FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER
EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA
1650 KING STREET, SUITE 500
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314
TELEPHONE: (703) 600-0800
FAX: (703) 600-0880

Geremy C. Kamens
Federal Public Defender
(703) 600-0848 (Direct Dial)

October 19, 2016
Addressed to: Stephen Gill,
Custody of U.S. Military Authorities
Dear Mr. Gill:
I understand that you have been detained by the United States military, that you are
present in the Eastern District of Virginia, and that you are a civilian citizen of this country. I
am the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of Virginia, and my Office may be able
to assist you if you are eligible for court-appointed counsel under these circumstances and my
Office is appointed to represent you. In particular, a substantial question may exist whether the
U.S. military possesses any authority under our Constitution to detain you outside of ordinary
civilian judicial process in time of peace. See Ex parte Merryman, 17 F.Cas. 144, 149 (C.C.D.
Md. 1861). If you would like to request our assistance, please do so and I will endeavor to
determine whether my Office can be appointed to represent you in this matter.
Sincerely,

Geremy C. Kamens
Federal Public Defender, E.D. Va.