Ruby J. Burt
1434 Lawrence Avenue
Muskegon, Michigan 49442
October 1, 2012

Honorable Timothy G. Hicks
Michael E. Kobza Hall of Justice
990 Terrace Avenue
Muskegon, Michigan

Re: Christopher Lawrence Burt

Dear Judge Hicks:

My son, Chris, is scheduled to come before you on October 15th for sentencing. I thought that I would like you to know some things about Chris other than what may be in his past records.

As it shows, he certainly had some behavior problems that plagued him as a teen and seemed to follow him into adulthood. In spite of the fact that his father and I did what we thought would help him become a productive human being, (stable home, caring parents, discipline, etc.) he still managed to have problems. During those years, we certainly was at our wits end and didn't know how to help him. We have kept in touch with him throughout his life and used every opportunity to encourage him to be a law abiding individual, not only for his good but his family's also. I've always told him that if and when he changed his attitude, we would be the first to know. I do believe that we are seeing that now! When he called to say that he wanted to take care of the problem that was hanging over him, I was elated, but skeptical. However, when he went directly down to sheriff's office on August 13th , and turned himself in, I knew that he had arrived. And you know what I did Judge Hicks?..I visited him at the jail and told him that I was proud of him! Can you imagine, telling my son that I was proud of him and he was sitting in jail!?!...But I had not told him that since he was a little boy.

The fact that his dad is very ill, no doubt, has something to do with it. I know that he feels very bad about it. But whatever the reason for him to become honest and caring about other people, we'll reap the benefits.

The person that he was six years ago is not the person that he is now. So whatever you can do to show leniency, it will be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Mrs. Ruby J. Burt