Marine In Iraq Case Jailed For Refusing To Testify

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP) — A U.S. Marine charged with murder in the death of an Iraqi detainee in Fallujah is now facing a federal contempt-of-court charge.

Sergeant Ryan Weemer of Hindsboro, Illinois, has been jailed in California for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury that’s investigating an ex-Marine who was a member of his squad.

Weemer’s attorney told U.S. District Court Judge Stephen Larson that his client opted not to testify for fear of self-incrimination. The sergeant did not speak before the judge found him in contempt of court.

Grand jury proceedings are secret but it is known through military justice proceedings that a grand jury is investigating Jose Nazario, who is now a civilian.

Federal prosecutors have charged Nazario with voluntary manslaughter in the killing of two Iraqi captives in Fallujah. Nazario pleaded not guilty.

Sergeant Weemer is facing military charges at Camp Pendleton. He’s denied doing anything wrong.