Family fights to free UW grad from Central American prison
»Play Video
SEATTLE - The family of a University of Washington alumnus is working tirelessly to get him out of a Nicaraguan prison, where he is serving a 22-year sentence.
Jason Puracal's family says he was wrongfully convicted two years ago and thrown into one of the most dangerous Central American prisons. Now family members are going to new lengths to try to get him freed.
"He was the kind of brother who would be very protective - but would also challenge you," says Jason's sister, Janis Puracal.
Janis and her sister are ready to fly 4,000 miles to Nicaragua where they plan to fight for their brother.
He was arrested by the Nicaraguan National Police on Nov. 11, 2010. Since then, Jason Puracal has been locked in a Nicaraguan jail, convicted of money laundering and drug trafficking.
The UW graduate originally went to Nicaragua 10 years ago with the Peace Corps. He got into real estate and was featured on House Hunters International.
But in 2010 police stormed his home and office - accusing him of being part of a drug ring.
"There were no drugs ever presented in the case - not one ounce of drugs," says Janis Puracal.
Nevertheless, she says, her brother was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison because of politics. One of the 10 strangers arrested with him was running for political office.
Jason Puracal filed an appeal last year, but no hearing has been set.
"They didn't care what the truth was. They just wanted a conviction," says Janis Puracal.
Despite pleas from the United Nations and the U.S. government, Jason Puracal is still locked up, his health deteriorating.
Now Janis Puracal, who is also a lawyer, will go with family to Nicaragua to meet with judges in an effort to jump-start her brother's appeal.
She says they'll fight because love for family goes beyond all measures.
"I know that if the tables were turned, Jason would be at the prison tearing down walls to get me out," she says. "He would never let something like this happen to me."
Janis Puracal and her sister leave for Nicaragua on Sunday night. She says they're scheduled to meet with the appellate court judges who will hear her brother's case.
-----
More information can be found at freejasonp.com »
Jason Puracal's family says he was wrongfully convicted two years ago and thrown into one of the most dangerous Central American prisons. Now family members are going to new lengths to try to get him freed.
"He was the kind of brother who would be very protective - but would also challenge you," says Jason's sister, Janis Puracal.
Janis and her sister are ready to fly 4,000 miles to Nicaragua where they plan to fight for their brother.
He was arrested by the Nicaraguan National Police on Nov. 11, 2010. Since then, Jason Puracal has been locked in a Nicaraguan jail, convicted of money laundering and drug trafficking.
The UW graduate originally went to Nicaragua 10 years ago with the Peace Corps. He got into real estate and was featured on House Hunters International.
But in 2010 police stormed his home and office - accusing him of being part of a drug ring.
"There were no drugs ever presented in the case - not one ounce of drugs," says Janis Puracal.
Nevertheless, she says, her brother was convicted and sentenced to 22 years in prison because of politics. One of the 10 strangers arrested with him was running for political office.
Jason Puracal filed an appeal last year, but no hearing has been set.
"They didn't care what the truth was. They just wanted a conviction," says Janis Puracal.
Despite pleas from the United Nations and the U.S. government, Jason Puracal is still locked up, his health deteriorating.
Now Janis Puracal, who is also a lawyer, will go with family to Nicaragua to meet with judges in an effort to jump-start her brother's appeal.
She says they'll fight because love for family goes beyond all measures.
"I know that if the tables were turned, Jason would be at the prison tearing down walls to get me out," she says. "He would never let something like this happen to me."
Janis Puracal and her sister leave for Nicaragua on Sunday night. She says they're scheduled to meet with the appellate court judges who will hear her brother's case.
-----
More information can be found at freejasonp.com »
"I know that if the tables were turned, Jason would be at the prison tearing down walls to get me out," she says. "He would never let something like this happen to me."
Â
If this fellow did nothing, then that's precisely what needs done. Â Bull dozer.
I've found it's always the "nicest" boys that do the worst things.
Not getting much of the other side of the story.
I believe the case was more about him helping out with money laundering. Â Drug trafficking was probably added since they could do so with their legal system. Â Important note to know who you are doing business with since it could hurt you in the future.
Poor kid, he got arrested when he was only 20. I hope they get him back.
Even if he did have drugs, 22 years is an insanely long sentence for that offense. I hope they get him back home!!!
I wonder what the real story is. Family says he's a good buy in the wrong place, but is that the whole story? Sorry to sound like the doubting Thomas, but so many of these "nice boys" is caught trying to smuggle drugs or messing with a government they don't happen to like. There are also wrongly accused and convicted in foreign prisons too. I only hear the family's side of things so far.
I am no stranger to change. Â I embrace it all the time. Â with that said... THIS NEW COMMENT SYSTEM SUCKS!
 @germantank29 it does not play well with smart phones
Â
oh yeah, and it sucks
Â
It's appalling that the US Government doesn't even bother looking into cases like this most of time. They simply don't care if US citizens are being arrested, falsely charged and thrown in foreign prisons. If I were president I would fight for the release of innocent US citizens.
 @Jason7784 The Country is not the USA, it is Theirs.  Not our laws Theirs.
@rockguy @Jason7784 Unfortunately, you are correct. You visit another country, you must abide by their laws. But then again, maybe this guy was and the Nicarguan (can't even spell it) government is corrupt. Hard to say. I feel for his family though and for him!
 @Koawoodplayer  @rockguy While I agree with you, I still think the government should look into situations like these. If the person broke the law of the country, fine, so be it. If the person, however, is innocent and is falsely imprisoned It should be the government duty to get the person free and home safely.
If you write them a big enough check, I'm sure they will give him back
Good Luck!
Â