To Whom It May Concern:

I am coming to the community with hopes that my letter will reach the hearts of anyone that will be able to offer any type of help. Usually, I am a person that has the strength to overcome any obstacle that may come my way, but as of now, I can not tackle this one on my own. With prayer and blessings from God, I am coming to you as a citizen in need of help from anyone that is willing to listen.

Monday, July 14th, 2008, the father of my daughter, Martez Williamson was arrested in Blue Island on a Champaign County warrant that was released June 25th, 2008 on two accounts of criminal sexual assault by force and one charge of aggravated criminal sexual assault causing bodily harm. Based on an article in the News-Gazette published on July 19th, 2008, Martez attended a New Year’s party in 2006 that was thrown by a group of young women. A female at the party pressed charges, claiming that she was sexually assaulted. That same night, Martez co-hosted a party thrown by myself, Sherise Turner, and there were never any physical signs of frustration or bodily harm from him. Martez is pleading innocent. I do not want to release more information on his behalf; he is willing to talk to anyone that is looking to help with our dilemma.

We do not want him to be incarcerated longer than he has to. His job is on the line and his return to school is being delayed. Also, he has a daughter that loves her father and we miss him dearly.

We are not asking for monetary help; instead, we are hoping for the support, resources, advice, pro bono services, and more from anyone that is willing to help. Your participation in any way will be immeasurable. I am the young mother of a beautiful one-year old girl, Savannah Marie Williamson. I work part-time and I am a full-time student. Now that Martez is incarcerated, I am looking for a second job, not to purchase a car to help me travel back and forth to school and work, but to be able to maintain until he is released.

I do not have the funds to hire a lawyer or to pay $25,000 to bond him out of jail, but I do have more than enough faith and strength to stay by his side and help in other ways. I am currently working towards finding finances for a lawyer, if needed. If there is anyone that is willing to offer any resources, pro bono services, or any other help, please contact me at your earliest convenience.

MARTEZ X. WILLIAMSON CONTACT INFORMATION:
Martez X. Williamson
Champaign County Sheriff's Office

204 East Main Street

Urbana, IL. 61801

VISITATION HOURS (please call the jail @ (217) 328 - 1240 to verify):

THURSDAYS - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

SATURDAYS - 8:30 AM - 11:30 AM

Sherise R. Turner

srturner88@comcast.net

*If you would like to read more on his case, please visit:

http://www.news-gazette.com/news/courts_crime_fire/2008/07/19/urbana_man_facing_rape_charge