FROM THE DESK OF MICHAEL J. STOTTS
AN OPEN LETTER OF APPEAL

I am writing to you at this time in hopes that you may be able to assist me. I am a 30 year old male currently serving a federal prison sentence (75 years) for a crime I DID NOT COMMIT.
In April of 1985 I was indicted by a federal grand jury in Louisiana. I was charged with extortion and conspiracy to commit extortion. Also named in the indictment were three other men- those actually responsible for committing the crimes.
I was denied a seperate trial from those responsible for committing the indicted acts, and was forced to go on trial eleven (11) days after the government appointed a lawyer to represent me. All notions were denied by the trial judge, as were all subpoenas I requested for defense testimony. After a week long trial, I was convicted and sentenced to a total of 75 years for the crimes the three indicted co-defendants actually committed.
The federal government did not produce one shred of evidence against me at the trial which would make the slightest showing that I was guilty of anything. Instead, federal prosecutors chose to make the trial a three ring circus, obtaining a conviction on me by their

1. brnging in "swat teams" of marshals to make a showing of force during the trials.

2. using convicted felons who had failed government administered polygraph examinations to testify during the trial.

3. covering up and holding evidence favorable to me - evidence that not only discredited their witnesses, but also clearluy supported my non-guilt.

My conviction was affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit on direct appeal in 1986. I am currently back in the 5th Circuit on a second round of appeals in the case. The decision on direct appeal (the first appeal) can be read in THE FEDERAL REPORTER; U.S. V. STOTTS, SEGURA, FABIANO AND POOLE, 792 F2d 1318 (5th Cir. 1986.) This decision, however, fails to even address the issues my attorney raised on appeal.
A booklet has been written which outlines in detail all events of this case. I need all the help I can get as I am fighting this battle alone for the most part, and I am not financially able to do much myself. I am truly not guilty of the crimes I was convicted of, and I now retain proof of same. My biggest problem is finding someone who can take the proof of my non-guilt and present it to someone in the federal government who will listen.
Thank you for your time and attention in this matter, and I am hopeful; that you will in some way assist me, or put me in touch with someone who can.

With kindest personal regards, Michael J. Stotts.


NOTICE TO THE READER: M. J. Stotts is the actual author of this letter, and he remains incarcerated for crimes he did not commit to date. This letter was published and reproduced by 5 STAR. We ask that you please pass word on to others about mr. Stotts' plight by reproducing this letter. Donations are needed to help with legal expenses in litigating this case, and can be sent to M.J. Stotts, c/o/ XX XX XXX XXXX, XXXXXXXX, NY XXXXX. The booklet about M.J. Stotts' case can be obtained from the same address. While not required a small donation to help with the printing and publication would be appreciated. Write and let us hear from you today.

Return To Links Page