Accused officer defends Haditha decisions

By: TERI FIGUEROA - Staff Writer | Sunday, June 10, 2007 7:50 AM PDT ∞

CAMP PENDLETON ---- The highest ranking officer to be charged in connection with the deaths of 24 Iraqis in Haditha defended his decisions in the aftermath of the deaths, saying in a Camp Pendleton courtroom Saturday that he had operated "in good faith."

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"I understand that I am accountable for my decisions and actions," Lt. Col. Jeffrey Chessani said in a firm voice, "but I do not believe my decisions and actions were criminal."

Chessani was commander of Camp Pendleton's 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment when 24 civilians were killed in the city of Haditha on Nov. 19, 2005.

Chessani and three other officers face dereliction charges for not ordering a probe of the chaotic incident. Three enlisted men from the battalion face murder charges.

"Hindsight is 20/20," Chessani said, standing with his hands clasped behind his back as he spoke. "I will tell you the decisions I made, the actions I took, were made in good faith."

Also Saturday, the defense attorney for Capt. Randy W. Stone, one of the accused officers, said a recently released report recommends against sending Stone to court-martial. Stone served as the battalion's attorney.

Nineteen Iraqis died inside homes and five were killed while being held at gunpoint after emerging from a car that drove up shortly after a roadside bomb destroyed a Humvee. The explosion killed a lance corporal and injured two other Marines.

Charges arising from the Haditha deaths make up one of the largest criminal cases in the more than four years since the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

Chessani's attorneys contend that Chessani reported everything he knew about the incident immediately after it happened and should not face criminal charges.

In the wake of an investigation ---- spurred by a media report ---- into the Haditha deaths, Chessani was stripped of his command in April 2006, when his unit returned from Iraq.

In court, Chessani said that day was "the single most devastating (day) of my life." He said his service as a battalion commander was "the pinnacle, the top of my career."

Chessani made his unsworn statement, which lasted slightly more than five minutes, in front of the hearing officer, Col. Christopher Conlin. It came as answers to questions posed by Chessani's military defense attorney, Lt. Col. John Shelburne.

Attorneys on both sides of the case are scheduled to make closing arguments Monday.

When the hearing concludes, Conlin will write a report stating whether he believes Chessani should face court-martial, the military equivalent of a trial. The final decision of how to handle Chessani's case lies with Lt. Gen. James Mattis, who is the convening authority.

Chessani could face more than two years behind bars and dismissal from the service if ordered to trial and convicted.

Monday also marks the first day of pretrial proceedings for Lance Cpl. Justin Sharratt, the first of the investigative hearings for any of three enlisted men charged with murder as alleged triggermen in the Haditha deaths.

Testifying of behalf of Chessani on Saturday via telephone from Saudi Arabia was Col. Brennan Bryne, who was Chessani's commanding officer when the two were in the first battle of Fallujah in April 2004.

Byrne testified that Chessani had displayed "impeccable integrity" and "excellent judgement," and was a person who would not hesitate to share bad news.

"He, of anyone, would know if there was something that smelled funny, he would get the information out," Byrne said.

Contact staff writer Teri Figueroa at (760) 631-6624 or tfigueroa@nctimes.com.

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