Case Document 5 Filed 04/11/19 Page 1 of 1 gs animal! ?tates Eistritt QLnurt Siobn instill) ?lnakley mullet) ?tates (Enurtbouse QEnurtbnuse way, Smite 8110 3130mm, massatbusetts 02210 CHIEF JUDGE April 11, 2019 Re: Operation Varsity Blues MBD No. Dear Defense Attorneys, I am writing in response to your letter dated April 9, 2019 regarding the assignment of the case involving your clients. As you know, shortly after you sent the letter, the grand jury superseded the indictment drawn to Judge Gorton by adding sixteen new defendants. I have also received a response from the U.S. Attorney?s office in response to your letter. The court is strongly committed to a random draw of criminal indictments and informations to ensure the integrity and fairness of the administration of justice. Local Rule provides that every criminal case be categorized and assigned by lot among the district judges in such manner that each district judge shall be assigned as nearly as possible the same number of cases in each category. Your claim that the defendants have been improperly joined must be addressed to the presiding judge. If he severs any defendant(s), the presiding judge has the authority to return the indictment of that defendant for random re-assignment pursuant to local rule. Thank you for bringing this important matter to the Court?s attention. Sincerely, Patti B. Saris Chief Judge cc: Attorneys Listed as Signatories Andrew Lelling, Esquire