WW II Flying Ace Abner Aust Released From Jail

WW II Flying Ace Abner Aust Released From Jail




Abner Aust



By Jason Geary
THE LEDGER


Published: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 5:06 p.m.
Last Modified: Tuesday, March 3, 2009 at 6:05 p.m.
BARTOW | With tears in his eyes, Abner Aust, a retired colonel and highly-decorated war veteran, welcomed his second chance at freedom.

.art_main_pic { width:250px; float:left; clear:left; }Circuit Judge Randall G. McDonald decided Tuesday that the 87-year-old World War II flying ace would not face more prison time.
In 2000, Aust was sentenced to nearly two years in prison and probation for trying to arrange for someone to burn down his ex-wife's home. While incarcerated, he was convicted and sentenced to six years in prison for trying to hire someone to kill her.
Since 2007, prosecutors have been seeking more prison time for Aust because his second attempt to hire someone violated the terms of his probation in the first case.
Instead, the judge agreed Tuesday that Aust could be released with time served. He must serve two years of house arrest with some specific conditions, which include being monitored with GPS and having no contact with his ex-wives. He must live with Gerald Nicholson of Temple Terrace, who has known Aust for about 25 years.
Overall, Aust has spent nearly nine years behind bars.
McDonald told Aust to change his ways and stay out of trouble.
"I hope I'm not making a mistake," McDonald said.
"I hope that you'll do exactly what you're supposed to do ... and look to what little future you have and try to enjoy it as best as you can."
McDonald said he also based his decision on Aust's 30 years of military service to his country. Aust's military career includes shooting down Zeros in World War II and commanding a tactical fighter wing in Vietnam. He retired as an Air Force colonel.
Aust sat inside the courtroom with tears in his eyes. He hugged his lawyer, Ron Kurpiers.
"Abner is just beside himself," Kurpiers said after the hearing. "He gets a chance to live his final years in freedom."
Kurpiers told the judge that his client hasn't made any threats or solicited anyone to hurt his ex-wife in many years. He has been greatly involved in Bible study while in jail.
He pointed out that Aust's health has been in decline in recent years.
"I don't believe he is going to be a danger to anyone," Kurpiers said.
However, Aust's ex-wife, Brenda, who was present at the sentencing hearing, wiped away tears with a tissue as the judge announced his decision to let Abner Aust go free.
Assistant State Attorney Gary Allen argued Aust remains a danger - especially to his ex-wife.
"He may be released and would be free," Allen said. "But, in fact, she would not be free if he were to be released."
Allen said Aust's past actions shows he is capable of enlisting other people's help to harm his ex-wife.
"I suggest that he cannot be trusted," Allen said.

WW II Flying Ace Abner Aust Released From Jail | theledger.com | The Ledger | Lakeland, FL

 

Personally, im glad he i out of Jail. The sentence was too strong of one given that his plan failed and also due to his age. All this still does not diminish his being a decorated war hero. Im not defending his actions but????

When I was working for the State Prison System-I knew a few in the unit I worked at who were WWII Veterans. I got along with those well enough and learned some of their stories. These checked out with info that a Parole Officer/friend of mine had-in which I could find out some of which had I wanted to.

 

And what did his ex-wife do to make him want to kill her?