Sandy and I are writing in support of our friend and colleague Lawrence Brose. A distinguished filmmaker and the long-time Director of CEPA Gallery, Lawrence has been a highly respected and prominent member of the arts community in Buffalo for many years. We have known Lawrence for many years and consider him a valued friend.
As we are sure that you are aware, Lawrence is currently fighting federal criminal charges. As set forth in chilling clarity by local attorney William Altreuter in his essay in the November 8, 2012 issue of Art Voice, The United States vs. Lawrence Brose: A Butterfly on the Wheel, http://artvoice.com/issues/v11n45/guest_essay, Lawrence has been charged with possession of images of child pornography allegedly found on an unsecured Mac computer in a studio shared by many artists. This is a time when Lawrence requires the support of his many friends. As difficult as it is to be charged with any federal felony, possession of images of child pornography allegations represent a perfect storm for the federal criminal defendant. Because of the repugnant nature of the offense, not to mention the creation of such images and the wanton destruction of childhood they represent, any individual facing such a charge is presumed guilty until proven innocent, and becomes a pariah, even among many who considered themselves friends. A defendant is likely to lose his job and all available sources of income and normalcy at exactly the time they are most important. The specialized and serious nature of the allegations and the potential punishment that conviction carries are such as to demand the assistance of only the most experienced and effective criminal defense attorney. Such individuals, whose fees are likely to exhaust all available resources, are absolutely essential to a successful defense. Lawrence has been mired in this situation for over three years. He has lost his position with CEPA, an organization whose best interest he served for many years. While he has retained the services of Paul Cambria, one of the most experienced advocates nationally for defense of such charges, the cost of mounting a serious defense is astronomical. Lawrence has exhausted all of his personal resources, including his retirement accounts, and must receive financial assistance from those of us who know and support him. It is critical that Lawrence continue to aggressively fight the charges and maintain his innocence. While the financial cost of such a defense is ruinous, the cost of a guilty plea, the alternative to mounting a defense, is far more destructive. Not only would Lawrence have to admit guilt of an offense for which he has consistently maintained his factual innocence, but he would have to spend a significant amount of time in a federal prison, and be publically labeled as a sexual offender for life. We are therefore asking you to join us, make a contribution to the defense fund established for Lawrence, and give him a call to express your continued support and friendship. The Lawrence Brose Legal Defense Fund is a Class A Non-Profit Corporation registered with the State of New York. Donations are not tax deductible. However, donations can be made through the National Center for Reason and Justice, a 501(c) 3 non-profit. Send a check made out to "The National Center for Reason and Justice" with "Lawrence Brose" in the memo line and mail it to The National Center for Reason and Justice, PO BOX 191101 Roxbury, MA 02119 or visit the Center's website http://ncrj.org/lawrence-brose/ to make an online donation and learn more about this important organization. Non-tax deductible donations can also be sent directly to the fund if you prefer to do so. Please send a check payable to "Lawrence Brose Legal Defense Fund" and mail it to 112 Bedford Avenue #3R, Brooklyn, NY 11249. We thank you for your thoughtful and compassionate consideration. Nils Olsen, Professor of Law and former Dean, University at Buffalo Law School Sandra Olsen, PhD, Director of the University at Buffalo Art Galleries. ********************************************************************************* PLEASE SHARE THIS WITH YOUR FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES. We also invite supporters to send us their comments and suggestions for spreading the word and seeking support. We are confident that justice will prevail for Lawrence Brose with your help. If you do not want to receive updates on Lawrences defense, please let us know. Sincerest regards, The Defense Fund Team defensef...@lawrencebrose.com www.lawrencebroselegaldefensefund.com _______________________________________________ FrameWorks mailing list FrameWorks@jonasmekasfilms.com https://mailman-mail5.webfaction.com/listinfo/frameworks