Green Beret’s Fight to Clear His Name from Military Database
On a morning in June 2017, the sound of urgent knocks woke Green Beret Sgt. 1st Class Jamie Morris. Frustration melted into shock as he found chaos outside his embassy housing in Bamako, Mali. His fellow Green Beret, Staff Sgt. Logan Melgar, needed resuscitation.
Tragedy struck when four special operators were convicted of Melgar’s death in a hazing attack.
Although Morris was never accused of participating in the fatal incident, a casual mention in plea deals led to his background check listing charges from obstruction to murder.
Jeffrey Addicott, representing Morris through the Warrior Defense Project, described it as the military overreacting and hunting for scapegoats.
Morris, who joined the Army in 2004, is caught in a military justice system’s web that creates a lasting record for those under investigation, sharing it with federal databases even if no charges are filed. With legal assistance, Morris is fighting to clear his tarnished name.
The Incident in Mali
Morris, determined to serve despite a shattered kneecap from a car crash, enlisted in 2004. He excelled as a weapons sergeant, deploying to various countries without complaint. But in 2017, he was assigned to Mali with a Special Forces team.
On the night of Melgar’s death, Morris encountered him and translated a French business card. Tensions had arisen between Melgar and his team before. Hours later, Melgar was dead.
Contradictory stories followed. Ultimately, it was revealed that special operators broke into Melgar’s room, and a Navy SEAL choked him. The case unraveled into allegations of hazing and more, leading to convictions for some involved.
Unjust Fallout
Morris’ life took a turn when he was implicated in 2019, despite earlier plea deals and testimonies not mentioning his involvement. As Morris struggled to clear his name, he learned that his background check carried serious charges he had no idea about. An obscure military process known as “titling” had ensnared him, leading to a false criminal record.
Addicott believes that the military’s focus on high-profile cases and sensationalism exacerbated Morris’ predicament.
Despite his fight for justice and multiple appeals, Morris has faced obstacles in the form of administrative actions and bureaucratic red tape. His career stalled, and he felt branded with a “scarlet letter,” hindering employment opportunities and daily life.
Looking Ahead
The battle continues for Morris as he seeks to reverse his unjust titling and reinstate his reputation. Lawyers are pushing for his reinstatement into the military, allowing him to recoup his career and retirement benefits.
While Morris and his family yearn for the nightmare to end, their faith and support from loved ones fuel their perseverance.
Hannah Ray Lambert is an associate producer/writer with Fox News Digital Originals.