Tony Viola: Finding faith and perseverance in time of unfairness

PEP Talks: People Empowering People

Tony Viola, a former mortgage broker, was indicted three times and tried twice on identical charges by a multi-jurisdictional mortgage fraud task force. Prosecutors alleged Tony duped banks like JP Morgan into making 'no money down' mortgage loans that the bank didn't permit. Tony was convicted in federal court and sentenced to 12 1/2 years in jail. But from jail, and without an attorney, he proved his innocence at a second trial on the same charges using evidence the Justice Department hid before the first trial. Prosecutors possessed evidence proving Tony's innocence all along but never provided it to the defense. In 2019, the Justice Department admitted lying about evidence in Tony's case and in July, 2020, the FBI also admitted making materially false statements about this same evidence. Tony was released from prison this summer after spending 8 1/2 years in prison under false accusations and due to much corruption and fraud within the Department of Justice.

We learned from Tony:

*There is always something to be grateful for

*Church is a good community which can offer you energy, faith and perseverance

*Having a purpose can help you get through trying times

*We have to channel outrage for the good

*Having just one person believe in you is very empowering

*You have to take care of yourself and look out for yourself
Learn more about Tony at www.FreeTonyViola.com

Gretatude:

I hate the unfairness of injustice. Anybody who thinks they are better than others or 'chosen' or feel they have an entitlement... be it through monarchy, government, or money. I think we are all born the same. We are entitled to an equal shot at life. Liam Cunningham

Support the show