Judge Wood, known as "maximum John" because of the heavy sentences he had imposed on drug dealers, had presided over the pretrial hearing of Jamiel Chagra, denying 20 defense motions. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Joes testimony put Harrelson in prison for life; ironically, in his separate trial, Jimmy was acquitted, thanks largely to Joes unwillingness to testify against him. Just after Judge Wood was killed, Joseph Chagra, then 31, said the slaying was the worst thing that could have happened to his other brother, Jamiel, 32, who was known as Jimmy. By the time the first indictments came down in April 1982, the FBI had conducted more than 30,000 interviews and collected more than 500,000 pieces of information. This is a digitized version of an article from The Timess print archive, before the start of online publication in 1996. In 1979, a federal grand jury in Midland, Texas, indicted Chagra on drug smuggling charges. Space-X continues to reach for the stars. His wife received a total of 25 years on the conspiracy and perjury charges; Elizabeth received 30 years on the conspiracy and tax evasion charges. In death as in life, El Paso crime family scion Joe Chagra is getting a bad rap. Someone could have done a movie not only on the case, but on the people who got the reward.. He called himself ''a card mechanic'' so talented with a deck that he could deal any hands requested around a table. Harrelson argued that Kay's wife had purchased a Weatherby hunting rifle of the type used to kill the judge some 12 days before the killing. In a plea agreement, Joe Chagra got a 10-year sentence. Rob Condon, Executive Director, Young Scientists Academy, "We have been at the Harrelson Center for 3 years and it's been a dream come true! In his testimony, Mr. Harrelson said he was ''set up'' by George Edward (Pete) Kay, another gambler. In exchange for agreeing to testify against Harrelson is drowning in a sea of evidence and she realizes it,' assistant U.S. Attorney Ray Jahn told jurors before the verdict Monday. Five months later Wood was dead, slain May 29, 1979, on his way to work. Mr. Harrelson's wife, Jo Ann, was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice, the only charge against her in this case. On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet. ", Cindy Moore,Quality Services Director, GHA Autism Supports, "The Center has been such a big part of our growth and development providing us with a solid home base and a network of valuable partners.". In the investigation, which cost at least $5 million, the Government recorded more than 1,000 conversations, most of them by telephone, that Jamiel Chagra was involved in at various prisons, particularly the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth, Kan. All relationship and family history information shown on FameChain has been compiled from data in the public domain. She was previously convicted of using a Jimmy was upset about that because he thought it put him under suspicion right away, Ray Jahn said. '', It was at a pretrial hearing on April 2, 1979, as he listened to Judge Wood deny a score of defense motions, that Jamiel Chagra turned to Joseph Salim Chagra, his brother and attorney, and said, according to Joseph Chagra's testimony later, ''that he was never going to have a fair trial and if I thought he should have Judge Wood killed.''. Anyone can read what you share. A place where needs are met, dreams are fostered and hope abounds. Less than a year before Judge Wood was slain, Lee Chagra, Joseph's older brother, who had defended numerous narcotics suspects in Judge Wood's court, was killed in his office by armed robbers. Jo Ann Harrelson tried for perjury, and Jamiel and Elizabeth Chagra tried for tax evasion in Shreveport, Louisiana.Dates of Trials: October 7, 1982-December 14, 1982 (Charles Harrelson, Jo Ann Harrelson, Elizabeth Chagra); January 10, 1983-February 7, 1983 (Jamiel Chagra); March 1983 (Chagra trials for tax evasion and Jo Ann Harrelson trial for perjury)Verdicts: Charles Harrelson: guilty of murder of federal judge, conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to obstruct justice. As a matter of fact, when I got arrested, I thought I could buy Judge Wood off, and I tried through a family member by offering $5 million or $10 million. They said no. How Florence ButtNot Her SonLaunched the H-E-B Empire. Harrelson also testified that Kay had borrowed his own distinctive gold-colored Oldsmobile, similar to one seen near the judge's apartment on the day of the killing. They also argued, unsuccessfully, that incriminating recorded conversations should not have been allowed because they were covered by attorney-client privilege or by spousal privilege. Great American Trials. Joseph Chagra accepted a plea bargain. Minnesota officer removes jar from raccoon's head. Our vision was to create a place that could put the charities together that were helping those who wanted to help themselves. -- Jo Ann Harrelson, a former Las Vegas gambler and wife of the hitman convicted of killing a federal judge, was found guilty of perjury -- the Jimmy Chagra was granted a separate trial. Bring on the Shiplap. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the conspiracy conviction February 15, 1985, on the grounds that the prosecution failed to show premeditation and malice. Jo Ann Harrelson was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice. WebJo Ann Harrelson's in laws: All relationship and family history information shown on FameChain has been compiled from data in the public domain. Our incoming donations used to be 70% used items. Charles Harrelson was the last of the classic American hitman. Wood was shot in the back with a high-powered rifle while leaving his north San Antonio townhouse for work. Joseph Chagra did not testify. Elizabeth Chagra died in prison of ovarian cancer in September 1997 at age 43. Harrelson).'. The Harrelson Center has provided us with affordable rent, a safe and comfortable space to host volunteers, board meetings and support groups, and a wonderful event space to host larger events. He believed in the justice system, but it didnt do right by him., Do I feel like he got robbed? He spent more than 35 years defending some of the most notorious alleged Mob figures, including Meyer Lansky, Frank Rosenthal, Anthony Spilotro and Jimmy Chagra. Through these collaborations, we have been able to extend our reach to help more families in our local community. The Chagras were known as key members of a so-called Dixie Mafia, heavily involved in drug smuggling. Bobby Harrelson said it best in Crazy Like A Fox, an article in Wilmington Magazine. People with hearts to serve and love to give.thats what you will find at the Harrelson Center. WebJo Ann Harrelson and Elizabeth Chagra Arriving at Court. They shook down everybody in South Texas.. The case has prompted Mrs. Harrelson to attempt suicide and caused her to temporarily disown her two daughters for having affairs with Harrelson during their marriage. On Christmas Eve 1978, two thugs robbed Lees law office and killed him. 3 ARE FOUND GUILTY IN ASSASSINATION OF FEDERAL JUDGE, https://www.nytimes.com/1982/12/15/us/3-are-found-guilty-in-assassination-of-federal-judge.html. Jimmy Chagra, who was facing numerous narcotics charges, would become a suspect in the killing. Jimmy Chagra was released from federal prison in 2003 and entered the witness-protection program. It was the huge stepping stone we needed to be able to increase our impact on the community and really do right by our clients. Goodman made a six-hour final argument without a break. But they would have had leaves on them at the time of the murder, rendering the witness testimony not credible. Even though every partner is In addition to the MLA, Chicago, and APA styles, your school, university, publication, or institution may have its own requirements for citations. This synergistic environment allows all the nonprofits to operate more efficiently and better utilize their funding. Harrelson was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years, while Jo Ann Harrelson got a combined 25 years for obstruction of justice. Most online reference entries and articles do not have page numbers. "Texas SniperThe Charge: Murdering a Judge." As each juror affirmed the vote of guilty on counts of conspiracy to murder, murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice, several had tears in their eyes and one woman shook visibly and broke into sobs. Jo Ann Harrelson, whose daughter has been imprisoned more than three months for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury, walked away from the federal courthouse in San Antonio without being held in contempt. Chagra was once held by Colombian authorities after his drug-smuggling plane crashed there. Charles Manson Trial: 1970-71 Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. She had then given the rifle to George Kay. Jo Ann Harrelson: 25 years for obstruction of justice and perjury. Jimmy Chagra was sentenced to 30 years for his original drug-trafficking charges, plus 10 years for the lesser charges he was convicted of when he was tried for the Wood murder. Chagra told Sheehan that he offered to plead guilty to having Judge Wood murdered, if theyd release my wife. His son, Joseph Jr., said Mr. Chagra's death was caused by injuries from an automobile accident on Dec. 6 that also killed two passengers. Because Joe was simultaneously representing Jimmy, who was serving thirty years without parole on a drug charge at the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kansas, Harrelson had to assume that sooner or later Joe would learn the truth. He has published 21 books and screenplays, including many on Las Vegas history and historical figures. Mrs. Harrelson, 42, a small, blond woman who was once a known 'card counter' at Las Vegas blackjack tables, collapsed moments after hearing the verdict Monday. On another visit Jimmy told Joe, Youre the one who said, Do it, do it, do it. Joe tried to conceal his shock by talking tough, saying he never thought his brother would hire an asshole like Harrelson. Joseph agreed that he should. His court-appointed attorney, Thomas G. Sharpe, who defended him on two previous murder-for-hire charges, one ending in acquittal and the other in a 15-year sentence, said the verdict would be appealed. He set up his family on a farm in Kansas. 'I have ordered the hearing continued and you can logically assume what that means,' Sessions said. The desire to give and serve others stems from a place of earnest compassion. After Joe was killed, the bad publicity inevitably returned, so Patty took their daughter, Samantha, a seventeen-year-old high school honor student, to all the television stations in El Pasojust so they could see her face and know what they had put her through. After that, Patty told me, the flavor of the stories softened. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. But theres a postscript: I feel certain that the youngest of three brothers in El Pasos infamous Chagra crime family knew nothing about Woods murder until months after the fact. From start to finish, I was treated with kindness and dignity. Bikers and other street toughs were dragged in on hold-over charges. Chagra was a prolific marijuana smuggler and spent his ill-gotten fortune on casinos in Las Vegas, where he moved in 1978. He claimed that a fellow gambler, George (Pete) Kay had bilked Jamiel Chagra by claiming that Charles Harrelson had killed the judge and should collect the $250,000 fee. Oscar Goodman and Joe Chagra were Jimmys attorneys. In real life, it highlighted the criminal acts of those accused in Woods killing a drug lord, an actors father and some of their relatives. On Feb. 26, 1979, he was indicted on five counts of trafficking in marijuana and cocaine. Judge Wood denied any impropriety and refused to remove himself from the case. Joe was stunned. Jimmy Chagras separate trial moved to Jacksonville, Florida. March 4 (UPI) -- Roel Degamo, the governor of the Philippines province of Negros Oriental, was assassinated and five others also died Saturday in an attack by gunmen, officials said. Elizabeth Chagra admitted she delivered the money but said she did not know what it was for. "Charles Harrelson Trial: 1982-83 ", Missy Bennett, Executive Director, Operation Pretty Things, "The Harrelson Center really provides a unique opportunity to serve people holistically. WebThe map led the feds to learn that the murder weapon had been purchased by Harrelsons wife, Jo Ann. According to the F.B.I. One, Jerry Ray James, befriended Jamiel Chagra in prison and allowed his conversations to be secretly taped. Together we create higher quality programs, were better able to remove barriers, and we have more space to provide instruction with positive adult role models. At trial, the Jahns put on a parade of star witnesses that included Harrelsons cellmate and Joe Chagra, both of whom had been told by Harrelson that he carried out the hit. Mrs. Chagra was found guilty of conspiracy to commit murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Occasionally the digitization process introduces transcription errors or other problems; we are continuing to work to improve these archived versions. I promised Samantha that I would write that Joe was a good father, and I know damn well he was. Judge Sessions gave Chagra only 10 additional years on his sentence, making him eligible for parole in 2007. Jo Ann had purchased the rifle under a false name, Mrs. "Fay King." Released in 1978, he married for a third time the next year, this time to Jo Ann Starr. Crimes Charged: First-degree murder an, Murder with Diane Harrelson{ "@context": "http://schema.org", "@type": "Person", "name": "Diane Harrelson", "gender": "Female" }. March 4 (UPI) -- Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu made a rare visit to frontline troops in Ukraine on Saturday as Kyiv's grip on the embattled city of Bakhmut appeared to be slipping. Joseph Chagra pled guilty to the charge of conspiracy to commit murder and received a sentence of ten years. Jo Ann Harrelson, whose daughter has been imprisoned more than three months for refusing to testify before a federal grand jury, walked away from the federal 'Mrs. March 3 (UPI) -- A former U.S. soldier was sentenced to 45 years in prison Friday for planning a deadly ambush on members of his military unit. and court testimony, Jamiel Chagra was ''the highest of high rollers,'' a man who flew in private jets, gambled at roped-off tables in Las Vegas and thought nothing of betting half a million dollars on a roll of the dice. On Dec. 14, 1982, a Federal jury in San Antonio found Mr. Harrelson guilty of conspiracy to murder, murder and conspiracy to obstruct justice. Whether they are seeking financial help, spiritual help, whether they are looking for a job, clothing, food or encouragement, a listening ear or someone to help build them up, people can come here because it is not only in the heart of Wilmington but IS the heart of Wilmington. Harrelson, a card gambling felon and accused hit man with ties to organized crime, was the father of actor Woody Harrelson and met Jimmy Chagra in Vegas in 1979 after being paroled in an unrelated murder case. Investigators suspected that the murder was somehow connected to the growing drug trade in Texas. Drug Dealer's Wife Is Guilty. I mean I had so much money, so much power, Chagra said. Investigators questioned several long-term convicts, offering reduced sentences for information about the judge's killing. The jury started deliberating on Feb. 3, 1983. Harrelson had been a suspect, but so had several others. Prosecutors said Mrs. Harrelson lied to FBI agents, to a grand jury and in her previous trial. ", receiving assistance and guidance at Help Hub, "Being a partner of the Harrelson Center has allowed Soaring As Eagles to soar even higher than before. circular of wanted people as a ''carpet salesman, professional gambler and narcotics trafficker.''. March 2 (UPI) -- A Maryland woman scored a $100,000 prize from a scratch-off lottery ticket less than 12 hours after she scored an $11,000 jackpot at a casino. Should you have information that conflicts with anything shown please make us aware by email. According to the Jahns, Harrelson offered to kill people suspected of killing Jimmys older brother, attorney Lee Chagra, who was murdered in his El Paso law office two days before Christmas in 1978. Though he and his wife, Patty, divorced, they remained close. On the basis of the wiretaps, the FBI searched Joes home, turning up not only his private stash of drugs but also the map Harrelson had given him. At a subsequent trial, held in Florida because of the publicity in Texas, Jimmy Chagra was March 4 (UPI) -- On March 4, 1933, Frances Perkins was sworn in as U.S. labor secretary, becoming the first female member of the Cabinet. The defense sought a change of venue, but the requests were denied. Harrelson was sentenced to two consecutive life terms plus five years, while Jo Ann Harrelson got a combined 25 years for obstruction of justice. Because each style has its own formatting nuances that evolve over time and not all information is available for every reference entry or article, Encyclopedia.com cannot guarantee each citation it generates. He gave us details that only he knew, Ray Jahn said. Middle brother Jimmy, the proverbial bad penny, used Joe as a wedge against Lee in a sibling rivalry that consumed both brothers and eventually the entire family, and as the unwitting liaison in his drug operations. But Chagra and Harrelson werent immediate suspects, and it took thousands of man-hours before they were identified as such. At a subsequent trial, held in Florida because of the publicity in Texas, Jimmy Chagra was acquitted of murder and conspiracy to commit murder but convicted of conspiracy to obstruct justice and conspiracy to possess more than half a ton of marijuana with intent to sell. He also testified that Mr. Kay borrowed his car, a gold-colored Oldsmobile Cutlass, similar to one seen speeding from the judge's apartment complex the morning of the slaying. Here, we have shared resources, funding, and space with the Center just bringing it all together. separate, there is cohesiveness. Kentucky man stops for breakfast, wins $50,000 lottery prize. He was a cheat, he was a con man and he was a murderer. Florence ADMAX USP, Fremont County, Colorado, Colorado, U.S.A. View Charles Harrelson's Family Tree and History, Ancestry and Genealogy, Charles Harrelson's father was Voyde Harrelson Charles Harrelson's mother was Alma Glover Charles Harrelson's step-mother was Daisy Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's son is Woody Harrelson Charles Harrelson's son is Jordan Harrelson Charles Harrelson's son is Brett Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's wife was Jo Ann Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's former wife is Diane Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's brother was Leonard Humphrey Harrelson Charles Harrelson's brother was Claude Elegan Harrelson Charles Harrelson's sister was Sybil Nunley Charles Harrelson's brother was Edward Leon Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's grandfather was Joel Sparks Charles Harrelson's grandmother was Lemma Sparks Charles Harrelson's grandfather was Noah Harrelson Charles Harrelson's grandmother was Beckie Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was Jake Kimbro Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was Nannie Kimbro Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was Leander Sparks Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was Rebecca Sparks Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was Thomas Leonard Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was Sarah Ann Leonard Charles Harrelson's great grandfather was Bud Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great grandmother was Babe Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great great grandfather was Thomas Leonard Charles Harrelson's great great grandmother is Susan Leonard Charles Harrelson's great great grandfather was William Taylor Charles Harrelson's great great grandmother was Elizabeth Taylor Charles Harrelson's great great grandfather was Jesse L. Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great great grandmother was Eliza Ann Harrelson Charles Harrelson's 3x great grandfather was John Arnett Taylor Charles Harrelson's 3x great grandmother was Rebecca Taylor, Charles Harrelson's granddaughter is Deni Harrelson Charles Harrelson's granddaughter is Zoe Harrelson Charles Harrelson's granddaughter is Makani Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's aunt was Devilla Flournoy Charles Harrelson's uncle was Zan Harrelson Charles Harrelson's aunt was Ora Atkinson Charles Harrelson's uncle was William Harrelson Charles Harrelson's uncle was Noah Harrelson, Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Ella Mae Turner Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Missouri Buchanan Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Christopher Columbus Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Emma Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Berta Adams Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Herbert Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Jesse Jean Maples Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Lena Williams Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Willie Price Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Minnie Ola Williamson Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Morgan Harrelson Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Jacob Leonard Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Anna Goodrum Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Martha Little Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Richard Leonard Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Georgia Little Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Thomas E. Leonard Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Sophia Jackson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Ida Ora Toney Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Douglas Sparks Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Lee Sparks Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Mackey Hay Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Charles Sparks Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Julia Smith Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Emily Crowson Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Georgia Adler Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Martin Luther Kimbro Charles Harrelson's great uncle was Jasper Kimbro Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Gussie Gimon Charles Harrelson's great aunt was Annie Caldwell, Charles Harrelson's daughter in law is Laura Louie, Charles Harrelson's former father in law was Kenneth Oswald Charles Harrelson's former mother in law was Mary Lou Oswald Charles Harrelson's former grandfather in law was Dutch Oswald Charles Harrelson's former grandmother in law was Izora Oswald Charles Harrelson's former daughter in law is Nancy Simon, View Jo Ann Harrelson's Family Tree and History, Ancestry and Genealogy, Jo Ann Harrelson's step-son is Woody Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's step-son is Jordan Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's step-son is Brett Harrelson, Jo Ann Harrelson's husband was Charles Harrelson, Jo Ann Harrelson's father in law was Voyde Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's mother in law was Alma Glover Jo Ann Harrelson's step-mother in law was Daisy Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's grandfather in law was Noah Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's grandmother in law was Beckie Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's grandfather in law was Joel Sparks Jo Ann Harrelson's grandmother in law was Lemma Sparks Jo Ann Harrelson's brother in law was Leonard Humphrey Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's brother in law was Claude Elegan Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's sister in law was Sybil Nunley Jo Ann Harrelson's brother in law was Edward Leon Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's aunt in law was Devilla Flournoy Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's uncle in law was Zan Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's aunt in law was Ora Atkinson Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's uncle in law was William Harrelson Jo Ann Harrelson's husband Charles Harrelson's uncle in law was Noah Harrelson. Liz got a 30-year sentence. Thats how one former friend described the convicted killer. See FameChain's massive Trump family tree. She died of ovarian cancer in prison because she wouldnt testify against me., But when reminded that he nonetheless confessed to bankrolling the judges killing, Chagra replied: Well, I said I did it to get paroled, so Ill stick to that story right now., He added: Personally, I dont know if Charlie Harrelson killed Judge Wood or not.. In 2019, we had a staff of three and were serving maybe 150 individuals. Jimmy told me he was never going to get a fair trial and asked if I thought he should try having Judge Wood killed, Joe Chagra testified, according to newspaper stories at the time. Assistant United States Attorney Ray Jahn, the chief prosecutor, expressed his thanks for the verdict, saying, ''When Judge Wood died on May 29, justice did not die.''. The government has also won a conviction of Mrs. Harrelson for obstruction of justice and of Elizabeth Chagra, wife of another Las Vegas gambler, for conspiracy in the slaying. Dozens killed, injured as Jakarta fuel depot fire engulfs neighborhood. It was just incredible, said Millsap, the former district attorney. The Center recognizes the critical needs of others and encourages, uplifts and assists them in rebuilding their lives through the services provided in the center. Copyright 2023 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In a recent interview with the San Antonio Express-News, Joe Chagras widow, now known as Patty Chagra Russell, defended her husband, saying the prison recording showed that Jimmy Chagra was a bully toward her husband. A short time later, Joe was arrested and held without bail, as were Jo Ann Harrelson and Liz Chagra, Jimmys wife, who was heard on another wiretap talking about delivering the payoff money. 3 children killed, 2 hospitalized in North Texas domestic incident. -- Jo Ann Harrelson, a former Las Vegas gambler and wife of the hitman convicted of killing a federal judge, was found guilty of perjury -- the latest in a string of convictions in the case. Jack Sheehan calls him the Pablo Escobar of weed. Guillermo has been with the Express-News for 20 years, and has covered federal court and its investigative agencies for most of that time. In the 1970s, Jimmy Chagra was the marijuana kingpin of the Western world. Patricia Sharpe writes a regular restaurant column, Pats Pick, for Texas Monthly. It was then, the Government asserted, that ''the fear began. The reward was eventually paid out to a handful of people who included a horrible creton bankrobber who shared a jail cell with Charles Harrelson, a woman who delivered the $250,000 payout for the hit to Harrelson, and a kid who found a piece of the murder rifle in a creek bed, said Sam Millsap, who chaired the reward committee. The case was unique in that the courts all the way up the line blessed the decisions below, Campion said of appeals that followed. xcel gymnastics meets 2022, pastor tom mount olive baptist church, left hand position at impact in golf,
Bayonetta Zodiac Sign, Emcee Script For Church Thanksgiving Program, Is Glassell Park Dangerous, Articles J