75-Year-Old Pro-Lifer SENTENCED To Jail For Peacefully Protesting

A 75-year-old pro-life activist, Chet Gallagher, has been sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for his participation in a peaceful protest at an abortion facility in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Gallagher was convicted of violating the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances) and conspiracy against rights.

The sentencing took place Thursday afternoon in a Nashville federal court. The charges stemmed from a sit-in protest in March 2021, where Gallagher and other pro-life advocates gathered at the Carafem Health Center, praying, singing, and urging women not to undergo abortions. The Biden administration brought the charges against Gallagher in October 2022.

The government had sought a 20-month sentence, but Judge Aleta Trauger ultimately sentenced Gallagher to 16 months on the conspiracy charge, followed by three years of supervised release. On the FACE Act violation, he received six months, which will run concurrently with the conspiracy sentence. Gallagher is expected to report to prison in February, though this may be delayed due to pending sentencing on similar charges in Detroit.

Gallagher’s attorney, Jodie Bell, requested no prison time due to his age and health issues, emphasizing his deep Christian faith. She also submitted a letter of support from Tennessee state Senator Mark Pody, a Republican from Lebanon, where Gallagher resides.

During his 19-minute allocution, Gallagher reflected on his journey into the pro-life movement. Judge Trauger interjected at one point, telling him, “just don’t preach to me.” Gallagher expressed that his faith drove his actions, stating, “It is not enough for me to have sincerely held religious beliefs,” and described himself as “a servant of the most high God.”

Gallagher recounted his shift from law enforcement to activism, explaining how, in the late 1980s, as a Las Vegas motorcycle cop, he decided to take a stand against abortion. He recalled attending a pro-life protest at an abortion facility, where he encouraged fellow officers not to arrest protesters blocking the clinic’s entrance. “As a police officer, I cannot walk away from a murder in progress,” Gallagher explained, adding that his actions led to his suspension and eventual departure from law enforcement. After leaving, he committed himself to pro-life advocacy and speaking about his faith nationwide.

Although Gallagher acknowledged that his actions might result in prison time, he remained hopeful, noting that federal prison could offer a “fruitful ministry” opportunity.

 

DOJ attorney Kyle Boynton placed full responsibility for the Mt. Juliet protest on Gallagher, saying, “this blockade would not have occurred” without his involvement. Boynton argued that Gallagher played a “uniquely concerning role” and emphasized that there “must be consequences” for his actions.

Judge Trauger echoed the government’s concerns, stating that Gallagher and his fellow protesters caused “terror and pain” during the demonstration.

Outside the courthouse, Gallagher prayed for Judge Trauger and told supporters it was “amazing” that a judge could justify “sending believers to federal prison for rescuing the lives of children.”

Heather Idoni, one of Gallagher’s co-defendants, is set to be sentenced Friday on similar charges.

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