Message from Chuck and Terri

January 19, 2009

Dear Friends and Supporters,

Let me begin by thanking you for your support during the darkest hour that Terri and I have experienced in life. While we are secure in our knowledge of our innocence and our faith, words can not express the joy that flows from the faith of others in us. It was also the expressions of your faith in our innocence that has forced the media to tone down their attacks as virulent as they are.

We are also thankful to have had an opportunity to spend ten days out of town.  It was amazingly peaceful to not have to worry about the FBI or media knocking at our door. It was also surprising to see the number of supporters we have on the Cape. People would come up to us everyday and express their support and their consciousness that we were being framed.

We also appreciate that Council President Mike Ross suspended the fact finder hired by former Council President Feeney. His reasons were that it was not worth the $50,000 it would cost and that since the US Attorney was trying to impose a gag order on evidence, there could be no public review by the Council. While he didn’t make me chair of Education as we had agreed before my arrest, he did make me vice chair, and asked Councilor Connolly to serve as acting chair until the court matter was resolved. I think Council President Ross showed great strength in a situation where many in the public are still screaming—Off With His Head.

Additional Information:

* We will not have a Court Hearing in Worcester on January 22nd.

Given my refusal to sign a gag order that would prevent me or my lawyers from talking in the court of public opinion about the “evidence” turned over to us in the discovery period which began after the December 10th indictment , the US Attorney filed on Janaury 5th a motion to force me to sign the order. Since I am continuing to refuse, there is no purpose for a court hearing until Judge Hillman rules on the request, probably in February. If Judge Hillman supports the US Attorney, we will appeal.

*Campaign to Raise Funds for Legal Defense:

The Office of Campaign Finance will give us an official ruling in the middle of February relating to raising funds for my legal defense.  However, until we receive a new ruling, all legal expenses will have to be paid from campaign contributions.  This means that no contribution can be over $500; that any contribution over $50 has to be made by personal check; that any contribution over $200 has to include occupation as well as name and address.  All contributions should be sent to Post Office Box, 190251, Roxbury, MA 02119

* Supporters are planning a community event which will probably be held in February

Sincerely, Chuck and Terri