Detroit Trooper Indicted for Manslaughter

Chicago Cop Is Scapegoat for Racism Charges

Stephanie Mohr Case on Hold

Update on Wyatt Henderson

From the Chairman

First, thanks to all of you for your interest and support, especially for Stephanie Mohr, who has now been incarcerated for over two years. I am in touch with her on a regular basis, and she remains in good spirits and optimistic that the trial judge will soon grant her a new trial. Her son, Adam, 5, visits her at Alderson Prison. He started school this year.

As you can see from our top story, we have taken up the case of Officer Jay Morningstar. He faces serious charges, and we look forward to his vindication at trial. We could not do our job without the support and encouragement of each and every one of you.

We are supporting Officer Bryan Vander Mey, a seven-year veteran of the Cook County Police Department who has no history of violence or use of excessive force in the unjustified charges against him in the arrest of Rondell “Nightfall” Freeman of the Gangster Disciples gang. See page two for details. It is certainly difficult to justify a criminal case without any injuries. Officer Vander Mey should be admired for his standing on principle and not wanting to have an unwarranted felony on his record.

Please go to our website, www.leldf.org, since we have upgraded and revised the information. We are proud of our efforts and the new site. Please note that you can contribute through the website with your credit card by simply following the instructions provided. On our website and in a response form on page three, note that you can acquire LELDF baseball caps and golf shirts for your modest tax-deductible donation to our legal defense fund.

Every day I am impressed by the dedication and loyalty of our nation’s law enforcement components. At all levels — local, city, state, and federal — the job of policing and maintaining peace and good order falls to a few who protect society in good times and in bad. The recent disasters with hurricanes Katrina and Rita are wonderful examples of the tireless and splendid efforts of our nation’s law enforcement personnel to protect lives and property.

It is also a fact of police life that danger is ever present. Daily we are exposed to another officer who dies in the line of duty. It is heartbreaking to the families and fellow officers of the deceased. I think frequently how important it is for the general public to understand how difficult and dangerous every day may be for a police officer.

In my speeches around the country and in private conversations here in the Washington, D.C., area, I often reflect on how our civilized society is able to recruit and keep officers to do such demanding and dangerous jobs — for such modest pay. We should all take every opportunity to thank our nation’s law enforcement officers for what they do for us.

Sincerely,

David Henderson Martin