Stand with Ever Manuel: Innocent and Accused

On Friday I was talking to Ever Manuel, my handyman, about working on a job for my business, when he suddenly went silent. This was extremely concerning. In all my time knowing him, he has always shown up on time or early, has never left a message unanswered or a job unattended. It wasn’t until this past Sunday that I saw that he had gone viral for accusations of being an alleged MS13 member. He was taken from his home; with assault rifles pointed at him and his children. The media threw baseless accusations of him being a drug dealer and career criminal. Tying him to a terrorist organization, all for a headline. Accusing an innocent man who has never done anything wrong, let alone criminal in his life. Tarnishing his name and reputation and now facing charges.

He has spent his entire life working hard to help better people’s lives and property with his God given skills. There isn’t a problem he can’t fix with his hands to have the government shame him like this is too much for me to sit silent. I wish I could fight with my fists, but we are better than this in America. Or at least we should be.

20 years ago, I took an oath to defend this country from our enemies, both foreign and domestic. Having been a Marine, I spent my time in the crosshairs of my enemies. Never did I think I would be hard pressed against the latter; that the country I loved so much would remind me of Iraq. That I would have to put myself out there again.

Manuel is the sole breadwinner for his family of five, and now his family needs help. They need more than funds to make it through the day. They need justice, they need answers, they need you. Every little bit helps his wife and 3 sons, the youngest barely a few years old.

A note from the family:

We, the undersigned, who know Ever Manuel personally and intimately, wish to express our deep concern and opposition to his recent arrest, which took place on Friday, based on false accusations linking him to gang activity.

We affirm with full confidence that Ever has no connection whatsoever to any criminal organizations. He is a hardworking man, a devoted father, a loyal friend, and a valued member of our community. Ever has always been generous and kind, willing to help others even when he has little himself.

He has no criminal record and has never been involved in anything that would question his character or integrity.

We call on the relevant authorities to conduct a fair, impartial, and transparent investigation. An innocent man should not have to pay for something he did not do.

We demand justice. Ever Manuel deserves to be heard—and to be freed