UPDATE: Troy Newman presented information on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, before the grand jury investigating late-term abortionist George R. Tiller. Newman was accompanied by two attorneys from the Alliance Defense Fund. His testimony lasted for over an hour, during which time he was allowed to present approximately 200 pages of documents, with copies being provided for each grand jury member. Please continue to pray with us for the grand jury, that the truth will prevail, and that indictments will be forthcoming.
Wichita, KS – Operation Rescue President Troy Newman is scheduled to testify today before a county grand jury that is investigating the notorious abortionist George R. Tiller on claims he committed illegal late-term abortions and other crimes. Tiller operates Women’s Health Care Services in Wichita, Kansas, the largest free-standing late-term abortion clinic outside Communist China.
Tiller already faces 19 criminal counts of having performed illegal late-term abortions over a four-month period in 2003, but Operation Rescue believes that strong evidence exists that Tiller may have committed hundreds of illegal abortions since then. District Attorney Nola Foulston and disgraced Attorney General Paul Morrison, who is accused of attempting to illegally influence a previous case against Tiller, have refused to expand any investigation beyond the few abortion records obtained under subpoena by former Attorney General Phill Kline. Because of this, citizens initiated the petition process that resulted in the current grand jury.
“We believe we have a compelling case to present to the grand jury that connects the dots between the information that is available, both in the public record and from our own investigations, to make a persuasive argument that Tiller has been violating the law,” said Cheryl Sullenger, Operation Rescue’s Senior Policy Advisor.
Operation Rescue has expressed concern that Deputy District Attorney Ann Swegle is directing the grand jury. She was also involved in the grand jury investigation of Tiller in 2006 surrounding the death of 19-year old Christin Gilbert from complications to a third-trimester abortion. A confidential informant associated with that grand jury told OR of several situations where Swegle discouraged or prevented them from obtaining critical information. That grand jury missed indicting Tiller on four counts by only one vote.
Newman will present his testimony before a panel of 15 citizens. Twelve are required to agree before indictments can be issued.
“We encourage people to pray for Troy this afternoon as he presents to the grand jury,” said Sullenger. “The situation with Tiller can appear vast and complicated for anyone who has not been following the issue. Our plan is to make each point as clear and easy to understand as possible. To aid that goal, Troy will be presenting some never-before published information that we believe will help make a compelling case that Tiller is operating an illegal late-term abortion ring, and has done so for years.”
