Welcome to The Reform Advocate, the official blog of Wickedly Judged — a movement dedicated to exposing wrongful convictions, advocating for justice reform, and inspiring change.
In today's post, we're diving into a story that illustrates not only the devastating flaws in our justice system but also the extraordinary resilience of those caught in its web. This is the story of Tony Viola, a man who fought for his freedom from behind bars, and Dawn Pasela, the whistleblower whose bravery and sacrifice helped uncover the truth.
Tony Viola: A Story of Resilience and Injustice
Tony Viola's life was turned upside down when he was accused of orchestrating a mortgage fraud scheme targeting major banks like JP Morgan. Prosecutors painted him as the mastermind behind fraudulent "no money down" mortgage loans, leading to his conviction and a 12½-year prison sentence.
But Tony's story didn't end there. From his prison cell, Tony began an extraordinary fight for his freedom. With no legal representation or resources, he combed through thousands of pages of court records, trial transcripts, and evidence. What he uncovered was shocking: critical documents, including FBI 302 reports and internal lender communications, had been deliberately withheld by the Justice Department. These documents revealed that banks knowingly approved the "no money down" loans — a fact that directly contradicted the prosecution's case.
Tony's determination and meticulous research led to a second trial, where the suppressed evidence was finally brought to light. This resulted in his acquittal, but it also exposed a justice system riddled with misconduct, conflicts of interest, and ethical violations.
The Heroism and Sacrifice of Dawn Pasela
Tony's fight for justice wouldn't have been possible without the courage of one individual: Dawn Pasela. As the Prosecutor's Office Manager, Dawn had access to critical documents that were being withheld from Tony's defense team. She recognized the injustice unfolding and made the brave decision to take action.
Dawn shared FBI 302 reports and internal lender documents with Tony, knowing full well the risks involved. These documents were instrumental in proving Tony's innocence and exposing the misconduct that had led to his wrongful conviction.
But Dawn's bravery came at a great cost. She, along with her parents — a Vietnam veteran and a devoted mother — faced threats and intimidation. Prosecutors' people were staking out Dawn's apartment, watching her every move, and creating an environment of fear.
Tragically, Dawn's life was cut short under mysterious circumstances. Her death remains shrouded in unanswered questions, and her parents continue to seek justice and peace for the loss of their daughter.
Seeking Justice, an advocacy organization, has offered a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a suspect in connection with Dawn's murder.
Exposing Systemic Misconduct
Here are some of the key issues uncovered in Tony's case:
- Suppressed Evidence: Prosecutors Mark Bennett and Dan Kasaris withheld critical documents, including FBI 302 reports and internal lender communications, that contradicted their case against Tony.
- Conflict of Interest: Tony's defense attorneys were also representing government witnesses, creating a serious conflict of interest that undermined his right to a fair trial.
- Unethical Relationships: Kathryn Clover, a key witness for the prosecution, was romantically involved with prosecutor Dan Kasaris during the trial. This relationship was never disclosed.
- Sealed Records: Judge Donald Nugent sealed critical records, making it nearly impossible for Tony's defense team to access the information needed for a fair trial.
How You Can Help
Help Solve Dawn's Case: If you have any information about Dawn Pasela's death, please contact Seeking Justice. There is a $10,000 reward.
Support Tony Viola's Fight: Visit FreeTonyViola.com to learn more about Tony's case.
Honor Dawn's Legacy: Visit JusticeforDawn.com to learn more about her contributions and the fight for accountability.
Support Wickedly Judged: Visit our shop — every item you buy supports advocacy and investigative work.
Share This Story: Use the hashtag #WickedlyJudged to share Tony's story, Dawn's bravery, and the fight for justice reform.
Reach Out to Us: If you have information about wrongful convictions or want to join the fight for justice, email us at [email protected] or call (513) 393-7452.
Closing Thoughts
Tony Viola's story and Dawn Pasela's courage remind us of the power of persistence and the importance of standing up for what's right, even in the face of overwhelming odds. Their stories are a call to action for all of us to demand accountability, transparency, and reform in our justice system.
At Wickedly Judged, we believe that change is possible — but it requires all of us to take a stand. Together, we can fight for a system that truly serves justice.
Thank you for being part of this movement. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and stay hopeful.