Dear Friends of Lin DeVecchio,
First and foremost, I want to thank those of you who have contributed to date via www.lindevecchio.com
The outpouring of support that Lin has received has been tremendous. Please remember that this endeavor is a marathon, not a sprint and that we are in this for the long haul.
Yesterday, was a beautiful sunny day and 47 retired and active Agents assembled in front of the Supreme Court in Brooklyn. All were dressed in appropriate business attire. Appropriate liaison was established with the Court Officers and all were lead in (1:45PM) enmasse with Court Officer escort. I point this out as a sign of respect that we received in the form of professional courtesy. We were lead to the ceremonial courtroom on the 2nd floor and filled the benches to capacity. Many more Agents were outside the courtroom due to space limitations. The place was packed with press; outside, in the lobby (upstairs and downstairs) and in the jury box. The arraignment did not start until approximately 2:30 PM (original schedule was 2PM).
The judge handled 2 motions from the press regarding cameras and recording devices; he denied the camera motion and reserved decision on the other. The reading of the indictment was waived and the process of determining bail ensued. At the outset, the judge admonished ADA Vecchione for press leaks of Grand Jury information since January 7th and advised that although he only drew this case today, he had known details about the case from numerous media reports.
The ADA gave a long and drawn out explanation to support his request that Lin be remanded without bail citing gory details for each of the 4 murders Lin is charged with. ( 4 counts of NYSPL 125.25-1; Murder in the 2nd Degree) Each count carries a penalty of 25 to Life if convicted under NYS law. It is noted that the indictment is only 2 pages long and boiler plate in nature. If anyone wants a copy, please e-mail me and I'll send it along. Lin's attorney, Doug Grover provided an outstanding argument for bail, stating that the 47 Agents present would vouch for Lin's reappearance at any future court appearance. The judge was impressed that we were there. At one point during attorney discourse on Lin's bail, ADA Vecchione made the statement that we (Agents) represented a network with overseas connections that could assist Lin's escape. As you can imagine there was a reaction by all of us present. The judge didn't buy it, and the press picked up on ADA Vecchione's statement like you wouldn't believe.
The judge created an unusual bail package of 100K cash; asked 5 of us to sign for another 900K surety, which we did; and had Lin surrender his passport and be subjected to electronic monitoring. Lin was allowed to leave with us, stayed with his attorney last night, and returned to his Florida home today. No doubt that if we were not there in force, Lin would be sitting in Rikers Island Correctional Facility until trial. We wrapped Lin in a human blanket and escorted him out of the courthouse with his attorneys and kept the press away from him. We wrapped up at 5:20 PM, the longest arraignment I have ever been at.
Yesterday, the FBI Agents Association in WDC issued a press release entitled " FBI Agents Stand for Due Process in DeVecchio Case. Fred E. Bragg, President stated in part, that Lin "deserves a fair hearing and a fair trial free of improper media leaks"........FBI Agents are acutely aware that all citizens are presumed innocent until proven guilty, and given that a previous investigation by DOJ found no wrong doing, we have no doubts about this case." The next court date was set for May 15 for the filing of motions, with oral arguments on the motions scheduled for June 19. In spite of the circumstances that brought us together yesterday, I was never prouder to be an FBI Agent.
Once again, thanks to all who were there, thanks to those who have contributed, sent emails of support, said prayers etc. Every little bit helps. Please check the website often for updates at www.lindevecchio.com.
Lin really appreciates all the support he has received to date, keep up the great work. Together we will get the truth out and help to restore not only Lin's reputation, but the reputation of the FBI. This case affects us all, now and in the future.
Chris Mattiace
NYO (69-02)
3/31/06 |
