“Just like the CIA primary mission is to protect the Agency, the New York Time primary mission is to protect the Time. And so when this hit the fan — so to speak — Jeffrey was on his own.”

Former CIA John Kiriakou

Jeffrey Alexander Sterling is an American lawyer and former CIA employee who was arrested, charged, and convicted of violating the Espionage Act for revealing details about Operation Merlin to journalist James Risen. In May 2015, Sterling was sentenced to 3½ years in prison and thus set for release in 2018. We just received some news from his wife Holly. Follow us on Twitter: @Intel_Today

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Letter

Dear Friends,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you who signed a petition in support of Jeffrey. As you are probably aware, sadly he was not granted a pardon by President Obama. We continue to anxiously await the appellate court’s decision after the oral arguments on December 6, 2016. There have been no changes in Jeffrey’s health and he continues to take a beta blocker.

Twelve months ago, during the press conference prior to delivering the petition for a pardon to the White House, I read a message from Jeffrey. I would like to share it with you again today:

“Every day, I ask why am I forcibly separated from my wife Holly, our family and friends; why am I in prison? I know the answer because it is born out of who I am today and who I have always been. The answer to my daily question is because through the years I said ‘no’ to discrimination at the CIA. I said ‘no’ to government intimidation and retaliation. I said ‘no’ to compromising my principles by pleading to a crime I did not commit.

“All the while I am saying ‘yes’ to doing the right thing not only for myself but also for my country. I took a stand and followed the rules and for this I was targeted and summarily finished. Throughout, I have thought I stood alone.

“I have learned differently. While I have been invisible to many, many more here in this country and throughout the world have expressed solidarity with me and the cause of justice or the struggles I have endured. Their undying support and encouragement, along with that of my incredible wife Holly inspire me to continue fighting. Thank you all.”

Jeffrey and I remain eternally grateful for your support and standing with us to fight for his innocence. Although we did not receive the desired outcome, we know we are not alone.

I am not sure there are words to adequately express the impact each of you has had on our lives and the courage to continue the pursuit of justice. We wish you love, peace, and safety always, and especially during this unfortunate highly conflictual state of our country.

Fondly,

Holly Sterling

You may write letters and/or send cards to Jeffrey at the following address:

JEFFREY STERLING, 38338-044
FCI ENGLEWOOD
FEDERAL CORRECTIONAL INSITUTION
9595 WEST QUINCY AVENUE
LITTLETON, CO 80123

TIMELINE

Jeffrey Alexander Sterling is an American lawyer and former CIA employee who was arrested, charged, and convicted of violating the Espionage Act for revealing details about Operation Merlin to journalist James Risen. Sterling denies the charges.

The case against him is circumstantial. (There is evidence that Sterling and Risen have called each other. Risen has of course dozens of contacts at the CIA.)

Sterling joined the CIA on May 14, 1993. In 1995, he became operations officer in the Iran task force of the CIA’s Near East and South Asia division.

On December 22, 2010, U.S. attorney Neil H. MacBride filed an indictment against Jeffrey Alexander Sterling on the Unlawful Retention and Unauthorized Disclosure of National Defense Information, Mail Fraud, Unauthorized Conveyance of Government Property, and Obstruction of Justice. Sterling was arrested on January 6, 2011.

Sterling was convicted of espionage charges on January 26, 2015

On 11 May 2015, Sterling was sentenced to 3½ years in prison and thus set for release in 2018.

On August 11 2016, Jeffrey Sterling filed a health complaint against Colorado federal correctional institution.

Jeffrey’s appellate hearing took place in early December 2016. “His attorneys did a phenomenal job and there were some pointed questions asked by at least one judge.”

For now, his wife and friends hope that all three judges believe in Jeffrey’s innocence and overturn the verdict on all counts.

Documentary

Since he was indicted four years ago, Jeffrey Sterling’s voice has never been heard by the public. But that changes today. We air an exclusive report that tells his story, “The Invisible Man.” We are also joined by Norman Solomon, who interviewed Sterling for the piece and attended both his trial and sentencing. Solomon is a longtime activist, executive director of the Institute for Public Accuracy, co-founder of RootsAction.org, and coordinator of ExposeFacts.org.

REFERENCES

Operation Merlin — WIKIPEDIA

‘My husband may die’ in a Colorado prison, says wife of CIA whistleblower

He was fired from the CIA and jailed for a leak. Now he’s trying to hang on