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Dennis Fitzpatrick's Efforts Help Lead to Release of U.S. Citizen Wrongfully Detained by Taliban

The Taliban has released American George Glezmann after two years of unlawful detention, providing the U.S. with a major achievement relating to Afghanistan. Whiteford Partner Dennis Fitzpatrick worked with Glezmann’s family and U.S. officials for nearly a year in an effort to secure his release. A former federal prosecutor, Mr. Fitzpatrick has significant experience in hostage cases, crisis management, and government solutions.

Mr. Glezmann was an Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines mechanic who lawfully visited Afghanistan for tourism purposes but was seized and detained by Taliban officials without cause soon after his arrival. According to U.S. officials, the Taliban agreed to send Glezmann back to the U.S. in exchange for improved relations with Washington, forgoing its previous demand that America hand over imprisoned Taliban members. In a statement, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said, “George’s release is a positive and constructive step. It is also a reminder that other Americans are still detained in Afghanistan.” 

As reported in the Wall Street Journal, Fitzpatrick “praised the Trump administration’s efforts to bring George home after 836 days, directly naming Rubio, U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler, and national security adviser Mike Waltz. ‘George’s release was achieved based on the unique skill and dedication of these people,’ Fitzpatrick said.” Click here for the full article. 

A Fox News video interview with Fitzpatrick is available here: American released by Taliban returns home.

About Dennis Fitzpatrick: Mr. Fitzpatrick is a seasoned litigator with over 20 years of experience investigating and prosecuting complex criminal cases. He has led dozens of sensitive and complicated investigations, both in the U.S. and abroad, and has especially deep experience with sanctions evasion, export controls, FARA, money laundering, tax fraud and bribery. Additionally, he has handled jury trials and hundreds of hearings on complex matters including espionage, terrorism, racketeering, international drug trafficking and money laundering. He previously served as an Assistant United States Attorney in the Eastern District of Virginia, focused on investigations and trials in the National Security and International Crime Unit, and has worked in conjunction with nearly all elements of the U.S. government including the FBI, CIA, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Commerce, Department of Treasury and the United States Military.

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About Whiteford: Whiteford provides a comprehensive range of business law and litigation services to clients ranging from innovative start-ups to middle market companies to Fortune 100 enterprises. With a growing Mid-Atlantic footprint that includes offices in Delaware, D.C., Kentucky, Maryland, New York, and Virginia, Whiteford serves clients regionally, nationally and internationally.