Case Document 38 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 1 of4 UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF FLORIDA CASE NO. 137800517CR7MIDDLEBROOKS UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Plaintiff. v. RAYMOND ADAMS, Defendunl. NOTICE OF FILING The defendant, RAYMOND ADAMS, through counsel, gives notice of the filing of letters front the following: his mother; - his molher's friend: his sister; who was one of his students in St. Louis, Missouri 16 years ago: 6--, a mother whose son was Iaught by the defendunl in 1991; 7. another molher of a former student taught by the defendanl in Columbus. Ohio in 2005; 8. - a student he couched in 1991 in St Louis; 9. student he eouehed from 1991 to 1997 in SI. Louis; Case 9.13rcrr80051rDMM Document 38 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 2 0M 10. another sludcnl from St. Louis: 11. Two letters from 11 nudent from Ohio from 2002; 12. who owned the where the pending stale charges allegedly occurred; 13. 14. who trained and worked at the gym; 15. a sludcnl at Bieger International: 16. another student at Bieger: 17. owner of- whose daughter the defendunl coached at American Twisters and who later employed defendant doing parHime data entry work: or-- wineingimrrn defendant coached at Bieger and who luler employed the defendanl parlrtime in hi5 18. engineering finii doing computer work and photography; and 19. hi5 minister. MICHAEL CARUSO FEDERAL PUBLIC DEFENDER /5 Lori Lori armt Assislunl Federal Public Defender Attorney for Defendant Florida Bar No. 374504 450 Australian Ave. S., Sle 500 Wesl Palm Beach, Florida 33401 Telephone: (561) 833r6288\Fux: (561) 8330368 Email: Case 9:13-cr-80051-DMM Document 38 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 3 of 4 CERTIFICATE OF SERVICE I HEREBY certify that on July 23, 2013, I electronically filed the foregoing document with the Clerk of the Court using CM/ECF. I also certify that the foregoing document is being served this day on all counsel of record or pro se parties identified on the attached Service List in the manner specified, either via transmission of Notices of Electronic Filing generated by CM/ECF or in some other authorized manner for those counsel or parties who are not authorized to receive electronically Notices of Electronic Filing. /s Lori Barrist Lori Barrist Case 9:13-cr-80051-DMM Document 38 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 4 of 4 SERVICE LIST United States of America v. Raymond Adams Case No. 13-80051-Cr-Middlebrooks United States Court, Southern District of Florida Brandy Galler, United States Attorney’s Office 500 Australian Ave. Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Telephone: (561) 820-8711 Fax: (561) 820-8777 Nate Vreeland, United States Probation Officer 501 South Flagler Drive Suite 400 West Palm Beach, FL 33401 Telephone: (561) 804-6844 Fax: (561) 655-1049 i) r- (Ease Document 38-1 Entered on Docket 07/23/2013 Page 1 of 21 Your Honor, i am writing to you about my son, Raymond T. Adams-He Will appear before you for sentencing on July - Ray is a very compassionate, caring man. He was an Outstanding, gifted teacher and coach. He came to . know the girls he taught and he called out the best in them with positive Support and understanding. I have received, unsolicited, letters from parents of his students, telling me how he has positively affected the lives of, not only the students but the parents as well. He looks for the good in each person. All certified gymnastic coaches are required to be certified in first aid and several levels of CPR. As Ray attended the Red Cross training sessions, his understanding of the material and his willingness to help others to learn led the instructor to ask Ray to become a certified Red Cross instructor. He did so and. found much satisfactiOn in' teaching others to be ready to help people in distress. He also carried his bright red Red Cross bag with him in his car, and if he came-upon a car accident before the emergency crews had arrived, he would hold it up to slow traffic so that he could cross the highway and help till the arrived. I never knew him to pass an accident if he could offer aid. As a gymnastic coach, he believed that each child progresses at his or her own speed and that his job was to teach each skill step by step and to help gymnasts achieve progress by encouraging them with positive comments and showing them how much progress they had made. He never berated or bullied or ridiculed them when they learned more slowly or were afraid. I know that he left one gymnastic facility because he could not change the tactics used by some of the team coaches to get the girls to try more advanced skills. He said to me, ?Too many girls are coming to practice with strains or sprains or in casts". When he worked in merchandising, Ray's integrity in dealing with customers built trust that led them to return to his store to shop orjust ask questions. Ray made an all out effort to know the technical information about all the products. He would talk to a customer to find out what he or she thought they needed and how they wanted to use the product. Then he could help them make a choice. He would never misrepresent a product just to make asale. I know that this strong sense of integrity led him to leave a coaching position at an Illinois gymnastic facility when he discovered that the owner was tripling the price of the costumes the gymnasts were to wear for a show. The owner also berated the parents who felt that they could not afford the costumes. While living under monitored release, Ray had to move his belongings to a different apartment. He had a short span of time to rent a truck, load it, drive to the new apartment, unload it and return the truck and'then get home before his monitor sounded. He was very worried about finishing on time. But when he heard a woman screaming for help, he ran up four flights of stairs and administered CRP to her husband who was having a heart attack. He called the and stayed till they arrived. Then he returned to his moving. i. Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 2 of 21 have always found Ray a good person with whom to discuss interpersonal reiationshipsioi he is wise bevand his years. He has helped me several times to see the wider picture when somenne's actiens have been hurtful. He understands the responsibility ofa relationship of trust between two people and he treats all people with respect. He listens deeply when others need to talk, and he responds tram both his mind and his heart. This is the man who will stand before you for sentencing. larn proud ptthe man he has become. lam proud that he is my son. Sincerely, Case 9:13scr7800517DMM Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 3 of 21 Dear Judge, 1 me: Ray in October 2012. 1 had traveled to Florida with his mother and 1 jonmd her on several visits with Ray in his apartment. 1 experxenced Ray 5 warm and welcomlng. He was kind, thoughtiui host and a lovlng, consmeracs sons -- personal friend of Ray's mother St I Mlssauri Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 4 of 21 Kate Adams To Whom It May Concern, lam wviting this leller on behalf of Raymond Adams in serve as a character refevence. AS his sister can attest to the fan that Raymond is a person of good charaaerwhostrwes to maintain a constant positive attltude and whom attends to nlher's needs as well as his own He is a focused and self motivated worker and he is consistently loyal to his family memheis and fiiends. He is also an intelligent, well spoken and cultured Individual who has an excellem Vapport with people He exudes a warmth and friendliness that many around him find attractive. I have always known Raymund to he been a person who gives back tolhe communitv he I'wes in and iinds time in assistathers in need around him, In conclusion, i believe Raymund Adams to be an asserro society and a person of good character Thank you for vour time and consideration, Sincerely, Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 5 of 21 Your Honor, My name is --and I am 24 years old, When I was about. 8 years old, 1 started taking tumbling lessons from Ray at my dance studio here in St. Louis. These were some of the. most fun times of my young years. I always looked forward to my classes with Ray and even won first place at a meet or two with Ray's guidance, support and encouragement coming from the sidelines! A couple of years ago, after having lost touch many years ago, Ray and I were finally able to reconnect through Facebook and it has been wonderful to be in touch With him again. He has always been such a happy, positive person and he is always able lo bring a smile to your face, no matth how bad of a day you're having or how many miles separate you, Ray truly is one of the kindest, gentlest people I have ever had the wonderful pleasure of meeting and knowing and am proud to call him my friend, Thank ion for iuur time and consideration, Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 6 of 21 your honor, i am wlelng Llus letter on liehalt nl Ray Adams, whom I have known (at about sixteen years, since I worked with at a dance studlo here in St. Louis. I worked in the Rey was a tumbling teacher there and my daughter was a student of his for several years, from the age of about eight years old. Ray is one of Lhe kindesL, most cazlng, down Lo earth people I have ever meti when I was feellng down, he was always able to bring a smile to my face and through the wonder at the lnternet and Facebook, we have continued to keep in touch, even after he moved Lo Flurlda. My daughter, and all of her frlends who took tumbling with her, adored and they loved their tumbling classes and the tumbling troupe they formed. It was a very specla) time in ohr lives, made all thl' wnu' n. Re] by the friendship; we made with Ray and Lhe other teachers, several of whom we are still in contact with. My daughter, who 15 now 24 years old, also still keeps in touch with Ray and has a collage of photos in her room which contains a photo of her doing a heath-tend wm. Ray's assistance. Thank you for your tine. sincerely, Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 7 of 21 Ourlamily has known Ray Adams since l991 when our son began his dance career. Ray was en slafl at The Studio. and as i watched the countless classes he taught Flay evolved into a tellillt: teacher and wonderlul mentor, He is one of the principle reasons our children continued dance activities into their adulthood They still demonstrate the great dance techniques Hay emphasized like new to roll out of a fall Without injury He was always kind. honest and compassionate whenever we met and even tnaugh we don't see each other like the old days' I'm sure Ray remains the same trustworthy gentleman we've aways knuwn Sincerely, Sent tram my Samsung Galaxy Nate's) ll Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 8 of 21 July 15, 2013 To the Presiding Judge, United States District Court, Southern District of Florida Re: Character Reference for Raymond Adams Your Honor. I am a retired partner of-- a large international accounting firm. I have known Ray Adams as a friend since 2005. I am aware that he has pled guilty to federal charges of attempting to receive Child pornography and that he has State charges pending against him. I am writing to give my observations of his character. When I met Ray, he was the manager of a Sharper Image store in Columbus and a part time gymnastics coach, I was working in the Marketing area of and my daughter was a gymnast whom Ray coached. I was impressed with the enthusiasm optimism and energy that Ray displayed. He always seemed happy and was fun to be around. Ray was generous with his time, talents and resources, and people often asked him for favors (probably because they knew he would help), We became friends, and I became an informal mentor to him as we discussed our careers and life goals. have enjoyed his friendship largely because of his positive attitude, intelligence, and quick wittedness He is Knowledgeable about a number of topics. which makes it interesting and easy to talk with him. After Ray moved to Florida. we continued to stay in contact mostly through entails and texts and visits once or twice a year Aftert retired, he has helped me over the phone to solve computer probtems whenever I couldn't figure them out. He has encouraged me in finding new activrties in retirement He has spent time teaching me about photography after i decided to take that up as a hobby, We have helped each other with reminders to work out regularly and with sharing recipes. I have found him to be thoughtful and caring I am writing because i imagine these qualities will not be apparent in court. but that it may be useful for you to have this information, Thank you for taking the time to read and consider my letter, i cerel Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 9 of 21 Monday July 15, 2013 Dear Your Honor, Thank you so much far taking my letter in consideration. lfifst met Ray in St. Louis, MO in 1991 when Iwas 6 years old. He was my gymnastics Coach at All- American Gymnastics and one of the best i ever had. He was my coach lrom 1991 ~1995 (all at the same gym), during that time he became my friend as well as a very close lamin friend. i had weekly private lessons with him as well as weekly classes. Sometimes after our private lessons he would drive me to have lunch with my Mom. During my private lessons, weekly classes and personal time spent with Ray, he NEVER made me feel uncomfortable, threatened or unsafe In anyway shape or form. He was always professional and honest, He wasalways so funny, caring and kind to everyone he met. One summer I broke my foot and couldn't come to gym, but he would come by the house and bring me video games, take my mom and to the movies, help me on my crutches and do whatever he could to keep my mind off of the fact that I wasn't in training with my fellow mates. In 1995, my family moved from had gone down to FL a few weeks prior to my Dad and Ray came over during that time to help my Dad pack boxes and get the moving truck loaded. Over the years Ray and I have kept in touch, always calling and texling and or staying in touch via social media. He was always encouraging during my dance career; supportive during the years when I couldn't dance anymore and always had a way to get me to smile. lam sickened to hear of these recent events. This is not the Ray me or family once knew. l'm not sure what else to say, he was a great friend, person, coach and all around great person. I wish him the best in these trying times. Thank you, Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 10 o! 21 Veal Honnr, My name ls --nd am lo suesl to lhe good enamel of Ray Adams. I knew Ray dunng my elememaly and school yearn "am around age 5 lo age 12 (mm 1997), He was one of my gymnasncs coaches al All Amelican Gymnastics Cancel in St. Lows. Mlssouvl and was and Is one ol (he moslcaling. kind-hearted, and wonderful coaches I have ever had. One oflhe Ihings applenlated most about him was met he had this way 0! ligmneaneaness and humor a span Ihal allimes can be very challenging and slresslul. When of Ray, I remember now much lun had with him and how good he was at maklng us all laugh. He was always vely lalemea at walking with so good-humored and engaging, so palienl and undelslanding. Even nuw he still writes to me svely once a while lo see how my lile is going and when rm up to mass days. Ray Adams ls a genuinely good human Thank you lol taking me lime read mis, Case 9:13acra80051aDMM Document 3&1 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Dear Your honor, I would like to take just a moment and tell you about my former Tumbling mstruetor rn st. Louis, hay Adams. Mr. Adams was my instructor for many years when I was growing up, 1 looked to his class every week. When I would walk through the door he would greet me with a smile, an energetic "hello!" and a high five. and outgoing personallty were contaglonsr as an instructor he was constantly encouraqlng, motlvatlnq, and trying to push me to the next level-especially when I dldn'l. belleve 1 Could get thexer He knew I could do greater things if I just pushed myself and belleved in myself. As a teenager I especially had a hard time believing 1 could do the things he was asking me to: but he always believed 1" me. and time after tlme he proved me wrongr His encouragement and belief in me took me to levels 1 never lmadlned 1 could (10. Several years later, after Mr. Adams had moved out of state, l'became a and dance mysell. Up until 2 years ago, once I had my four soutlnuod to teach. I often remembered my tlme as a student Md Adams while 1 was an I remembered what an amazing eneouragcr and motlvator he was to me as a student, and now far 1 same with guidance and confidence 1n me. Through out the years 1 have come across many of my own students who have felt disCourdqed or frustrated their progress ln class. seelnq myself ln them, I would be reminded of how the to and belief in a student could result in amazing featsrboch in class and on a personal level. Mr. Adams taught me that I could do things 1 never lnaglhed could do if I would just push myself and bellewe 1n myself. Those were lessons I took way beyond the dance roomr student, and now as a mother. I greatly appxetlate you taklnq tlme to read this, and pray that lt help you see what a wonderful thtruotor, and more lmportantly person Mr, Adams la, and how blessed I feel to know hlm. greatest zesieot Page 11 at 21 a Case 9:13rer7800517DMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 12 of le Your Honor, I have known Ray since I was ll) years old He was my gymnastics mach at Cincinnati Gymnastics Academy in Faitticld, Ohio. I met Ray in 2002 He helped me through a lot (if fears and hatdships in training by being an encouraging, motivating, and fun coach. There was nevet anything wrong with his cu hing in any physical 0| emotional way toward me or any of my teammates that I noticed. After he moved awuy he kept in touch to make sure I was still dning well in my gymnastics and in general, He is a great man, a man full of courage, love, strength, and dedication. I believe that he could not even think to do anything troublesome and harmful Please take these words under strong considetation, they are truthful heatt felt. Thank you for taking this letter under consxderation. Sinoetel Case 9:13rer7800517DMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 13 of 21 Thank you for calling and allowing me to hopefully make a difference in his case. Ijust read up a little on what is going on. I know I am not aloud to write it in my letter. But between you and I, I just can't believe any of th' . Especially the situation with that 10 year old girl. There is just no way. His love for gymnas and coaching the sport is so strong. It's stronger than many Coaches 1 have had because he loves it so much, and he was very gDOd at it. He would always flip around with us and he taught me how to do my first big skill on floor. Itjust is making me crazy knowing all this. Makes rue want to fly down there and watch HA1 I'll stop my rambling but thank you for helping him. I truly believe in my heart that he could bring harm to no one. He was always just such a happy person. Such a lovmg and caring person. I understand that he will have prison time indeedthe people who love him as much as I fight hard. Regardless of these heinous charges/crimes, if he is indeed found guilty, he has still made a huge difference in my life, my gymnastics, and other people's/gymnasts lives as well. I was 10 once too. I was when he met me. There was NOTHING that he could have even THOUGHT OF to bring harm or shame to me, or any of my teammates It isn't even in his blood. It especially that Charge is proven to be true, it will break my heart. Because as of right now, I just can't believe it. Thank you so much again. Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 14 of 21 July 2013 Your l-lunor, My mime l3 _and I was the Owner ofBieget' International Gymnastics at the time I hired Ray Adams August 2009' Ray is a val impulsive, knowledgeable, dedicated and coach wuh a glen! work ethic and altituth The time he workcd ht Bich International Gymnasth he Quachezl all girls Al (ht: compctiuvc levels with a lot of energy and to this spurt Ray also helped othct couches with his knowledge, 1116 girls were vary cumformblu and thankful for his coaching skills' which helped them t0 achieve skills in order to proceed to the next hlghurrompetiuvc level. The way he coached, spotted; inspired and talked to the girls was absolutely positive and without my complications at cumplaihs from |hc gills or the parents, Ray also made very videos, plumes and wrote letters to for girls who applied lb: gymnast Ray was always asking to help in any matters like llte gym, girls or coaches. had a qucstion or needed help rcgalding some issues>> Ray was the": lox'hlfi. I wish and hupc you can take [Ins letter into youl' or your judgmenl againsl Ray Adams Res tactfully Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 15 of 21 Your Honor, My name is first met Ray Adams when he started working a! my families "Biegu International He was always friendly, good with the kids and very professional in his coaching There was never anything off or suspicious about him and he was always selfless and helped wherever he could, After he turned himself in and was put on house arrest I felt bad for him because he was stuck at home alone and thought he would need a friend, Whenever I needed favor or help with something whether it was help on an essay for college or web designing he was always there and willing to help The same could be said vice versa>> whenever he need help with something he asked me first cause he knew he could count on me. I'd have to say that I was in contact with him the most during his time on house arrest and I never noticed anything off about his omrector or behavior, he was just a really good person and friend which I could count on. Sincerely, amt/2:213 Case 9:13rcrr80051rDMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 16 0! 21 July 17, 2013 Vour Honor, I met Ray Adams when he was first hired at my parent's gymnastics facility where I was training as well as coaching at the time. He was a great employee to have as well as work with, Ray was always on time and showed that he was dedicated to his work. The girls that he was coaching at the time trusted when they were being spotted on skills and felt comfortable around him. Notonly did he make things fun for the girls in Ihe gym, but also (orthe rest of the coaches (I being one ofthemlt I also had the chance to get to know him on a personal basis as well. Whenever I needed help with schoolwork such as writing papers, Ray always took the time to help me out. Thank you far taking the time to read this letter. Respectfullv, Case 9:13rcr780051rDMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 17 0121 luly 14, 2013 Your Honor, I met Ray Adams when I was 12 years old when I attended Bieger International Gymnastics I was one of 5 girls that were in a home-schooled program so that we could partake in an intensive training program I guess It Is safe to say that I spent more time in the urn than out of it I worked out 5 days a week and was there for the better part of almost everyday Ray Adams was one of our coaches everyday. During that time he was very encouraging and seemed to genuinely care our progress and encouraged our love for the sport. [always felt safe when he spotted me for my skills and he was always respectful and pollte. Everyone at the considered him a good coach and he was well liked. Sincere|y. Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 18 of 21 July 21. 2013 My Coach Ray Adams To Your Honor, I have known Coach Adams for several years since he transferred to my as a Coach. was one of the gymnasts that Ray coached and then later on he became one at my main coaches. Ray was one of the most amazing coaches that have ever been taught by. He was always fun but he also was able lo be strict and disciplined when he needed to be. I. personally>> was able to learn several new and difficult skills when he coached me. He was always encouraging and uplifting. Whenever I had a bad day at the gym. he would always lake me over to side and make sure I was alright. He challenged me not only in the sport but as a person as well. He always had a positive attitude when he walked into the gym. And no matter what kind of mood he was in, whether he was sick or discouraged or even angry, he never failed to have a smile on his (ace. Thus, my teammates and him "Sunny" for that reason alone. Soon that became is only name! I have the greatest respect for Ray as a coach. as a person. as a mentor. and as my friend. Ray was an outstanding addition to our gymnastics famin when he walked through those doors. There was never a dull moment with him. And he never ceases to amaze me. Even now, he always looks on the positive side ofthings and never will talk bad about anyone. I have nothing but respect and admiration for Ray Adams, He is a great person and has such a beautiful heart. I would go to the moon and back for him if he asked it of me. Sincerely. Case Document 3871 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 19 of 21 Deer Judge Middlebrooks, I am writting this letter on behalf of nay Adamsi 1 have known Ray for about 5 years. Ray has worked for my small on and off during thia time. 1 am not sure of the specifics of what Ray is being charged with, I only know that it is serious and that Ray has been in jail for several months. I have not been ablc talk with Ray. 1 would Like to take this opportunity to let you just a little about the type of person that perceive may to be. Ray has always been a responsible and haxd working indiViuua) since 1 have known him. I do know that he does not have a mean spirited hone in his bndy and that he is otherwise a very peaceful type of person. I have never known Ray to harm anyone or to destroy property and was quite shocked when I learned of his recent incai-eerition aha charges against him. 1 all 5:111 in disbelief to think LhaL any of this really hippened. I understand the laws surround this type of behavior and its seriousness, With this in mind, 1 also ask that you Consider othex factors in deciding Ray's fate. Although a crime 15 a crime, I do think that the punishment ought to be tailored to the that committed the crime If Ray has plead guilty to these charges, then it appears that he has accepted responsibility for his wrongdoing and wants to move (urward with his life. 1 luck at this as a positive and 50 should this Court. I do not think that a prlson sentence is the answer for hay. Certainly, Ray is heing punished right now and there ought to he a degree of punishment: assocldted with what he did, Therefore, all due respect, I an requesting that Lhis Court sentence nay to a shorter period or incarceration Thanks Sent from my )Phone Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 20 of 21 REF: Ray Adams To Your Honor, have personally known Mr. Ray Adams for several years. He first entered our lives when he transterred to our as a Coach. My daughter was a Team Gymnast and Ray became one of her main coaches. Ray was an outstanding coach. He was able to encourage our daughter and to draw out the best in her abilities. She learned several new and very ditficult skills as a result of his coaching. He constantly encouraged the girls and challenged them in the sport. All while having a positive attitude and great disposition. The girls all nick named him "Sunny" since he was always happy and had a great smile. He was one of the best coaches to have crossed paths with my daughter, I have great respect for Ray as a coach and an encourager. Later on, i personally hired Ray to work part time in our office. He repaired computers. set up our website and photographed our completed projects. He worked for us in the office as well as in the field. Ray was always on time, dependable and very conscientious. All of the office staff liked him, and it is a hard thing to please them all, The best part was that i could give him a project and knew it would simply get done. No problems. no issues, just solid performance. He was very reliable and always has a smile. Ray was a great addition to the company. I have nothing but the highest regard for him. He has a great personality. always dependable. a great outlook on life and I consider him a friend, If Ray asked me to walk a mile with him. I would walk two. lincerel Case 9:13rcr7800517DMM Document 381 Entered on FLSD Docket 07/23/2013 Page 21 of 21 Juli 13 2013 Your Honor, I am writing you on behalf of Raymond Thomas Adams who will be appearing before you on or about the 25' ofJuly. I have known Ray since he was nine years old. When I first met him and his family, Ray was actively involved in his church, serving at the altar as an acolyte. rarely missing his turn to serve and ofien filling in when and where needed. Even as a teenager, Ray was always willing to help anybody that needed it, and he could always be counted on to go the extra mile when work needed to he done. As an adult he has been a dedicated and caring instructor in the various positions he has held, again going the extra mile to insure his students did well in their aspirations He has countless friends across the country who often are former students, staying in touch with him and to whom he continues to give encouragement when needed. As an example of his when he was under house arrest and moving into a new apartment. he heard a woman cry for help from the elevator for her husband who had just collapsed, Ray ran to the man's assistance and saved his life, giving him CPR until the EMT's arrived. He didn't have to get involvedalways willing to help when someone is in need. I have great trust in Ray's integrity, courage, and compassion. I would be proud to claim Ray as a member of my family. I trust that this letter will give you a different perspective on Ray and the kind ofperson he is and has always been. Sincerely,