Mexico to release jailed ex-Marine Jon Hammar

Former US Marine Jon Hammar, who has spent the past four months languishing in a jail in northern Mexico, is expected to be released today, The Miami Herald reported. 

Hammar was locked up on August 13 after he carried his grandfather’s antique shotgun across the border into Mexico and was charged with “possessing a gun used by the Mexican military,” according to Gretawire.

The offense carries a maximum 15-year jail sentence.

Hammar's father, Jon Hammar Sr., told Fox News that he and his wife, Olivia, received a call from their lawyer, Eddie Varon-Levy, on Thursday night telling them their son would be released today.

"I haven't seen it in writing yet but Eddie has confirmed it with the court that Jon is being released today," Hammar Sr.was quoted as saying.

"The U.S. consulate said they would pick Jon up at the prison and accompany him to the border crossing."

Hammar's release comes after two US congressmen on Thursday called on Americans to cancel their vacations to Mexico until the country released Hammar, who is being held in a notorious prison.

Duncan Hunter, a Californian Republican, and Michael Grimm, a New York Republican, issued statements as dozens of lawmakers pressured President Barack Obama to push harder for Hammar’s release, Fox News reported.

“Until US Marine Jon Hammar is released, I am calling on all Americans to cancel their vacations to Mexico and not to book any travel there," Grimm said in his statement cited by Fox News.

"Hammar honorably served our country as a US Marine, and we should be doing all we can to bring this innocent hero home.”

Hunter, a Marine combat veteran, said getting Hammar home was a “priority,” the Washington Times reported.

"Marines don't leave each other behind, and I'm willing to do whatever I can to see that he comes home safely."