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Sharratt suit seeks 'justice'
mjones@observer-reporter.com
PITTSBURGH - Hours after filing a federal slander lawsuit against Congressman John Murtha, 24-year-old Justin Sharratt coolly described in one word what he wants from the man who said he and his fellow Marines killed "innocent civilians in cold blood."
"Justice," Sharratt said without flinching. "Basically, just showing America that a congressman can't get on TV and say anything he wants."
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"What (Murtha) did was completely unnecessary and outrageous," said Sharratt's lawyer, Noah Geary, at a news conference in his downtown office.
The federal lawsuit, filed Thursday morning in U.S. District Court in Pittsburgh, alleges Murtha, D-Johnstown, made comments outside the scope of his employment as an elected official that slandered Sharratt, presumed he was guilty and violated his right to due process. It also claims Sharratt has "lost significant employment opportunities" during this time and has "suffered permanent, irreversible damage to his reputation."
Six months after the Haditha incident in 2005, Murtha said he was briefed by military officials about an investigation involving the Marines. At a news conference on May 17, 2006, he told reporters that the Marines snapped after one of their comrades was killed by a roadside bomb and killed innocent civilians in retaliation.
"There was no firefight. There was no IED that killed these people," Murtha said, alluding to an initial report that 15 civilians were killed by a roadside bomb. "Our troops overreacted because of the pressure on them, and they killed innocent civilians in cold blood."
He went on several talk shows over the next two weeks and repeated his claims, citing top military officials. The Department of Defense distanced itself from the comments, and Geary bluntly said Thursday that he thinks Murtha made the story up.
"And if he did hear something, it was speculation at best," Geary said.
Murtha did not return a call seeking comment.
Sharratt testified that two of three men he killed were armed with AK-47 assault rifles. He said he killed a third man who appeared to be moving toward a closet where weapons were later found. Sharratt said he never entered two other houses where more Iraqis were killed.
Friends have been supportive of Sharratt, but people who see him on the street have called him a "baby killer" or accused him of "slaughtering people." He also said he has received numerous threatening e-mails.
The family has phoned Murtha's office about 50 times, and Sharratt's father, Darryl, spoke to the congressman once. Murtha was unapologetic about his comments, the family said.
"I feel a lot better now knowing Murtha is getting the justice he deserves," Justin Sharratt said.
The timing of the lawsuit raises questions of whether Sharratt is trying to influence the upcoming election between Murtha and his Republican challenger, William Russell. Geary disputed that suggestion and said this is a legal action designed to show that Sharratt's constitutional rights were violated. It also falls within the one-year statute of limitations, Geary said, because Sharratt was honorably discharged from the Marines last fall.
Sharratt added that he has met Russell only once, last year while at a campaign event for Washington County Commissioner Diana Irey. He has not had any communication with Russell or his campaign since then, Geary said.
In an an interview last December with the Observer-Reporter, the family said they would like to see Murtha removed from office, and they were endorsing Russell.
Murtha will have 60 days to respond to the lawsuit and could hire a lawyer through the Justice Department. Geary expects Murtha will attempt to dismiss the lawsuit by saying he was acting in the scope of his duty as a government employee.
And although Geary acknowledged there are "tricky issues with immunity and an uphill battle" with the lawsuit, he said Sharratt remains committed to clearing his name.
Thursday's filing was another step Sharratt and his family have made over the past three years.
Sharratt has moved back from California and is living with his parents in their Canonsburg home. He said he is looking to apply to several Pittsburgh-area colleges and wants to study criminal justice.
Sharratt VS Murtha = GOOD! : 9/26/2008
Good for you, Justin. We need an address to send contributions, please. Now, how about asking Murtha about that last soldier whose pursuit of justice and being released is being waylaid until AFTER the election? These soldiers stand in our stead, put their lives on the line and THIS is what they have to go through? Dispicable.
JOKE : 9/26/2008
Noah Geary is a Republican hack who fancies himself a political player, and this garbage lawsuit is proof. This is just two guys looking to turn themselves into celebrities; he got his "justice" when he was exonerated of the charges. Geary should be ashamed of this "wrapping myself in the flag" stunt, but with his arrogance, I'm sure that will never happen.
Murtha Sells Out Country : 9/26/2008
This piece crap congressman, for the sake of political power, degrades an innocent serviceman and sells out his country. There are quite a few Democrats who would sell out their country in favor of political power. I hope Murtha gets what he deserves.
TREASON : 9/26/2008
You know during the days of World War I and World War II the statements of Congressman Murtha could have resulted in criminal charges of treason which, in my opinion, is what they are. How is it OK to be a part of the government of a country at war and then persecute the very military we are sending into peril? I'm all for freedom of speech but with government office comes responsibility and his comments have been anything but responsible. No wonder we are the target of unfriendly nations everywhere - our enemies have the backing of our own politicians.
HEY JOKE : 9/26/2008
Typical Dumbocrap....you would defend the devil himself if it mean political power for you LIBTURDS.
Murtha knows not Semper Fi : 9/26/2008
Having served with the United States Marines for over 3 years as a member of the United States Navy let me start by saying that there is no military organization finer than the Marines. Mr. Murtha should be ceremoniously stripped of the title of Marine. The time I spent serving with the nations finest was indeed the pinacle of my 10 year career. Mr. Murthas comments were irresponsible and purely made for political gain. To not offer an apology just goes to show you how pigheaded this unpatriotic politician actually is. Please provide us with contact information so that we may aid in costs of any legal representation. Thank you for your exemplary service.
justice : 9/26/2008
it is a shame this is in a suit when i was in vietnam we were targeted with these names and did what we were payed to do by our goverment so there is a big difference now HA HA this is a rememberece of all the viet whom were spit on and seen the flag wore on thetre behinds so don,t feel left out it is the times when the people are just a pupit for this great nation of ours now go and get a coffee it will still cost you just as much as all others
Andrew & Veteran : 9/26/2008
You both asked about a way to contact Justin Sharratt. Go here; http://www.justinsharratt.com/donations.html
Massacre at Haditha : 9/26/2008
After seeing the photos of the executed women and children, including a three year old girl, its my opinion that Justin Sharratt is a murdering coward and a disgrace to his country and uniform. Like his role model, William Calley, Sharratt and his fellow criminals were lucky to be subjected to military “justice” ie., let off the hook with a slap on the wrist. After lying to cover up these murders, it appears Sharratt now wants to be rewarded with millions of dollars for murdering children in cold blood. Sharrat is a miserable piece of crap who rightfully should be flushed into a cesspool. God bless John Murtha for standing up for the Marine Corps and America.
Murtha : 9/26/2008
Murtha is the one who was politically postering, stating what he said because poll numbers showed that the war was unpopular. Murtha needs to publicaly appoligize for his grave disservice to this fine man and all of those who have gave so much. You are disgusting John Murtha.
IT'S TIME FOR MURTHA TO GO : 9/26/2008
John Murtha is a prime example of why this country should have term limits. This Senator must be suffering from dementia and it is past time for this jerk to be thrown out of office. For this political pinhead to accuse Mr. Sharrat of any wrong doing before the evidence has been presented is despicable and unforgivable. I sincerely hope the voters wise-up and vote this poor excuse of a human being out of office.
Geary : 9/26/2008
Good For Him
Noah Geary : 9/26/2008
I am sure anyone needing information on where to send money to support this action could Google Noah Geary and call his office for information. This young man deserves our support.
Murtha : 9/28/2008
I support Murtha and real Marines. There was a massacre of innocent children and women at Haditha. The Marines who murdered this people first lied then changed their story when the lies were uncovered.
MURTHA'S CLAIM OF IMMUNITY : 10/22/2008
CONGRESSIONAL IMMUNITY DOES NOT COVER TREASON...GIVING AID AND COMFORT TO THE ENEMY. LUV ZUBEEY
