier’s conviction and consecutive life sentences have been through the courts nearly two-dozen times and not once has his conviction or sentence been altered. Each and every one of his spurious allegations—a tapestry of lies—have been examined in infinite detail and were judged to be meritless. 

 

Peltier’s unrepentant years of falsehoods have sought to redeem the unredeemable. His feigned innocence and all manner of obvious fabrications, along with instances of admissions of guilt, are clearly a matter of record.[iii] In just about every sense one may imagine, Peltier and the truth are strangers to one another. 


It is a documented fact that Peltier and other American Indian Movement cowards, unprovoked, fired upon the Agents, critically wounding them. On that fateful day Peltier made a conscious decision to viciously end their lives and has lived with the consequences ever since. 

 

Has justice been served? Are fifty years incarceration enough? No. The rightful sentences have not ended. Nevertheless, all his best years have been behind iron bars. Peltier himself, living in a personal hell of his own making, best described his confinement “Maybe one day you realize one of those voices is your own, and then you really begin to worry.” The vision of Peltier’s heinous act may very well haunt him during nights when he returns to the Reservation. In any event, whether confined or not, his remaining days are finite.

 

To those many families deeply affected by the recent unconscionable pardons and commutations, you have our respect and sympathies. 

 

The bravery and sacrifice in the line-of-duty of Agents’ Jack Coler and Ron Williams will never be forgotten; long after Peltier fades from memory.  

 

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

  

Ed Woods

Founder, No Parole Peltier Association (April 30, 2000)



[i] In addition to the questionable pardons and commutations, some of the arguably inappropriate awards of the Medal of Freedom and the actions and efforts to obstruct an effective transition of power, history will not treat the Biden administration kindly. Instead, what will be remembered was a feckless president and a disastrous four years for American society, culture and world standing that will doubtless rank at the very bottom.  

[ii] 8th Circuit decision, 9/11/1986. “We have not been so convinced.” https://www.noparolepeltier.com/800.html

[iii] Admissions of guilt https://tinyurl.com/y3yu4scd

 

Sunday, January 12, 2025

FBI Agent Jack R.Coler: 1947 - 1975, Rest in Peace

Dear Supporters:

 

On this important date, January 12, 2025 is another occasion to remember one of our fallen brothers and FBI Martyr. Taken from his family, his line-of-duty bravery and sacrifice will never be forgotten.

 

Jack would be turning a respectable seventy-eight and reflecting on his background in the LAPD and FBI, and his dedication to law enforcement, it is easy to consider that after retirement he would have pursued another law enforcement career. Those who personally knew him and had the pleasure working with him, know that whatever Jack did in his later life, he would have been successful. All knew that Jack was a consummate and dedicated professional.

 

He left behind a widow and two very young sons who may have little remembrance of a wonderful father. His sons, as we do know, are successful in their own right and added five grandchildren, four boys and one girl to the family. They would have surely enjoyed times together that included Jack’s love of the outdoors.

 

To see Jack as he was then, and to imagine meeting him today, please see the remarkable video produced by the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI. There, you will learn about the incredible Jack Coler and his equally brave and courageous partner, Ron Williams. [i]

 

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

 

Ed Woods

 

Epilogue

 

This is a difficult time to reflect on the events of June 26, 1975. Although, on June 2, 2024, Leonard Peltier had his first parole hearing in fifteen years, and was rightfully denied. Director Wray, FBI Agent attorneys at headquarters, and an Assistant Director, along with support from the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI and the FBI Agents’ Association, ensured that the parole board was clearly aware of the facts: Peltier’s decades of lies and misinformation notwithstanding. 

 

However, another issue looms over the unprovoked attack on Jack and Ron that fateful day on the Pine Ridge Reservation. President Biden has granted a number of questionable pardons and commutations and it is unknown whether Peltier is under consideration.  In the time that remains, a mere eight days, we will know whether Peltier may be released or justly continue serving the remainder of his consecutive life sentences. 



[i] A tribute to Jack Coler and Ron Williams: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozhEumzwgKA

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

SA RONALD A. WILLIAMS, R.I.P.......PELTIER DENIED!


Dear Supporters: 

 

On July 30th, our fallen brother and FBI Martyr would be reaching his seventy-seventh year. 


There is no way of knowing what these decades would have brought, but all who knew him; his family, friends and fellow FBI Agents, understand it would have been a life rich in rewards and accomplishments. Finishing a successful Bureau career and perhaps a second as a professional pilot (flying was one of his real passions), could have been a reality.  Although, close friends knew he was considering law school, so the potential career options were many. Those who knew Ron’s intelligence, dedication, charm and engaging personality could envision a growing and close-knit family while doting over beloved grandchildren.  For those who did not have the pleasure of knowing him personally, The Society of Former Special Agents of the FBl provides us with a deep sense of Ron’s character: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozhEumzwgKA

 

May Ron continue to rest in peace knowing he will never be forgotten. We too, know that Ron and Jack—our guardian angels—are watching over the FBI family, and all across this nation, those in law enforcement who willingly step into the breach, protecting our citizens and society. 

 

In the Spirit of Coler and Williams

Ed Woods


Peltier; Parole Denied

With an unmistakable sense of karma and no less irony, forty-seven years ago, on June 2, 1977, Peltier was sentenced to two consecutive life sentences for the unprovoked attack, wounding and brutal murder of FBI Agents Jack Coler and Ronald Williams. On this past June 2nd his long-sought quest for freedom was dashed once again. And rightfully so.[i]

 

Peltier’s seven-hour, June 10th parole hearing was brought to a close and likely wrote the final chapter in a decades-long saga of falsehoods, fabrications and provable lies. Peltier’s feigned innocence has once again failed to convince, confirming he is nothing more than a remorseless killer; a lifer paying for his malevolent crimes. 

 

Nevertheless, this is not a time to celebrate. Jack and Ron are no longer with us, but their memory, bravery and sacrifice in-the-line-of-duty, remains. Peltier undoubtedly hears the clock ticking, perhaps even louder now. His infirmities of the aging process will continue, an inevitable advance he can at least endure, but an opportunity he violently stole from his victims. The only solace at this point is that justice has prevailed.  



[i] Peltier’s latest attorney, Kevin H. Sharp, ( ksharp@sanfordheisler.com ) has challenged the undeniable fact that the attack by Peltier and other AIM cowards at Jumping Bull was ‘unprovoked.’ Sharp, apparently confused, or unwilling to comprehend the facts and truth—like so many other Peltier sycophants—fails to acknowledge that there was an eyewitness that tragic day. An eyewitness who described to others exactly what was about to happen:  https://tinyurl.com/yj8p49fb    Sharp, believing he’s the smartest former judge and attorney involved in the Peltier charade, has denigrated all those, judges and attorneys who preceded him:   https://tinyurl.com/yc4yuu5z    Nonetheless, the reality is that Sharp has brought absolutely nothing new to the Peltier narrative. All he has done is repeat what prior Peltier attorneys claimed and argued, all of which the courts addressed, and in each instance, clearly dismissed. For all his bravado and overinflated ego, he was curiously absent from Peltier’s first parole hearing in fifteen years:  https://www.noparolepeltier.com/debate.html#paroledenied   The two attorneys, Jenipher R. Jones and Moira Meltzer-Cohen, sent in his stead, like all the rest, fared no better. Peltier’s age, health and feigned innocence are irrelevant when confronted with the appellate history. Sharp stated he will appeal the decision, resulting in more wasted effort. The facts have not, and will not change. The only difference is that Peltier will be getting older. If health becomes a greater issue, they can transfer him to the federal medical facility in Springfield, Missouri to complete his consecutive life sentences and the seven consecutive years for the armed escape from Lompoc.

 

Thursday, May 16, 2024

PELTIER: PAROLE HEARING June 10, 2024

Edward Woods


May15, 2024

 

 

Patricia K. Cushwa, Acting Chairperson

U.S. Parole Commission

90 K Street NE, 3rd floor

Washington DC 20530

 

Re: Leonard Peltier #89637-132

       Parole Hearing, June 10, 2024

       U.S.P. Coleman 1, FL

 

Dear Ms. Cushwa:

 

Leonard Peltier and his supporters claim he is a ‘political prisoner.’ This could not be further from the truth. Through decades of folklore and myth Peltier has attempted to change the narrative and alter the truth, however, the facts tell an entirely different story. 

 

Briefly, as you may know, on June 26, 1975 FBI Agents Coler and Williams were searching for a fugitive on the Pine Ridge Reservation. It is undisputed that Peltier and other members of the American Indian Movement (AIM), in an unprovoked attack, severely wounded both Agents. Agent Williams’s, waving his shirt that he also used as a tourniquet on his partner’s severely injured arm, attempted to surrender, but was ignored. Peltier, with his AR-15 rifle and two other AIM members, approached the defenseless Agents. Both Agents were shot, point-blank in the face. Agent Coler may have been unconscious and had his jaw destroyed. Agent Williams faced his killer as the muzzle was placed against an upraised hand, blowing his fingers through the back of his head. Leonard Peltier was convicted of murder and aiding and abetting, receiving consecutive life sentences and later an additional seven-consecutive years for an armed escape during which prison guards were shot at.

 

Over the years the Peltier saga has been fraught with an untold number of lies and fabrications. After over two-dozen appeals his conviction has been reviewed in minute detail and has never been altered. 

 

What follows are but a few excerpts from the lengthy appellate history. Nevertheless, to place Peltier’s heinous crime in its very real perspective, this was the crime scene: 


 


“Previous federal court decisions provided the (Parole) Commission with ample facts to support its conviction that Peltier personally shot Agent Coler and Williams.” (10th Circuit Court of Appeals, 11/4/2003)

 

Peltier’s AR-15 rifle, later recovered in Wichita, Kansas: “When all is said and done, however, a few simple but very important facts remain. The casing introduced into evidence had in fact been extracted from the Wichita AR-15. This point was not disputed…” and, “The trial witnesses unanimously testified that there was only one AR-15 in the compound prior to the murders, that this weapon was used exclusively by Peltier and carried out by Peltier after the murders.” (8th Circuit Court of Appeals, 9/11/1986)

 

Peltier’s only alibi; the lie of Mr. X: For nearly two decades Peltier claimed he knew who killed the Agents, the phantom Mr. X. In a film (Incident at Oglala) Peltier stated “This story is true.” However, one of his AIM cohorts publicly denied this (Dino Butler, 1995), and as well as a Peltier attorney (Michael Kuzma, 11/3/2012)

 

Peltier has fabricated all manner of conspiracy theories claiming innocence, however, has made public statements demonstrating a total lack of remorse—a critical consideration for granting parole, and his unquestioned guilt:

 

In the context of June 26, 1975 Peltier publicly stated; “I never thought my commitment would mean sacrificing like this, but I was willing to do so nonetheless. And really, if necessary, I’d do it all over again, because it was the right thing to do.” (2/6/2010). “don’t regret any of this for a minute.” (9/12/2014)

 

In an unrelated trial, sworn testimony revealed Peltier’s description of what happened that fateful day: “He (Peltier) said the (expletive)was begging for his life but I shot him anyway.”

 

And in his autobiography (1999, p.15), he offered this unrepentant and repulsive comment to his victim’s families: “I cannot see how my being here, torn from my own grandchildren, can possibly mend your loss. I swear to you, I am guilty only of being an Indian. That’s why I’m here. Being who I am, being who you are—that’s Aboriginal Sin.”

 

That certainly is not the reason Peltier received consecutive life sentences and an additional seven consecutive years for the armed escape. Although lengthy, the appellate history of Peltier’s conviction is perfectly clear as every spurious claim and allegation made by Peltier has been thoroughly analyzed and refuted. Peltier’s rambling arguments against his conviction and feigned innocence, along with revealing public statements, only reinforce his remorseless guilt.

 

There are those who deserve parole consideration. However, Peltier is not among them.

 

With all due respect I would urge the Commission to not grant Peltier parole. He has not earned it. Although he is elderly, FBI Agents Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams, brutally and senselessly murdered, were robbed of their opportunity to fulfill their own lives. 

 

Sincerely,


Edw. Woods

Edward Woods


Email: USParole.questions@usdoj.govUSPardon.attorney@usdoj.gov

U.S. Attorney General, Hon. Merrick B. Garland, 950 Pennsylvania Ave., Washington DC 20530, (202) 877-8339 

Sunday, April 28, 2024

PELTIER - 24 YEARS

April 30, 2024 – 24 Years

 

Dear Supporters:

 

April 30th marks the 24th Anniversary of the No Parole Peltier Association’s efforts to ensure that Leonard Peltier continues to serve his consecutive life sentences, plus seven consecutive years for an armed escape, in the brutal and senseless murder of two already wounded and defenseless human beings: Two FBI Agents killed in the Line-of-Duty. 

 

The mission of the NPPA, as it has been from the beginning, is to honor the memory and sacrifice of Special Agents Jack Coler and Ron Williams. They will never be forgotten. 

 

Although there was some activity earlier in 2023, https://wwwnoparolepeltiercom-justice.blogspot.com, things have been quiet on the Peltier front since the October 6, 2023 letter from thirty U.S. legislators and three U.S. Senators who are collectively ignorant and uninformed about the facts supporting Peltier’s conviction. They, like Peltier sycophants, and attorney rely on emotion, myth and folklore instead of understanding the facts and Peltier’s appellate history.   https://wwwnoparolepeltiercom-justice.blogspot.com/2023/10/

 

Peltier is in his fiftieth year of incarceration and the fundamental question is whether he has served enough time for his psychopathic and brutal criminal act. The answer was, and remains, he has not.

 

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

Ed Woods

 

A painful reminder of June 26, 1975, Pine Ridge Reservation, South Dakota

 

A recap of 2023:

Another year has passed and the mission of honoring the sacrifice of Special Agents’ Jack R. Coler and Ronald A. Williams, brutally murdered in the Line of Duty, remains as steadfast as ever. That commitment began on April 3, 2000 with a coincidental and casual meeting with Jack Coler’s youngest son, who was but one and a half when his father was murdered. Twenty-seven days later, Peltier’s decades of lies and fabrications were challenged in the public forum. http://www.noparolepeltier.com/pine.html 


Over the past couple of years Peltier’s hopes of a commutation have risen, believing that the current administration and some additional support will overcome the decades of what has been the relatively successful myth founded on a mountain of fabrications and lies.

 

Among more recent supporters is former South Dakota, Unites States Attorney, James H. Reynolds. Reynolds public statements concerning his involvement in the Peltier case, based on the actual record, are simply unsupportable. Reynolds motivation is unclear other than perhaps he actually believes his involvement is provable. See the following NPPA Blogs to completely discredit Reynold’s fabricated claims: 1/5/17, 12/2/17, 1/1/18, 1/26/11, 1/20/22, 2/7/22. 


Peltier’s most recent pro bono attorney, former federal judge, Kevin H. Sharp, is simply repeating tired and discredited claims that have failed all of Peltier’s prior attorneys. Sharp is a shameless propagandist for his unrepentant, double-murder client. See the following NPPA blogs that not only discredit his public claims but exposes his brazen defamation of prior Peltier-related judges and attorneys. Sharp believes he is smarter than the rest but the proof lies elsewhere. NPPA blogs discredit Sharp’s shallow efforts; 1/31/22, 2/22/22, 2/2/22, 8/14/22, 10/7/22, 11/26/22, 3/11/23, 3/24/23, 3/31/23 

Friday, January 12, 2024

SA Jack R. Coler: 1947 – 1975, Rest in Peace. PELTIER UPDATE


Dear Supporters:

 

This is another important occasion to take a moment and remember one of our own. Jack, would now, January 12th, be turning a respectable seventy-seven and considering the stamina and energy he displayed during his law enforcement careers in the LAPD and FBI, he would most likely be an active, productive, even enviable, septuagenarian. Jack was many things beyond a loyal husband, devoted father, and beloved son and brother. For those who had the pleasure and honor to know and work with him, he was a consummate dedicated and courageous professional. These were just some personal traits that come to mind when we remember Jack Coler. Others are partner, friend and the unquestionable character qualities of Fidelity, Bravery and Integrity. Jack left behind a loving wife, and two young sons who may have only a faint memory of their devoted, caring and courageous father. 

 

At this point there is no way of knowing what these last many years may have brought. Those who knew him could easily imagine a life rich in accomplishments with strong family ties. Long retired from a productive Bureau career and with Jack’s commitment and dedication to law enforcement, he may have pursued another career as a Chief of Police. These intervening years would certainly include his love of Nature and the outdoors, exploring new and exciting places with his sons and grandchildren.

 

All the potential enjoyment, happiness, successes and challenges conquered, could have been of a life that was stolen from him by the cowards of Jumping Bull on that agonizing and tragic day in 1975.

 

To see Jack as he was then, and to imagine meeting him today, please see the remarkable video produced by the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI, available on YouTube. There, you will learn about the incredible Jack Coler and his equally brave and courageous partner, Ron Williams[i]

 

“In the Spirit of Coler and Williams”

Ed Woods

 

PELTIER UPDATE

There will come a time as Peltier soon turns eighty, that at one point, likely sooner than later, he will meet his Creator. He will then, for the first time ever, be compelled to finally tell the truth and separate himself from a lifetime of falsehoods. Although the Christian belief in Heaven and Hell are not entirely accepted in Native American culture, perhaps there is a Hell and also a Hell on Earth, that for these past years Peltier has rightly experienced when he aptly told us, “There’s an ever-present background chorus of shouts and yells and calls, demented babblings, crazed screaming, ghostlike laughter. Maybe one day you realize one of those voices is your own, and then you really begin to worry.”

 

Native culture accepts the belief that after death, life continues, regardless if in their Earthly life they were a good or bad person. There certainly may have been many times that Leonard Peltier looked back and wished he had taken different actions and made other decisions that fateful day. If the ‘unprovoked attack’ on the Agents had ended there, and Peltier was later arrested and convicted for assault or attempted murder and aiding and abetting, his sentence may have been already served and over[ii]  He could have been free a long time ago. 

 

Nonetheless, he was compelled to take that final step and brutally murder two wounded and defenseless human beings. That assumes, of course, that as Peltier and the other cowards fled, aid would have reached the Agents in time. Jack’s nearly fatal and massive wound likely left him unconscious. But Agent Williams was alive and faced his killer; a defensive hand raised against the barrel of Peltier’s AR-15. The fake warrior had figured out one thing for certain, dead men make poor witnesses. Moreover, adding to the depravity of his actions, in an unrelated murder trial, sworn testimony revealed that Peltier described Agent Williams’ final moments; “The M-F was begging for his life, but I shot him anyway.”

 

The result, had Jack succumbed to his devasting wound, would have ultimately ended as it did anyway for Peltier. Murder has no Statute of Limitations and life-sentences are the result. 

 

Today, on Peltier’s somewhat dated website homepage, an oversized banner recognizes his past birthday, last September. Scattered amongst many unrelated commercial advertisings are the same tired rhetoric and falsehoods. The website, and perhaps Peltier’s “committee” is getting a bit stale, not unlike it has a number of times in the past.

 

Aside from hearing his own voice echoing from concrete walls, perhaps among those voices Peltier may hear those of his victims. He may also faintly hear the phantom Mr. X. No, wait, that can’t happen; Peltier’s only alibi is a proven lie[iii]



[i] The incredible video dedicated to Jack and Ron:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ozhEumzwgKA

[ii] Response to Peltier attorney’s public misstatement regarding an ‘unprovoked attack’

    http://wwwnoparolepeltiercom-justice.blogspot.com/2023/04/peltier-sharps-disinformation4.html

[iii] The years-long lie of Mr. X: https://www.noparolepeltier.com/lie.html