“Letter to the Court in Support of Mike & Shannon”

There has been some confusion and misunderstanding regarding the whole "Mike and Shannon" situation. Someone actually expressed concern for our safety. Hah! Yeah, Shannon might appreciate us to death, and Mike might... um... nope, I can't think of anything.

Having asked them if they're ok with my publishing this letter (they are), the following is the letter we're sending to the judge who will be sentencing them on March 12th (assuming they don't get yet another continuance...).

Seth and Corinne Dillingham
[address]

The Honorable Judge Fisher
Norwich Superior Court
[address]

February 12, 2007

Dear Judge Fisher:

This letter is written in support of Michael and Shannon Deane. Our intent is to offer our understanding of their situation, and to seek consideration of a merciful judgment.

We were first introduced to Mike and Shannon just a few months ago when we were contacted by Shannon's mother. She asked if we would consider caring for their baby when it is born in early March. After a couple weeks of consideration, we agreed to meet them for dinner one night in November.

Pessimistically, we expected to find "criminals" looking for a favor, full of attitudes and excuses, and anger misdirected at "the system."

Instead we found two young minds (and hungry stomachs), afraid of the future and ashamed of their past, and simply exhausted from having nowhere to lay their heads, no means of transportation except their own feet, and no peace in their lives. There was no denial of guilt, just a sad resignation to the punishment they knew was coming.

We have realized — and hope that the Court realizes, as well — that these are not "hardened criminals." They are young people who made some foolish mistakes, some exceedingly bad decisions, but all against a background of truly desperate circumstances.

After a couple more meetings, in mid-January we invited them to move in to our spare bedroom. They accepted, and we've been happy to have them here ever since. They'll have a home here for as long as they need and want it, and we will care for the baby as our own until they're able to provide for it.

What Mike and Shannon need more than anything else — besides food and shelter, which were notably absent — are strong guidance and hope. We're doing our best to meet those needs, both literally and spiritually.

Desperation is not an excuse, but we do believe it provides grounds for mercy, and hope the Court agrees.

If there are any options besides time in prison (such as full or even double financial restitution, and/or extensive community service), we ask that the Court please consider them. Prison can't teach them not to be desperate, nor will it give them the wisdom to avoid foolish mistakes. Hard work and restitution, combined with strong moral and spiritual guidance, might do both.

In short: we don't believe they should go unpunished, but we do believe their rehabilitation is far more likely to be achieved through hard work, oversight, guidance and compassion than it is through prison.

We see real potential in Mike and Shannon, and hope — with the court's indulgence — to help them fulfill it.

Sincerely and Respectfully,

Seth and Corinne Dillingham