Marine under fire: Will the punishment fit the crime?

Marine under fire: Will the punishment fit the crime?
CNN
By Ivan Watson and Laura Dolan
October 29, 2013

STORY HIGHLIGHTS
Jason Brezler faces possible discharge on less than honorable terms
He served for 13 years, including four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan
Brezler is accused of mishandling classified information
Influential supporters are leaping to the 32-year old veteran's defense

New York (CNN) -- Jason Brezler is an elite New York firefighter. He is also a highly decorated officer in the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Reserve, who has served four tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So why is Maj. Brezler facing possible discharge on less than honorable terms after serving 13 years with the Marines?

He is accused of mishandling classified information and faces an investigation that could determine his future.

"For a man like Jason Brezler, being asked to separate from the Marine Corps that he loved so much would be an even worse punishment than jail," said Kevin Carroll, Brezler's attorney, a former CIA officer who is providing Brezler pro bono representation along with his law firm Quinn, Emanuel, Urquhart and Sullivan.

In an e-mail to CNN, Marine Col. Francis Piccoli wrote that because of "the mishandling of classified information, Maj. Brezler has been ordered to show cause of retention in the U.S. Marine Corps before a Board of Inquiry."

That board will consist of three officers: one colonel and two lieutenant colonels.

Brezler, a tall man with a strong New York accent and a blond buzz-cut, is legally barred from speaking about his case.

But influential supporters are leaping to the 32-year-old veteran's defense. A congressman, a senator and two Marine Corps generals have written letters on Brezler's behalf.
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