Story posted Sunday, June 21, 2009
James Willson Reportedly Home
Suffering In Moroccan Jail, Des Plaines Husband, Dad Receives Royal Pardon
For longtime Des Plaines resident Jean Willson and her daughter, Marilyn Brief, it's the perfect Father's Day gift.
James Douglas Willson, 67, Jean’s husband of 36 years and the father of Marilyn, is safely back home following a royal pardon by the king of Morocco.
A commercial airplane carrying Mr. Willson touched down at O’Hare Airport at about 11 p.m. Friday, June 19. In an emotional reunion, he was met by his wife, daughter and other family members. The plane embarked two hours earlier from New York City after an overseas flight from Morocco.
Willson before and after his capture in the African nation of Morocco.
“I can't believe I'm sitting here with my dad,” said Marilyn during a telephone interview Saturday afternoon. “I can touch him. I'm numb. I can't express my joy. Your stories have been phenomenal.”
Since February, the Journal & Topics Newspapers has published a number of stories about Willson being sentenced to a total of eight years in prison for allegedly entering Morocco illegally and drug trafficking, charges the family flatly deny.
For the full story and photos, pick up a copy of this week's Journal & Topics newspapers.
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