Part 3/6:
The speaker recounted the harrowing beginnings of his ordeal: a phone call that marked the start of what he called “a long, hard nightmare.” The arrest warrant issued by the FBI initiated a series of events leading to two trials and years served in prison. The emotional toll on his family was evident as he continued, "It has been a long, hard nightmare for my family and for me." Despite the struggles, he held onto his resolve, stating that he never wavered from his position and aimed to prove his innocence to the people of Illinois.