Before today, Iraq war vet, Richard Medina Torres hadn't spoken with a U.S. Army official since before his arrest on April 21st.
But today an Army Colonel from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City dropped by the prison to let him know: he's not being forgotten.
"To me, it's a great relief. To know that there are other people out there that are pushing for his release.” said Gloria Medina, the soldier’s mother.
In video shot outside Cereso Prison this afternoon, an Army Colonel from the U.S. Embassy in Mexico City, could be seen, accompanied by representatives from the U.S. Consulate, leaving Cereso prison after visiting with Fresno Army Specialist Richard Medina Torres.
Today was the first time, since the soldier's arrest, nearly three weeks ago, that he had been visited by someone representing the U.S. Army.
His mother says she is happy to see that her son is not being forgotten.
"I believe that was because of your call to the Pentagon, I think that’s what started that. They finally got someone to come in and see my son, because according to them, he is a U.S. soldier and should have had U.S. Army representation from the beginning," said Medina.
Both parties declined to comment on camera today, regarding what was discussed during the visit, but the soldier's mother says a representative from the U.S. Consulate did contact her before they went in.
'He let me know that he was gonna go see my son today. He was taking him a change of clothes and some other items my son requested," said Medina.
Medina says she is confident the charge against her son will be dropped.
According to her, those who have visited him and know how things operate in Mexico are telling him he'll be released, but that it’s just a matter of when they decide to do it.
"To quote my son, he said, here I am, they’re telling me I’m free, but why am I still behind bars? He said if I’m free, why don’t they let me go?" said Medina.
Meanwhile, Congressman George Radanovich is planning to speak with the Mexican ambassador tomorrow, regarding the soldier's release.
Senator Barbara Boxer has also become involved.
"The senator's office called me this morning and stated they had talked to the U.S. Consulate regarding my son," said Medina.
But Medina says tonight, she has just one wish.
"That he'd be home for Mother’s Day, which is this weekend, which is probably not going to happen, but hey, it doesn’t hurt to wish," said Medina.
Medina Torres is currently being charged with possessing a firearm, a charge his attorney's are appealing.
A Mexican judge in Juarez will decide sometime within the next three to either sentence Medina Torres or set him free.
Click on the link to watch Preston Phillips’ report.
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