Georgia State Chapter of Veterans for America First Questions Decades Old Conviction by FBI Agents in Operation Bullpen. Case Agents Allegedly Used the Patriot Act to Target Fraud Suspects, Including Stan Fitzgerald

ACWORTH, Ga. - Jan. 26, 2025 - PRLog -- By Georgia State Chapter Veterans for America First:

Veterans for America First (VFAF) has raised serious concerns about the decades-old FBI Operation Bullpen case, specifically regarding the conviction of Stan Fitzgerald. Evidence reviewed by VFAF includes legal documents, recorded attorney communications, and polygraph results that suggest Fitzgerald may have been wrongfully convicted due to misconduct by federal agents.

VFAF's findings indicate FBI agents employed unethical practices during the investigation, including the use of technology to clone computer hard drives and access attorney-client privileged documents. This activity reportedly occurred long after the execution of a valid search warrant, which expired years prior. In one instance, a computer owned by Fitzgerald displayed evidence of being connected to an FBI system, prompting a congressional-ordered investigation by the DOJ's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).

Fitzgerald's involvement in Operation Bullpen — a crackdown on fraudulent sports memorabilia — resulted in accusations that he purchased inauthentic autographs for resale. Complicating the case, charges were delayed for 58 months following the execution of a search warrant in October 1999.

Fitzgerald consistently maintained his innocence, passing polygraph tests supporting his claims. Notably, two U.S. Attorneys declined to pursue the case due to insufficient evidence. However, the case was later prosecuted by an inexperienced attorney with a background in environmental law, raising further concerns about the legitimacy of the charges.

Fitzgerald's family also faced tax-related misdemeanor accusations during the case. At the time, Fitzgerald was coping with PTSD, which may have impaired his ability to discern the authenticity of the purchased autographs. The irregularities surrounding his case and subsequent conviction have led VFAF to advocate for a presidential pardon for Fitzgerald and his family, emphasizing his resilience and commitment to rebuilding his life.

In other VFAF News:
Veterans for America First National Leadership Team received congressional invitations to President Donald Trump's swearing in (outdoor event cancelled), Liberty ball and Commander in Chief Military Ball in Washington DC.

VFAF's Jeff Hoffmann represented the organization at the Military Ball while Jared Craig, Donna and Stan Fitzgerald represented the organization at the Liberty Ball.

VFAF Veterans for America First was also invited to greet the President's motorcade as it arrived at Arlington. VFAF's Berney Flowers and Jeff Hoffmann saluted the Commander in Chief as he entered Arlington.

Watch 1-24-25 Interview with Stan Fitzgerald
https://youtu.be/cOJytAMX6Bo?si=KNulPasM2lsdIHcf