[Peace] inmates need help

[Sandra Ahten]

Two letters were received addressed to the Independent Media Center, 218 W. 
Main, Urbana IL. I have transcribed them below. I can’t presume to know if 
either of these defendants who are both charged in (I think) unrelated 
murder cases are innocent or guilty. However I do know that they deserve a 
fair trial and to have good representation. During the “Incarceration / 
Education” conference that I attended in February, I learned that defendants 
are treated very differently if the public defenders and the judges and 
juries know that SOMEONE is watching. In many cities the League of Women 
Voters or other organizations have started a “court watch” and it has proved 
effective in fairer trials and sentencing. Because we do not have such a 
program in Champaign County I would like for citizens to give some kind of 
attention to these two cases of young men. I’m looking for anyone else who 
may be interested in at least “court watching” and possible speaking to the 
defendants and their families to let them know that some  members of the 
community are available to lend an ear and bring some (however limited) 
media attention to any injustice that may be happening. (with no guarantees, 
of course). We will also need people to research how “court watch” in other 
communities work. Please pass this to other lists any individuals who may be 
interested. Contact me if you want to be involved or updated.
Sandra Ahten
spiritofsandra at hotmail.com


First letter
NOTE: William Lee is 19 years old. His offense date is July 2003. You can 
look at the court records by going to http://www.cccircuitclerk.com/ and 
clicking on public access to court records. He has been in jail since Jan of 
this year. According to records he has pleaded not guilty and his public 
defender has been replaced and he is now being represented by John Taylor. 
His trial is set for April.



(Postmarked) Feb 23, 2004

To whom it may concern. My name is William Lee and I am in jail for murder 
at the Champaign County Jail. I lied and got myself in here. I was coerced 
by the Champaign police. They also violated a lot of my rights and I’m going 
to prove it. I need your help and your view also to make sure it’s not a 
conspiracy against me which I think is in process. It feels like I’m being 
railroaded. My lawyer, Ed Pirano keeps telling me I’m going to lose already 
and hasn’t received my motion stating the evidence they have against me and 
he already informed me and my mom that he’s good friends with the opposite 
side. So I’m confused on which side he’s on and if he’s going to give me his 
all. The only thing that has me sitting in here is my own statement and I’m 
going to have a motion to suppress it and I have a lot of facts why with out 
a doubt it should be suppressed, but like I said I think it is a conspiracy 
against me. That’s why I want you to come put the spot light on me so 
justice can prevail. I already wrote the NAACP but they didn’t write me 
back. I hope you don’t do the same. I hope you help me. Because I need you 
to please write me back or let me know something soon as possible. Please. 
Thank you very much.
Sincerely,
William Lee

p.s. please let me know if you’re going to help or not, please.

Second letter
Note: Maurice Jackson has been in jail since January last 2003. From what I 
can tell of court records he has had the same public defender (David 
Appleman) and his court date has been postponed every month since then. 
Again, you can look at his file at the county clerk’s website.

(Postmarked) Feb 23, 2004

To Whom it May Concern,
I would first like to thank you for taking time to address my letter, as I 
know that you are probably very busy. My name is Maurice Jackson, I am 19 
years old, and currently incarserated. I am being charged with murder, and 
have been appointed a public defender, by the Champaign County Courst. My 
reason for writing you is because it is my belief that my public defender is 
not working in my best interest. I have asked him to get my papers legalized 
for the flaws in my case, and I’ve asked him to send me copies of my 
motions, and he still haven’t. Although he has told me has numerous amounts 
of times. Along with that he keeps telling me that the police is allowed to 
coerce people, and he keeps trying to get me to plead guilty to something I 
am innocent of. This along with the seriousness of my case leads me to 
question whether or not I will get a whole hearted effort from a court 
appointed lawyer. I am not asking for you to obtain a lawyer on my behalf, 
but I am asking for the support and help and advice of your organization in 
order to help insure I get a fair trail. There are a lot of things I do not 
understand about the judicial system and I feel I am on the verge of being 
railroaded.

In closing, I would like to again extend my thanks for taking the time to 
address my letter. As I am sure I am not the only person in need of your 
help. Thank you and God bless you. Sincerely, Maurice Jackson.

NOTE: William Lee has been in jail since Jan of this year. According to 
records he has pleaded not guilty and his public defender has been replaced 
and he is now being represented by John Taylor. His trial is set for April.

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