Jailed Marine's mom: Court 'bittersweet' with son behind bars

U.S. Marine Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi

The mother of a U.S. Marine jailed since early April in Mexico – after he took a wrong turn and ended up across the border with personal weapons that were legal in the U.S. but banned south of the border – says the most recent court hearing was "bittersweet," since videos appeared to support her son's statements, but he remains behind bars.

WND has reported on the case of Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, whose mother, Jill Tahmooressi, has spoken with WND several times about the case and her work on his behalf.

"I still have faith. It's God's perfect timing. I know that Andrew is going to get out. So I am hanging in there and trying to keep Andrew optimistic," she has told WND.

After a hearing this week in which authorities watched footage from surveillance cameras of the border station, defense lawyer Fernando Benitez declared the day a victory.

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"We are happy with the results because we can conclusively state that our client told the truth all along," he told Fox News.

Shortly later, Jill Tahmooressi was interviewed by WND, calling it a "bittersweet day."

"Andrew was not sent to the court house, due to the presumed cancellation of the hearing," she explained regarding a court calendar mix-up.

But she said the judge later scheduled a hearing for late afternoon, and it ran into the evening.

She said the events of his detention were on the video, which supporters her son's statements.

"The hearing went as expected: The video surveillance tapes coincide with Andrew's statement from the 7/9 hearing before the judge," Jill Tahmooressi said.

He has explained he got caught in a lane that directed him into Mexico. He said he missed a turnaround point because it was night, there was construction and the sign pointing out the turnaround was lying on the ground and hidden from the view of an ordinary driver.

As a result, he said, he ended up inadvertently crossing the border.

After a previous court hearing, Jill Tahmooressi suggested the American public could pray for the case to be resolved and write letters.

"He needs to continue to hear from his supporters here in America, so that's why we are asking for the public to write to him," she said at the time. "He has absolutely no distraction in that Mexican jail. Solitary confinement, no radio, no television; he is only allowed one book at a time, but he is allowed letters.

"So, we encouraging the American people to write him letters because it keeps him connected ... so he knows that he has not been forgotten."

In an interview with WND then, Jill Tahmooressi said she's grateful for the help her family has received.

She wants to remain positive and to thank the American people.

"It's amazing, coast to coast, I feel like my family has grown," she said. " … I now have this universe of a family. I know Andrew feels it, because I read to him the prayers and support messages. … He is so appreciative. That has been the most amazing thing, how America can rally together for this Marine."

Tahmooressi originally was held in La Mesa prison, where he endured severe abuse and death threats. He's currently being held in El Hongo II State Correctional Facility, 40 kilometers southeast of Tecate, where he now has a 24-hour guard and receives regular visits from chaplains with Prison Fellowship and Baja Christian Ministries.

Supporters of the Tahmooressi family have created an official fundraising site to collect donations to offset the cost of his legal defense. To donate or to sign the petition, visit AndrewFreedomFund.com. Contributions and letters can also be mailed to:

Andrew Tahmooressi Liberty Fund
5722 S. Flamingo Road #114
Cooper City FL 33330-3206M