Let me start out saying that Bob, Ed and I have visited with several appeals attorneys the last week. We have surely learned much from them and also heard some of what we had not hoped to hear. However, Bob and Ed are now stuck between a rock and a hard place. Every attorney tells us they cannot say if they have a good possibility for winning an appeal until they see the transcript of the trial. The cost for the transcript is $1382.00 from the federal court. Now most of us think, who in the world can’t come up with that amount if needed to? Please remember how much both Bob and Ed had to take off work in order to speak to the attorneys (not to mention the trial itself) and their cost to do so. It is very fortunate that both have understanding employers.

We did not announce that both Bob and Ed were considering appeal for we did not want you to send your financial help until they felt there was a good chance to win an appeal. They still don’t know this yet. The very reason why they must acquire the transcript of the trial is for attorneys to go over and see what their chances are. As all the attorneys stated to us, anyone can appeal, but can you appeal and win?

The 5^{th Circuit Court where Bob and Ed were convicted, is the most conservative court in the nation according to all the attorneys we spoke to, so winning an appeal is not easy. So, Bob and Ed have ask me to make it clear to each and everyone of you, that by donating to purchase this transcript is not assurance that they will win their appeal or that they will appeal. They are now working as hard as possible to look at every possibility of getting an appeal so to over-turn the decision made in their trial.}

To put this into prospective, since Bob works for a company that repairs bank equipment and he handles thousands of dollars a day to test such equipment and because of Bob’s conviction is a criminal offense, he could lose his job. Many of their new clients do background checks on employees of the company that will be handling their money; thus Bob’s employer could loose new contracts because of Bob’s conviction.

Once we are able to purchase the trial transcript and have some Appeals Attorneys look it over, then we can and will inform all of you more about what their chances may be.

Just a note: Since Bob and Ed have not been sentenced yet (date April 21st at Fort Hood, TX. will be their sentencing), then both Bob and Ed are still stuck with their court appointed attorneys. They cannot fire these attorneys since they went through the trial with them. These attorneys will no longer be representing Bob and Ed after the sentencing on April 21st. At that time both Bob and Ed have 10 days from that date to file a “Notice of Appeal” to the Appeals Court in New Orleans, LA. Then Bob and Ed can hire another attorney to represent them for the appeal. So we are shopping for that attorney at this time.

A “Bob & Ed Defense Fund” has been established. “Bob & Ed Defense Fund”

c/o David Glover

1207 San Juan

White Oak, TX 75693

David Glover is an auditor for the State of Texas so no one should question his ability to properly handle the funds. Also David is well known in the detecting community and friend to many. He is known as a very responsible and dedicated person. I don’t believe any better a person could be ask to help Bob and Ed with their needs.

The transcript is over 230 pages long. Bob will be making copies for the attorneys, but it is costly. After any transcript is transcribed of a trial, it becomes accessible to the public.

All that is needed at this time is just enough for the purchase of the transcript “ONLY”!

Both Bob and Ed do not wish to waste donated funds, we will let you know if the appeal goes forward from here.

Thank you so much for your help.

Sincerely, Keith Wills