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Withdrawal/Redaction Sheet Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001a. letter To constituent from Margaret A. Williams re: letter (partial) (1 page) 01/04/96 b(6) 001b. letter To Margaret A. Williams from constituent re: daughter (partial) (1 11/27/95 b(6) page) 001c. envelope To Margaret A. Williams (partial) (1 page) 11/28/95 b(6) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Maggie Williams (Correspondence) OA/Box Number: 12630 FOLDER TITLE: [Maggie Williams Mail 1995-1996]: T 2013-0359-S ry1341 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act - [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA| b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA] b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency [(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information |(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors |a)(5) of the PRA| b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA] b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. FiLE THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON November 27, 1995 Ms. Judy B. Thomas Chairperson The Jesse Stuart Foundation P. O. Box 391 Ashland, KY 41114 Dear Ms. Thomas: Your letter to Hillary Rodham Clinton of October 27, 1995 has been referred to me for a response. Please excuse our delay in getting back to you. As you may know, Simon & Schuster is publishing Mrs. Clinton's book. The initial plans for Mrs. Clinton's appearances in conjunction with the publication of her book are being handled by Simon & Schuster. Accordingly, I would suggest that you get in touch with Victoria Meyer of Simon & Schuster about any request that you may wish to make for an appearance by Mrs. Clinton. Ms. Meyer's address is 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, New York 10020. As you might imagine, Mrs. Clinton has received dozens of requests to make appearances in conjunction with the publication of her book. It will, of course, not be possible to honor them all. We hope that you will understand. Mrs. Clinton has asked me to thank you for writing and for your kind words. Maranadh Margaret Williams Sincerely, Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for Hillary Rodham Clinton Please File LAW OFFICES VINCENT J. FULLER GREGORY B. CRAIG GERSON A. ZWEIFACH RAYMOND W. BERGAN JOHN J BUCKLEY, JR. PAUL MOGIN WILLIAMS & CONNOLLY JEREMIAH C. COLLINS TERRENCE O'DONNELL HOWARD W. GUTMAN ROBERT L. WEINBERG DOUGLAS R MARVIN NANCY F. LESSER DAVID POVICH JOHN K. VILLA RICHARD S. HOFFMAN 725 TWELFTH STREET, N.W. STEVEN M. UMIN BARRY S. SIMON STEVEN A. STEINBACH JOHN W. VARDAMAN KEVIN T BAINE MARK S. LEVINSTEIN PAUL MARTIN WOLFF STEPHEN L. URBANCZYK MARY G. CLARK WASHINGTON, D.C. 20005 J. ALAN CALBRAITH PHILIP J. WARD DANIEL F. KATZ JOHN C. KESTER FREDERICK WHITTEN PETERS NICOLE K. SELIGMAN (202) 434-5000 WILLIAM E. MCDANIELS JAMES A. BRUTON, III ROBERT M. KRASNE BRENDAN V. SULLIVAN, JR. PETER J. KAHN KATHLEEN L. BEGGS AUBREY M. DANIEL, III LON 5. BABBY WILLIAM R MURRAY, JR. FAX (202) 434-5029 RICHARD M. COOPER MICHAEL S. SUNDERMEYER EVA PETKO ESBER CERALD A FEFFER JAMES T. FULLER, III STEPHEN D RABER ROBERT P WATKINS DAVID D AUFHAUSER JOHN D. CLINE EDWARD BENNETT WILLIAMS (1920-1988) JERRY L SHULMAN BRUCE R. GENDERSON DAVID C KIERNAN PAUL R. CONNOLLY (1922-1978) LAWRENCE LUCCHINO CAROLYN H. WILLIAMS LON E. MUSSLEWHITE LEWIS H FERGUSON, III F. LANE HEARD III ROBIN E JACOBSOHN ROBERT B BARNETT STEVEN R. KUNEY CHARLES A SWEET DAVID E. KENDALL November 27, 1995 Ms. Margaret Williams Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff for Hillary Rodham Clinton The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20510 Dear Maggie: Enclosed is a draft of a response to the enclosed letter from Judy B. Thomas. If it meets with your approval, please have it signed and sent. Then, please return a copy to us for our files. Thanks very much. Sincerely, David Pin E. Kendall DEK/spf The Jesse Stuart Foundation Preserving the legacy of Jesse Stuart, W-Hollow, and the Appalachian way of life October 27, 1995 Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton The White House Washington, DC Dear Mrs. Clinton: I am the President of the Ashland Inc. Foundation, and I am also involved with a number of local educational and cultural organizations. I am writing to you in my capacity as Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Jesse Stuart Foundation, a non-profit educational publishing house. The Stuart Foundation is a regional press with specific goals: We want to provide books and materials that will help the people of Appalachia--and particularly the school children--understand their own history and culture and, thus, develop a more positive self image. We have published books by Jesse Stuart, Billy C. Clark, Thomas D. Clark, Loyal Jones, and Harry M. Caudill, to name just a few of our best known authors. Although we are a small organization, I am proud of our accomplishments. Over the last decade, working with civic organizations and individuals, we have distributed more than $500,000.00 worth of books, free of charge, to schools, school children, and libraries in Kentucky and Southern Appalachia. In many ways, the JSF is supplementing our educational system, at all levels, with books and materials that help to promote and preserve the solid values that make America great. I enclose some printed materials that will help you develop a better feel for our work, along with gift copies of some of our books. I am writing to request your assistance. Let me briefly outline a few areas where you could help us, and if you find that your busy schedule allows you to be involved in our good work, then we could iron out the details at your convenience. THE JESSE STUART FOUNDATION P.O. BOX 391 ASHLAND, KY 41114 329-5232 or 329-5233 1) Would you be willing to speak at a fund-raising dinner? If you can give us an evening, we will put together a fund-raising dinner that you will truly enjoy. 2) Would you be willing to donate some signed copies of your forthcoming book, It Takes A Village? 3) Based on the quality of our books and our educational mission, would you consider allowing us to publish a book of yours in the future? Along with this letter comes my genuine respect for all that you have accomplished. Sincerely, July Judy B. B Thomas Thomas Chairperson JBT:bct Enclosures 35:clinton.wpd THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON June 20, 1995 Carol and Robert Tirrell 25761 Sabina Avenue Mission Viego, CA 92691 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Tirrell: I appreciate you sharing with me your concerns about the issue of mandatory minimum sentencing and how it has affected your family. I have forwarded your letter to the White House Office of Agency Liaison, where your daughter's case will be reviewed. Please feel free to follow-up with Agency Liaison in the future. Sincerely, Margaret A. Williams Chief of Staff to the First Lady 1 war form letter pes do for Maggies Signature Drave I CAROL M. TIRRELL 25761 Sabina Avenue - Mission Viejo, CA 92691 714 837-9520 May 23, 1995 Margaret A. Williams Chief of Staff Office of the First Lady 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 LEGENDARY LOS ANGELES DRUG LORD SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS: THIRTY-SIX YEAR OLD WIDOW (HUSBAND RECENTLY DIED FROM CANCER), MOTHER OF THREE CHILDREN, NO PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY OF ANY KIND, RAPIDLY ADVANCED FROM BANK TELLER TO ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT - BRANCH MANAGER, NO THREAT TO SOCIETY, SENTENCED TO TWENTY-FOUR YEARS, FOUR MONTHS. Dear Ms Williams: My name is Carol Tirrell and my husband's name is Richard. We live in Mission Viejo, California. As you have probably already guessed, our daughter, Deborah Mendes, is the one sentenced to twenty-four years four months in a federal prison. I am writing to ask your help in correcting a terrible wrong. Is there justice in a system that allows drug lords like Ricky Ross to serve only five years while our daughter has to serve twenty- four years, four months? I do not think so. Mandatory minimum sentencing serves only to punish the innocent and/or minor drug offenders. The real drug conspirators and drug lords either: remain free because they have the connections and money to buy their freedom; or, if they are apprehended they have information to trade for a substantial reduction in their sentence. The unfairness of mandatory minimum sentencing is not just an idea unique to us as grieving parents. The following is an excerpt from a letter written to Debbie by the attorney we hired to handle her appeal: "I am convinced that like many people who come into contact with our overly punitive federal criminal justice system, you have received an unbelievably harsh sentence which bears no meaningful relationship to your alleged criminal conduct and which fails to take into consideration your remarkable record of achievement at the Bank of America, the difficult personal circumstances which led you to leave the bank and go to work for Edward Arvizu and Richard Ramos, and the tremendous hardship your conviction and imprisonment has caused for your parents and children. These critical issues are ignored in a Guideline sentencing system which, in drug cases, focuses on the quantity of contraband and ignores Ms Williams Page 2 May 23, 1995 everything else. Hopefully, Congress and the public will come to realize that this inhumane system of "sentencing by the numbers" simply does not work. Until then, people such as yourself will continue to be brutalized." Debbie made a very serious mistake. Her mistake, because of mandatory minimum sentencing, resulted in a prison sentence of twenty-four years four months. In all probability, my husband and I will not live to see Debbie released from prison. I am afraid our sheltered life in "suburbia" did not prepare any of us for the world of; drug dealers, unscrupulous federal agents, overzealous federal prosecutors, inept public defenders, puppet judges, and mandatory minimum sentencing. Unfortunately, we thought Debbie simply had to turn herself in, tell her story and "liberty and justice for all" would prevail. How very naive we were. To give you a brief summary of Debbie's case I have attached the following: 1. Procedural History and Statement of Facts (from a petition for rehearing her appeal) 2. Our letter to Judge Harry Hupp dated May 13, 1993 3. A letter from Debbie to Judge Harry Hupp dated May 16, 1993 Debbie's record and accomplishments while incarcerated the past three years show the kind of person she really is. Not only does she continue to excel even while in prison and under very difficult circumstances; she also continues to help others around her. In summary, my husband joins me in a plea for any help you can give us. At this point, even a chance for re-sentencing under fair and just criteria instead of the "guideline system" would indeed seem like a miracle. Thank you for your time and careful consideration to this letter. Yours truly, baroe m. Firrell RLTniell Carol M. Tirrell Richard L. Tirrell Enc. P.S. I have also attached a copy of the Los Angeles Times article about Ricky Ross. CAROL M. TIRRELL 25761 Sabina Avenue - Mission Viejo, CA 92691 714 837-9520 May 23, 1995 Margaret A. Williams Chief of Staff Office of the First Lady 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 LEGENDARY LOS ANGELES DRUG LORD SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS; THIRTY-SIX YEAR OLD WIDOW (HUSBAND RECENTLY DIED FROM CANCER), MOTHER OF THREE CHILDREN, NO PRIOR CRIMINAL HISTORY OF ANY KIND, RAPIDLY ADVANCED FROM BANK TELLER TO ASSISTANT VICE-PRESIDENT - BRANCH MANAGER, NO THREAT TO SOCIETY, SENTENCED TO TWENTY-FOUR YEARS, FOUR MONTHS. Dear Ms Williams: My name is Carol Tirrell and my husband's name is Richard. We live in Mission Viejo, California. As you have probably already guessed, our daughter, Deborah Mendes, is the one sentenced to twenty-four years four months in a federal prison. I am writing to ask your help in correcting a terrible wrong. Is there justice in a system that allows drug lords like Ricky Ross to serve only five years while our daughter has to serve twenty- four years, four months? I do not think so. Mandatory minimum sentencing serves only to punish the innocent and/or minor drug offenders. The real drug conspirators and drug lords either: remain free because they have the connections and money to buy their freedom; or, if they are apprehended they have information to trade for a substantial reduction in their sentence. The unfairness of mandatory minimum sentencing is not just an idea unique to us as grieving parents. The following is an excerpt from a letter written to Debbie by the attorney we hired to handle her appeal: "I am convinced that like many people who come into contact with our overly punitive federal criminal justice system, you have received an unbelievably harsh sentence which bears no meaningful relationship to your alleged criminal conduct and which fails to take into consideration your remarkable record of achievement at the Bank of America, the difficult personal circumstances which led you to leave the bank and go to work for Edward Arvizu and Richard Ramos, and the tremendous hardship your conviction and imprisonment has caused for your parents and children. These critical issues are ignored in a Guideline sentencing system which, in drug cases, focuses on the quantity of contraband and ignores Ms Williams Page 2 May 23, 1995 everything else. Hopefully, Congress and the public will come to realize that this inhumane system of "sentencing by the numbers" simply does not work. Until then, people such as yourself will continue to be brutalized." Debbie made a very serious mistake. Her mistake, because of mandatory minimum sentencing, resulted in a prison sentence of twenty-four years four months. In all probability, my husband and I will not live to see Debbie released from prison. I am afraid our sheltered life in "suburbia" did not prepare any of us for the world of; drug dealers, unscrupulous federal agents, overzealous federal prosecutors, inept public defenders, puppet judges, and mandatory minimum sentencing. Unfortunately, we thought Debbie simply had to turn herself in, tell her story and "liberty and justice for all" would prevail. How very naive we were. To give you a brief summary of Debbie's case I have attached the following: 1. Procedural History and Statement of Facts (from a petition for rehearing her appeal) 2. Our letter to Judge Harry Hupp dated May 13, 1993 3. A letter from Debbie to Judge Harry Hupp dated May 16, 1993 Debbie's record and accomplishments while incarcerated the past three years show the kind of person she really is. Not only does she continue to excel even while in prison and under very difficult circumstances; she also continues to help others around her. In summary, my husband joins me in a plea for any help you can give us. At this point, even a chance for re-sentencing under fair and just criteria instead of the "guideline system" would indeed seem like a miracle. Thank you for your time and careful consideration to this letter. Yours truly, baroe m. Firrell R.LTuill Carol M. Tirrell Richard L. Tirrell Enc. P.S. I have also attached a copy of the Los Angeles Times article about Ricky Ross. Sting Snares 'Reformed' Drug Lord By JESSE KATZ TIMES STATE WRITER Ricky Donnell Ross. the legend- ary Los Angeles drug lord who vowed to pursue a legitimate busi- ness career after his release from prison last fall. has been indicted for allegedly purchasing 100 kilo- grams of cocaine from an under- cover agent, authorities said Tues- day. Ross, 35-a charismatic, dread- locked, ex-millionaire better known as Freeway Rick - could face a life sentence if convicted. He has pleaded not guilty and is being held without bail in a federal detention facility in San Diego County, Ross rose to infamy in the 1980s. building South-Central Los Angel- es' first multimillion-dollar crack ring, then expanding his operation into a coast-to-coast conglomerate that sold more than 500,000 nug- gets of the drug every day. His enterprise grewso large and so fast that Los Angeles authorities eventually formed the Freeway Rick Task Force. an elite squad of veteran detectives whose sole mis- sion was to shut him down. Instead, the officers became mired in the worst money-skim- ming scandal in local law enforce- ment history, which gave Ross a bargaining chip when he was final- ly arrested for interstate traffick ing in 1989. In exchange for testify- ing against the officers who had hunted him, one of America's top cocaine wholesalers walked out of prison last September after five years. Soon after he was paroled, ac- cording to law enforcement au- thorities, Ross began getting in- volved in the drug trade again. In documents filed in U.S. District Court, officials allege that he and several cohorts met with a federal informant Feb. 23 in the San Diego area. where they discussed pur- chasing 100 kilos of cocaine. 1. COPY PROCEDURAL HISTORY Deborah Lynn Mendes was convicted, following a jury trial, of conspiracy to aid and abet the distribution of cocaine and related offenses. On July 20, 1993, United States District Judge Harry L. Hupp sentenced Ms. Mendes to concurrent prison terms of 292 months on each count of conviction. Ms. Mendes filed a timely notice of appeal and the case was argued and submitted to this court on December 6, 1994. On March 2, 1995, the court issued a memorandum decision affirming Ms. Mendes' convictions on all counts except for conspiracy to structure currency deposits, which was reversed for instructional error. A copy of the memorandum decision is attached as Exhibit "A." II. STATEMENT OF FACTS The indictment alleged that Joseph Arvizu and Richard Ramos supervised the distribution of large quantities of cocaine imported into the United States from Mexico and that Deborah Mendes assisted Arvizu and Ramos in their drug trafficking activities by managing their funds, purchasing and leasing residences and commercial warehouses to store cocaine, and depositing drug proceeds in less than $10,000 increments to avoid federal currency reporting requirements. Ms. Mendes is a 37 year old widowed mother of three children who has no prior criminal record. From 1976 until February 1991, she had a successful career at the Bank of America, where she rose through the ranks from teller to Manager of Branch Operations. In April 1990, Ms. Mendes met Richard Ramos, a former practicing attorney who had several commercial accounts at the Bank of America branch where Ms. Mendes worked. Ramos told Ms. Mendes that he represented a group of foreign investors who were involved in real estate and other 1 business transactions in the United States and overseas. Later in the year, Ramos introduced Ms. Mendes to Joseph Arvizu and told her that he was a member of the investment group. In February 1991, Ms. Mendes left the bank and took a position with one of Ramos' companies. The charges against Ms. Mendes arise out of her employment relationship with Ramos and Arvizu. Although the prosecution called 70 witnesses at trial, none of these witnesses provided first-hand testimony that Deborah Mendes knowingly and willfully participated in a conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Instead, the prosecution based its case entirely on circumstantial evidence relating to Ms. Mendes' involvement in financial and real estate transactions on behalf of Arvizu and Ramos. The memorandum decision concludes that this evidence was sufficient to sustain Ms. Mendes' convictions. III. GROUNDS FOR REHEARING OR REHEARING EN BANC Ms. Mendes' appeal argued, among other things, that the district court improperly admitted expert testimony from law enforcement agents regarding the purported modus operandi of cocaine trafficking organizations. In particular, Ms. Mendes contended that: (1) the expert testimony related to matters within the common knowledge and experience of the jury and was therefore inadmissible under Rule 702 of the Federal Rules of Evidence; and (2) the testimony was unduly prejudicial because it was designed to equate virtually everything that Ms. Mendes did with the conduct of drug traffickers and to undermine her lack of knowledge defense before it was presented to the jury. The memorandum decision summarily rejects this argument, noting that "[t]he testimony likely helped the jury to understand how the activities of the various defendants advanced the aims of the conspiracy" and that "the risk of unfair prejudice did not substantially outweigh the 2 COPY Carol M. And Richard L. Tirrell 25761 Sabina Avenue Mission Viejo, CA 92691 May 13, 1993 The Honorable Harry Hupp United States District Judge 312 North Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dear Judge Hupp: We are writing regarding the sentencing of our daughter Deborah Lynn Mendes, on June 28, 1993. We are appealing to you to consider the following in determining her sentence and also in determining where she is to serve that sentence. This whole thing is just incredible, like a terrifying nightmare that keeps reoccurring night, after night, after night, after night, after Debbie is not a criminal and certainly is not guilty of a conspiracy to traffic cocaine. If she is guilty of anything, it is trusting the wrong people and making some bad decisions. However, to turn an exceptionally productive life into that of a hardened criminal for having made some bad decisions and for having misplaced her trust seems an unconscionable miscarriage of justice. If we had know that the "System" does not protect the innocent as well as punish the guilty, we would have encouraged Debbie to stay in Mexico and given her our blessing and support in doing SO. Debbie has always been bright, ambitious, and a "take charge" person. As you can see by the numerous congratulatory letters (copies enclosed) she received while at Bank of America, she is a hard worker and has always been dedicated to her job, no matter what it is. Her husband Mike, was always "Mr. Mom" and as such he was a tremendous help to her. When he suddenly passed away the realization that she would have all the responsibility of; being the sole provider, running the household without any help, and more importantly raising the children as a single parent, was more that she could deal with. Unfortunately, she tried to escape this new and overwhelming responsibility by turning to the use of alcohol and drugs. Granted, this is no excuse for associating with and working for the people she did. Her out of control behavior contributed to her lack of awareness The Honorable Harry Hupp Page 2 May 13, 1993 Re: Deborah L. Mendes about what was really going on until it was too late. Ultimately, this led her to where she is today. Unwarranted trust in others has always been a problem for Debbie. She gives everyone the benefit of the doubt and will do anything in her power to help them. She has always been an extremely giving person, both of herself and all of her resources. As a teenager, while her sisters worked at Basking Robbins serving ice-cream during the summer; Debbie worked at Beverly Manor Nursing Home where she could help the elderly during their confinement. Consequently, Debbie's unwarranted trust in Richard Ramos and his associates was misplaced and used against her. The real criminals in this case found in Debbie, the ideal person to set-up. The prosecution was just as guilty by using Debbie as a means to justify the two years of man power and resources they expended on this case. They had their "Scapegoat" when Debbie came back from Mexico on her own. There was never any attempt to apprehend and extradite "Eddie", the head of this narcotic's ring and the person that really belongs behind bars for the rest of his life. This blatant lack of pursuit by the prosecution and the complete lack of discrimination on the part of the prosecution as to the real criminals in this case put them in the same class as Richard Ramos and Eddie Arvezu. For, it not only shows rampant professional irresponsibility, but also a gross disregard of the very laws they are supposed to be enforcing. Accordingly, the prosecution's witnesses were either paid or were given immunity for their testimony against Debbie. Why isn't the woman who sold some property to Richard Ramos and accepted $100,000.00 in a brown paper bag from him, in jail for money laundering?? Evidently, it did not seem unusual to this woman that the property remained in her name. How odd no one thought it suspicious that she did not go to the police because just maybe this seemed a "little" questionable. Yet, during the trial the prosecution took this very fact, turned it around and used it to incriminate Debbie. This is typical of the way the prosecution and federal agents distorted the facts throughout the whole case and subsequent trial. Furthermore, Debbie told them when she first came back from Mexico to follow Richardo and he would lead them to Eddie. They spent untold resources to convict an innocent person yet what did they do to try to apprehend the head of this major narcotic ring? Nothing, Absolutely Nothing! As a result, Eddie is free to continue one of the most vile crimes of all, drug trafficking. Has justice prevailed in this case? We think not! Debbie has spent ten months caged up like an animal because the prosecution misrepresented the facts at her bail hearing and later at The Honorable Harry Hupp Page 3 May 13, 1993 Re: Deborah L. Mendes the trial. Now she faces a life time of incarceration simply because she had the courage and conviction to come back from Mexico to clear her name. Enclosed are copies of some letters Debbie has written to us while at MDC. These show the kind of person Debbie really is and will better explain how she became mixed up in this nightmare. Debbie honestly and sincerely believed that Morris Trucking and Cromwell Van Conversions were to be viable companies. She spoke to us often about how she wanted to be in charge of Morris Trucking so she could "turn it around". It got to be a family joke because no one else could get a word in when Debbie was around. She always had so many thoughts she wanted to share about her new job. Debbie was especially enthusiastic about getting a larger computer system so they could tie in the Oakland system and she was told several times she would be going to Oakland to learn this system. Richard Ramos also promised her that she could replace Michael Tan so she could "get the business going". She was tremendously excited at being "in charge" as this is what Debbie loves most. The promises and stories they used to control her went on and on. By the time she began having suspicions, she was so infatuated with Ricardo she believed whatever he told her. When everyone left her "holding the bag" she had no fear about the consequences of drug trafficking because she knew she was not involved. Instead, her biggest worry was trying to pay all the bills on the many accounts that were in her name. She borrowed on her credit cards, she borrowed money from us, and finally took out an 18% second on her house trying to hold on. She still firmly believed that these people she worked for and trusted would do the right thing by paying her the money they owed her on the hair salon and reimburse her for the other expenses she had covered for them. Of course, this did not happen and she lost everything that she had worked so hard for all her life. This for Debbie, was the ultimate punishment. Little did she realize this was only the beginning of a nightmare that would eventually result in imprisonment, separating her from her children and her family. In one of Debbie's letters she quotes part of a letter written by Letticia Garcia, one of the many given immunity by the prosecution for saying the "right things" as a government witness. What Ms Garcia wrote in a letter to Debbie completely contradicts her testimony as a witness and states quite clearly "you are not quilty" again showing Debbie's lack of involvement in drug trafficking. Richard Callahan has the original letter from Ms Garcia and we have no idea why it was never entered as evidence during the trial. Of course, there are a good many things we do not understand about Debbie's defense. Why was she promised by Mr. Callahan, from the beginning, that The Honorable Harry Hupp Page 4 May 13, 1993 Re: Deborah L. Mendes a private investigator would be hired to find witnesses and evidence to help her; yet, this was not done because of "lack of funds"?? Also, why the witness in Oklahoma, who could prove Debbie was not at that second meeting, was not summoned to testify?? We were willing to let our home be used as collateral for Debbie's bail, which was ultimately refused. Furthermore, we are going to continue fighting for Debbie because we believe in her and believe in her innocence. We are willing to put everything we have worked thirty years to acquire, on the line and are prepared to do whatever it takes to help her get out of the horrendous situation. Debbie is not guilty of drug trafficking and justice demands that she be set free so she can be reunited with her family and once again become a productive member of society. Ultimately, the truth lies in the following: Knowing she was innocent, knowing the seriousness of the charges within the indictment, knowing the extreme penalties involved if convicted, and knowing that she would be met at the airport by federal agents and immediately put in jail, she stepped on the airplane in Mexico and returned voluntarily so she could clear her name and try to regain a degree of normalcy in her life. Pretty scary? You bet! That step took more courage that we will ever have. What about you? We are asking for your compassion and to analyze the evidence presented by the prosecution in its attempt to prove her guilty by "association". Also, that in determining her sentence you do SO with the knowledge that she did not have to come back from Mexico, something the jury was never allowed to know. Please take into consideration all the years she has been a devoted and loving daughter, wife, and mother; her excellent record as a productive, energetic, and dependable employee; and, her complete lack of any previous criminal behavior. Finally, we pray she can be sent to a facility with a less "hardened criminal" environment until she is finally cleared of all money laundering and drug trafficking charges. Sincerely, Carol M. Tirrell and Richard L. Tirrell Enc. Deborah Lynn Mendes #97744-012 COPY Metropolitan Detention Center P.O. Box 1500 Los Angeles, CA 90053 May 16, 1993 The Honorable Harry Hupp United States District Judge 312 North Spring Street Los Angeles, CA 90012 Dear Judge Hupp: Your Honor, I am respectfully writing this letter to you regarding my scheduled sentencing on June 28, 1993. I appreciate your taking the time to read and consider it carefully. First, Let my say that I am terribly embarrassed and disappointed in myself, in the tragic circumstances leading up to my incarceration, and in the necessity to have appeared before you in your courtroom. Additionally, let me thank you for your handling of the trial proceedings. You did as you saw appropriate given the information presented at the trial by all concerned. I also feel the necessity of conveying my extreme disappointment in the outcome of the trial and consider it a terrible miscarriage of justice. I will be the first to admit that I made some inappropriate decisions and broke the law by structuring financial transactions, which I admitted to in court. I am very sorry for my actions and am prepared to be punished for these actions. However, I am quite shocked and amazed that someone can be convicted of drug trafficking and even conspiracy to drug trafficking with absolutely no knowledge of such a crime. The prosecution presented approximately eighty witnesses, not one of which testified that I had any knowledge or was ever present in a discussion regarding drug trafficking or handling drug money. Furthermore, I was never at any location where drugs were present. The prosecution's theory was based solely on assumptions and "how could she have been so ignorant that she did not know what was going on". Where was their corroborating evidence?? I would like you to consider on my behalf, some indisputable facts. I think first it would be helpful for you to understand the circumstances more clearly if I start with my background. I have always been employed in the area of public service. My first job at fourteen years of age was as a nurse's aide at Beverly Manor convalescent Hospital. I am a real "people person" and have always put all of my love, effort, and resources into helping others. I worked for Bank of America for fifteen years and had exemplary work performance throughout my employment. This is supported by letters my parents have sent to you. Ten years of my employment was spent in branch and administrative management. My first position at age eighteen was that of a Teller and I worked my way up to Assistant Vice President, Branch Manager, which was my last position held. I received employee of the month and manager of the year awards consistently throughout my career. The Honorable Harry Hupp Page 2 May 16, 1993 I have led an extremely productive, stable and honest life for thirty-four years, until 1991. There is absolutely no criminal history connected to any member of my family or myself. One of my character traits is that I am a very trusting person and I have always felt people should be trusted and given a chance. The most difficult part of my job at the bank was when I discovered a dishonest employee and I had to terminate their employment. I always took it very personally and shared many emotional moments with departing employees, offering them my personal forgiveness, love, and support. My life was very structured during my fifteen years at Bank of America and consisted of working fifty to sixty hours a week. At the same time I worked equally hard at being a loving wife and mother of three children. I managed to find time almost every week-end to pack food and gear for trips to the Colorado River where we could enjoy family activities. I was unable to maintain personal friendships apart from the bank due to my managerial obligations, responsibilities, and the conflict of employee and employer relationships. Thus, my private life consisted only of my family. After the sudden and tragic death of my husband in 1990, I was faced with having to support and raise my children alone. I had lived outside my parents home since I was eighteen years old and was determined to be a survivor and maintain my independence. There came a time when the stress and depression became too much to handle and I turned to drugs and alcohol to try to fill the void. I later sought and received professional help for my addiction. I started friendships outside my family environment that proved to be inadequate to replace the loss I felt. True to my nature, I was still very loving and giving. I opened up my home, my heart, and my pocketbook to many people. I was naive to the fact that people saw this as a weakness and took advantage of my generosity for their personal gain. Such is the case with Richard Ramos and his friends. Because Mr. Ramos presented himself as an attorney, I trusted him and did not question his story about representing "foreign investors" and the companies Cromwell Van Conversions and Morris Transportation. I was so excited about being able to use my financial and managerial skills to help make their businesses successful; and, at the same time work independently and be afforded more time to spend with my children. I was given responsibilities and the latitude to accomplish the tasks as I saw fit. Whenever I asked questions, I was given reasonable explanations by Mr. Ramos; thus, I had no reason to become suspicious of their actions. I allowed them to use my name and my credit because I trusted them. They in turn used me and set me up to "take the fall" if inquires were ever made by the police. At the time I became suspicious, in November of 1991, I trusted my boyfriend, Ricardo Hernandez who gave me the "right" answers to all my questions. Later, I found out he actually worked for Eddie and was hired to "keep me in line" so to speak and to cover for the organization. When I realized I was being followed in November 1991, I became scared and contacted Bradley Brunnon, an attorney. I asked him to check with the federal agents to see if they were following me and if so, why. Also, he was to let them know he was my legal counsel The Honorable Harry Hupp Page 3 May 16, 1993 and he would bring me in voluntarily for questioning if they suspected me of being involved in any wrong doing. Inquires were made to an officer Rick Mallow, who flat out lied to Mr. Brunnon and said "NO", they were not following me and they did not want to talk to me. There are comments regarding that conversation in affidavits in the discovery evidence. Mr. Brunnon made a second inquiry in February 1992 on my behalf, because they were still following me after my move to Tijuana, Mexico. It was very scary not knowing who was following me after the police again denied it was their officers. It was also VERY TRAUMATIC FOR MY CHILDREN. Again, the officers gave the same story, "NO" they did not want me and were not following me. More lies, as evidenced in a discovery affidavit that states they followed me to a hotel in Tijuana where I was staying. I will not even go into the facts behind all the prosecution witnesses who lied at the trial. Unfortunately for me, my attorney Richard Callahan, was inadequate in properly supplying evidentiary information that I had supplied to him to impeach their testimonies. In closing I would like to address some "Common Sense" issues: 1. In an organization such as the one put together by Eddie Arvizu and Richard Ramos, a woman would never be entrusted in a critical decision making capacity. The prosecution presented me as a key member, having extensive authority and responsibility in the organization and operation of this major drug ring. The fact of the matter is, that in a Hispanic Culture, women are never allowed anything but subservient positions outside the family home. To suppose that this group would entrust me with knowledge and authority of the magnitude proported by the prosecution, as befitting my position in the upper echelon of this male dominated Hispanic organization, is preposterous! 2. With my background in banking, I would not have taken illegal monies and put them through my accounts knowing they could be traced directly to me by the police. On the contrary, with my knowledge and experience in banking, had I known the funds were illegal, I could have planned and executed an elaborate scheme to hide the funds without any possibility of my name ever having been associated with them. Not knowing the funds were illegal and having no reason to hide anything, I was not afraid to do exactly as I did; I used accounts with my name on them. 3. I trusted Mr. Ramos who presented himself as an attorney. Most people I know do tend to believe what an attorney says. I also trusted the police when they told Mr. Brunnon I was not involved. Shouldn't everyone be able to trust and believe the officials of our government? 4. When I received a call from my parents on July 21, 1991, they informed me of my pending indictment. They gave me all the details of the case including the fact that I would be facing thirty years to life if I was found guilty and convicted of these charges. Do you really think I would have come back to face the rest of my life in prison? NO!!! The prosecution believed this was a huge organization, one able to cover all of its tracks. If I was guilty, I would have gotten a new identity in Mexico and lived happily ever after. In fact, I came back because I knew I was innocent and wanted to clear my name. 5. The federal agents also used unforgivable tactics by telling my parents that if they did not talk me into coming back from Mexico immediately, my daughter (their granddaughter) and I would be dead within a week. The agents convinced my parents that The Honorable Harry Hupp Page 4 May 16, 1993 once this group found out I was being indicted, they would have me killed to keep me quiet. According to the prosecution, I was one of the organizers of this group. Why wouldn't I have gone into hiding like Eddie and some of the others?? I told my parents not to worry, that I did not know anything that would get me killed. These were outrageous scare tactics by the federal agents just to get me to come back. The prosecution brought up the argument in front of my parents at trial so they were unable to testify on my behalf regarding our conversation. 6. I was unwilling to take a plea agreement because I refused to plead guilty to something I did not do. I offered full cooperation to the government. Unfortunately, I did not know enough or have any information to put myself in a bargaining position. I came back voluntarily, believing in a "System" of justice that I thought was fair and equitable. What I have found out since my return and my incarceration, is that if you are guilty you can bargain and buy yourself a substantially reduced sentence or even, total immunity. If you are a big enough criminal and have enough money like Eddie Arvizu, you can buy yourself freedom, Eddie was never apprehended. Did the prosecution ever file extradition papers with Mexico for Eddie? If you are innocent as I am and try to do the right thing, you have no recourse. For, without anything to bargain with, you face the travesties of justice in this country. Ultimately, I lost everything I worked so hard for all my life; my home, my belongings, and my credit (which has been ruined). Of even greater importance, I have been separated from my family and my children who need their mother desperately since their father is deceased. Unfortunately, I am not the only one to suffer. My parents are devastated. They feel guilty because they helped convince me that coming back from Mexico and turning myself in was the right thing to do. My sisters and their families have also been seriously affected by all of this. Most of all, my children are suffering. They lost their father three years ago, their mother one year ago and at the same time lost each other by having to live in separate homes. My parents are willing to give up their life savings to assist me in an appeal and to see that justice prevails. They believe in my innocence knowing I am not quilt of drug trafficking. Your Honor, thank you for your careful consideration of all the facts in this case. There is a saying "When God closes a door, He opens a window". My justice comes for the Lord and I trust Him to guide me through this. I am aware of the guidelines regarding sentencing and I pray that you find it in your heart to be compassionate in determining my sentence. Please return some justice to this otherwise tragic situation. Sincerely, Deborah L Mendes expresentence + of daughter un just sentancing Appealing Carol M. Tirrell 25761 Sabina Avenue Mission Viejo, CA 92691 Willki Statesman 1892-1944 The C'Rate make-upistamp Margaret A. Williams Chief of Staff Office of the First Lady 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20500 Withdrawal/Redaction Marker Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001a. letter To constituent from Margaret A. Williams re: letter (partial) (1 page) 01/04/96 b(6) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Maggie Williams (Correspondence) OA/Box Number: 12630 FOLDER TITLE: [Maggie Williams Mail 1995-1996]: T 2013-0359-S ry1341 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)| Freedom of Information Act 15 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information |(a)(1) of the PRAJ b(1) National security classified information |(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA] b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute |(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute |(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information |(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA| b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy [(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy [(a)(6) of the PRA] h(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA| C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed h(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON January 4, 1996 [001a] (b)(6) Dear (b)(6) : Your words of support and encouragement meant so much to me during the past weeks. It was very kind of you to take the time to write as you did and I am grateful. Please accept my thanks and best wishes. Sincerely Margaret A. Williams Chief of Staff to the First Lady Evan 4 we to Agnay are - Withdrawal/Redaction Marker Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001b. letter To Margaret A. Williams from constituent re: daughter (partial) (1 11/27/95 b(6) page) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Maggie Williams (Correspondence) OA/Box Number: 12630 FOLDER TITLE: [Maggie Williams Mail 1995-1996]: T 2013-0359-S ry1341 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act - |44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act - |5 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA] b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office |(a)(2) of the PRAJ b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or h(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA] financial information [(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA] b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions |(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells |(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. 11/27/95 margard A. Williams 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW Washington, D.C. 20500 Dear mangaret williams: I am writing this letter in an attempt to get help for my 24 year old daughter April. For approximately 13 years she has been battling Anorexia, Nervosa, Bulimia and depression. She has been in and out of hospitals for the past 8 years. The last one was Acadia Hospital for 6 weeks and has been out for about 2 weeks. The doctors want her to go back in the hospital. She feels it won't do any good. She has just about given up on life and all the rejections haven't helped, it only reinforces her worth about her life. Why I am writing this letter because we have been told she needs a long- term care facility. There is not one available in the State of Maine. I have called Ca, Pa, Md, Ma. Fl, Wy, Ga, Ny, Ill, Id, Tx, and Canada. I have faxed many more as well. We also sent a letter to Oprah. It's sad when the only place that we haven't heard from is Canada and Oprah, with a rejection no news is good news. The answer is always the same, No money no Insurance = no help. April doesn't qualify for our Insurance, because of her age. She did have a job but now is to sick to work. She has applied for Medicaid and with Senator Cohen and Snowe's help she was able to get it sooner. Now that we have Medicaid all of the facilities I have contacted, say it is of no use to them they need Medicare or cash money. She has applied for SSI but this could take months. I don't feel she has months to live. My daughters life hangs in a balance right now. If my daughter should die because of the lack of money and insurance. It will be such a tragic loss of life. I will do any thing to save my daughters life as it is in great danger now. Can you tell me where to turn for help. I am a desperate mother trying to get help for my daughter. I pray this letter will not be over looked. I am sending copies to persons on the attached list. Sincerely (b)(6) [00lb] (b)(6) (b)(6) Patricia Schroeder 2208 Rayburn House Office Building Washington D.C. 20515-0601 COMMERCE COMMITTEE MEMBERS Thomas J. Bliley Jr. John D. Dingall Chairman, VA Ranking Member, MI Carlos J. Moorhead, CA Henry A. Waxman, CA Jack Fields, TX Edwards J. Markey, MA Michael G. Oxley, OH W.J. "Billy" Tauzin, LA Michael Bilirakis, FL Ron Wyden, OR Dan Schaefer, CO Ralph M. Hall, TX Joe L. Barton, TX John Bryant, TX Dennis Hastert, IL Rick Boucher, VA Fred Upton, MI Thomas J. Manton, NY Cliff Stearns, FL Edolphus Towns, NY Bill Paxon, NY Gerry E. Studds, MA Paul E. Gillmor, OH Frank Pallone, Jr., NJ Scott L. Klug, WI Sherrod Brown, OH Gary A. Franks, CT Blanche Lambert Lincoln, AR James C. Greenwood, PA Bart Gordon, TN Michael D. Crapo, ID Elizabeth Furse, OR Christopher Cox, CA Peter Deutsch, FL Richard M. Burr, NC Bobby L. Rush, IL Brian P. Bilbray, CA Anna G. Eshoo, CA Edward Whitfield, KY Ron Klink, PA Greg Ganske, IA Bart Stupak, MI Daniel Frisa, NY Charlie Norwood, GA Rick White, WA Tom Coburn, OK 2125 Rayburn House Office Building Independence Avenue and South Capitol St N.W. Washington, D.C. 20515 Agnes Donahue Kenneth Thorpe 200 Independence Ave SW. 200 Independence Ave SW. Washington D.C. 20201 Washington D.C. 20201 Susan J. Blumenthal Ron Lasker 200 Independence Ave SW. 200 Independence Ave SW. Washington D.C. 20201 Washington D.C. 20201 Melanie Timberlake Leon Panetta 200 Independence Ave SW. 1600 Penn Ave NW. Washington D.C. 20201 Washington D.C. 20500 Donna E. Shalala Margaret A. Williams 200 Independence Ave SW. 1600 Penn Ave NW. Washington D.C. 20201 Washington D.C. 20500 page 2 Melanne Verveer 1600 Penn Ave NW. Washington D.C. 20500 Vice President Albert Gore Jr. Old Executive Office Building Washington D.C. 20501 Skila S. Harris Old Executive Office Building Washington D.C. 20501 J. Jarrett Clinton 2101 E. Jefferson St. Rockville Md. 20852 Frderico Pena 400 Seventh St. SW. Washington D.C. 20590 Withdrawal/Redaction Marker Clinton Library DOCUMENT NO. SUBJECT/TITLE DATE RESTRICTION AND TYPE 001c. envelope To Margaret A. Williams (partial) (1 page) 11/28/95 b(6) COLLECTION: Clinton Presidential Records First Lady's Office Maggie Williams (Correspondence) OA/Box Number: 12630 FOLDER TITLE: [Maggie Williams Mail 1995-1996]: T 2013-0359-S ry1341 RESTRICTION CODES Presidential Records Act [44 U.S.C. 2204(a)] Freedom of Information Act - 15 U.S.C. 552(b)] P1 National Security Classified Information [(a)(1) of the PRA| b(1) National security classified information [(b)(1) of the FOIA] P2 Relating to the appointment to Federal office [(a)(2) of the PRA| b(2) Release would disclose internal personnel rules and practices of P3 Release would violate a Federal statute [(a)(3) of the PRA] an agency |(b)(2) of the FOIA] P4 Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential commercial or b(3) Release would violate a Federal statute [(b)(3) of the FOIA| financial information |(a)(4) of the PRA] b(4) Release would disclose trade secrets or confidential or financial P5 Release would disclose confidential advice between the President information [(b)(4) of the FOIA] and his advisors, or between such advisors [a)(5) of the PRA] b(6) Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of P6 Release would constitute a clearly unwarranted invasion of personal privacy |(b)(6) of the FOIA] personal privacy |(a)(6) of the PRA] b(7) Release would disclose information compiled for law enforcement purposes |(b)(7) of the FOIA] C. Closed in accordance with restrictions contained in donor's deed b(8) Release would disclose information concerning the regulation of of gift. financial institutions [(b)(8) of the FOIA] PRM. Personal record misfile defined in accordance with 44 U.S.C. b(9) Release would disclose geological or geophysical information 2201(3). concerning wells [(b)(9) of the FOIA] RR. Document will be reviewed upon request. BANGOR U.S. POSTAGE NOY 28'95 III 00 " MAINE RB.M 1505161 [001c] PRESERVATION PHOTOCOPY PM ME 044 PLEASE MAIL (b)(6) EARLY FOR 28 NOV CHRISTMAS 1905 ALLINE I Margaret A. Williams 1600 Penn. Ave NW. - Washing ton DC: Cheef of staffto FuctLAdy 20500 THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 7, 1996 Mr. John Tomasin 112A-56th Street West New York, N.J. 07093 Dear Mr. Tomasin: Thank you for your recent letter containing your ideas for the campaign. We will forward your letter to the Clinton/Gore Reelect Campaign. Thank you again for your support. Sincerely, Margaret A Miama Chief of Staff to the First Lady THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON October 3, 1996 William W. Taylor, III Chair, Criminal Justice Section 1800 M Street, NW, 2nd Floor, South Lobby Washington, DC 20036-5886 Dear Mr. Taylor: We have recieved your kind invitation to attend the Criminal Justice Section's Annual Meeting. We have forwarded the invitation to the scheduling department. Thank you for the invitation. Sincerely, Margaret A. Williams Chief of Staff to the First Lady