Case 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 1 of 25 PagelD #: 147 Kathleen D Bazinet 63 Duflield Road Bristol, R102809 SBii7 ‘The Honorable William E, Smith Jr. Chief Judge United States District Court United State Court House 1 Bxchange Terrace Providence, RI02903 Re:Raymond Gallison Dear Judge Smith: In these trying time for Ray Gallison, and his family I'd like to offer a supportive picture ‘of the man I know who has done many, many good things for a large number of people. Granted he has pled guilty to the charges before you, but please let me tell you of the sreat deeds he has done for many. Iam the Executive Director for housing non-profit in Bristol, RE and we own a 92 bed assisted living . We maintain 68 Medicaid waiver beds and because of major glitches in the State of RI and the Department of Health we had not received Medicaid payments of over 160K for over a year. Fora small assisted living ‘you can imagine what thet did to our financial situation, We were days away from bhaving 68 seniors with no place to go. Talled Ray and he was able to speak to the powers that be, even though had for months, and get them moving on our issue end ‘within days, part of our payment was sent tous, end the remaining was sent over the next 60 days. Ray bas been a strong supporter in Bristol of our Veterans Home Project, our Public Boat Launch and many more things that many adults and children have benefitted from . ‘Your Honor, Ray Gallison is a good person with a fine family end I ask that you give the ‘utmost consideration to his many positive accomplishments done on bebalf of others. ye Kafhleen D Bazinet Sinceyely yours 9 BayhCase 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 2 of 25 PagelD # 148 SAINT MARY 330 WOOD STREET BRISTOL,RI 02809 253-3300 Deacon Paul J Bisbano deacon.pbisbano@gmail.com May 18, 2017 Re; Raymond Gallison The Honorable William E. Smith Jr. For the past 22 years I have served as a Deacon Assistant for the Diocese of Providence. Most of those years here at St. Mary’s in Bristol along with a number of years at the Rhode Island Veterans Home. In my years of service I have gotten to know Mr. Gallison personally and see in him one who is truly a public servant in helping others in the community. Mr. Gallison has made life better for so many people and organizations. Granted he has admitted his mistakes I only ask you to balance the scales of justice by taking into consideration all the good he has done. 0.4 otCase 1:17-c1-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 3 of 25 PagelD #: 149, Ronald E. Brassard Rey, Ronald E. Brassard Pastor Emeritus Immaculate Conception Church Cranston, RI May 24, 2017 ‘The Honorable William E. Smith Jr. Chief Justice United States District Court United States Court House Providence RI.02903 Your Honor, My name is Father Ronald Brassard and 1 am writing on behalf of Raymond Gallison Jr. | write this letter to you with the deepest respect for your Office and for your work in the execution of justice, With evidence in hand you bear the responsibility to see that people pay for their crimes in a manner that is both protective of society and at the same time respectful ofthe person who stands guilty before you, I don’t envy you. | also am charged with passing a form of judgment on a human being who is guilty of failing to live in the manner that they know to be right and just. The difference is that you must act out your judgment in public while I am called to act out mine in private. Jt is that bringing together of what is public and what is private that motivates me to write to you on behalf of Raymond Gallison Jr. who will soon stand before you in order to receive his sentence. That sentence will responsibly protect society while at the same time justly address the egregious actions of Raymond Gallison Jr. Allow me to begin by giving you some background of my relationship with Raymond. When Iwas first ordained, some 43 years ago, I met a very wonderful couple, Raymond and Barbara Gallison Sr. This began a relationship that has extended throughout the 43 years of my priesthood. In particular, this relationship extended to the three children of Raymond and Barbara of whom Raymond Jr. was the oldest. Throughout the years | have remained in contact with this family and with their children. This includes the heartbreaking and disturbing events of the past year. There is no question that certain actions of Raymond Gallison jr. have been shameful and illegal. This is sad and certainly cries out for a just response. However, that response must not only acknowledge the hurtful actions of the individual but also be conscious of the response of that individual to those actions which have become so shameful and so profoundly abusive of the trust reposed in him by others.Case 1:17-ct-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 4 of 25 PagelD #: 150 Page Two Itis here that I would share with you my concerns and my own reflections on Raymond Gallison Jr. First and foremost is his willingness to come forward and take responsibility for his actions. | think that Mr. Gallison has done that. He has pleaded guilty. He has stood in the court of our justice system and in the court of public opinion and admitted his guilt. The consequences of that willingness to accept responsibility for his failings touch his life in many varied ways. Raymond has had to look himself in the mirror and be man enough to publicly admit to the failings of his actions. Beyond this admission, Mr. Gallison has been forced to face the implications that his actions have on his wife, his children, his parents, his siblings and his friends, These people have had to stand there and watch the person whom they love admit to failing in his responsibilities. This is not easy to do. | have spoken with Raymond every few days, sometimes daily since these events began to publicly unfold. I can attest to you that his sorrow for his actions is, quite genuine. Never once has he attempted to make any excuse for what he has done. He has failed. He has sinned, But he has not tried to run away from it. While carefully listening advice of his attorney, Raymond Gallison Jr. has stood up in public and said “I am know how painful this has been for him. [know his awareness of how difficult this has been for his family and for those who love him. | know his shame. I know his pain. | know his sorrow for what he has done. Never once has he tried to avoid the responsibility of answering for his actions in a public forum. I can tell you quite honestly that this has taken a great deal of courage. While his past actions have been shamefl, his present actions have been noble. He has accepted the guilt of his actions. He knows the magnitude of his failings. He now stands humbly before you, his judge. It is because of his willingness to not only embrace responsibility for his actions but also to face the disappointment and hurt he has caused his family and friends, that I write to you on his behalf. I am aware that Raymond must accept the responsibility for the sentence that you will impose on his life, Lam also aware that you must make a judgment as to the degree of that punishment that you are about to impose. I would only ask for mercy and compassion. Raymond Gallison Jr. will have to spend the remainder of his life dealing with the implications of his actions, Some, if not many, of his friends and colleagues will avoid him and terminate their relationship with him, He will experience fingers being pointed at him when he attempts to return to the commerce of our society. His ability to continue his life as an attorney is destroyed. Any dreams he might have had about his future no longer can exist. He will have to endure a suspicious attitude that will never leave him. His own sinfulness is now a matter of public knowledge. The punishment for what he has done is endless. I would only ask that in making the determination of his punishment you take intoCase 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 5 of 25 PagelD #: 151 Page Three account the implications of these events on his life and combine it with a modicum of mercy and compassion. There is no question in my mind that Raymond's public pronouncement of guilt has been a profound act of honesty and courage. Not everyone could do this. Not everyone would do this, I, for one, applaud his public proctamation of guilt, ask your forgiveness that | have taken so much of your time. Because of who | am and the relationship that I have with Ray Gallison Jr and his family, | felt that I needed to share with you my thoughts and any insights that | might possess. Thank you so much for taking the time to read this letter. I hope it serves to assist you in some way as you prepare to render your judgment and impose your sentence. I assure you of my prayers for God's guidance in the difficult decisions that you must now make, Ifyou wish to contact me, that information is as follows: Rev. Ronald E. Brassard 21 Normandy Drive Cranston, RI 02920 tbrassard@aol.com C4) Weil D Pyucsord God bless you(CAS@ 1:17-cr-00006-S:PAS “Dcuimient 16 (Casé Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 6 of 25 PagelD #: 152 BRISTOL WORKSHOPS IN PHOTOGRAPHY 17- May 2017 The Honorable William E, Smith Jr Chief Judge United States District Court United States Court House 1 Exchange Terrace Providence RI 02903 Dear judge Smith 11am writing to you on behalf of Raymond Gallison, our former representative from Bristol where 1 am a resident and a business owner. 1 am also a member of the Faculty at Roger Williams University. 1am asking you to please take into consideration in your sentencing of Mr. Gallison, the vast amount of community work he has done for the people of our area. | worked closely with Mr. Gallison on environmental issues, most especially when our entire waterways from Newport to Tiverton were in danger of the proposed transport of LNG volatile gas into our area. For more than seven years ‘we fought the Hess Corporation from installing a gas depot in the middle of Mt. Hope Bay, which would have crippled our economy and become a grave danger. ‘Mr. Gallison led that fight and attended numerous meetings with our Save Bristol _ Harbor group, as well as Save the Bay. He also put together a coalition of groups to work cooperatively to protect our State’s waters from privatization, and to insure the safeguard of our State's economy from this threat. : Mr. Gallison as a representative of his Bristol constituents never failed to respond to citizen's concerns on any matter. Many people have commented to me on how Mr. Gallison always listened to their concerns and would act always in the best interests of our local community as well as our State. Judge Smith, | ask that you do take into account the long record of service to Rhode Island that Mr. Gallison has contributed, 1 know that Mr. Gallison sincerely regrets his mistakes, and he has well cooperated with the Court. 1 believe he deserves such consideration as you might weigh the long good years of service. Thank you for listening to me here, Sincerely,Case 1:17-ct-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) . Filed 06/14/17 Page 7 of 25 PagelD #: 153, HORVITZ & BRILHANTE, LLP. aut 8. Hone Arronneys at Lat Beau Homerz Greoorr A BRLANTE {921 Non Mass Steer 1827-1089 (Curwevr Brown P.O. Box 2568 Lous A. Home Fou Five, Masaacnuaerrs 02722 ‘aa2.1088 youre mw wsawcunere 04) ero-atee "Aro eae wane ‘Teascomen: (06) 878-2005 June 5, 2017 ‘The Honorable William £, Smith Jt. Chief Judge United States District Court United State Court House 1 Exchange Terrace Providence, RI. 02903 RE: Raymond Gallison Dear Justice Smith Jr. It is with a heavy heart I write this letter to you on behalf of Raymond Gallison. 1, like many others, am aware of the charges against Mr. Gallison as well asthe fact that hhe has accepted responsibility for his actions and pleaded guilty o said charges brought against him. While a tragic situation, Mr. Gallison’s actions in accepting responsibility come as no surprise to me. He has always been a parson who, despite his shortcomings, has stood up, accepted responsibility for his actions, shown remorse for those actions and accepted the consequences associated therewith. Theve known Mr. Gallison for over twenty years both personally and professionally. In my dealings with him he has always acted with the highest integrity and competency in representing his clients in the State of Messachusetts and I can personally attest to the fact that he always acted in the best interest of his clients, Personally, Iam very much aware of Mr, Gallison’s relentless efforts in the fight against the LNG project at Weaver's Cove in Fall River, Massachusetts, The countless hours he gave to that fight isa testament to his character and commitment to helping others. ‘Your honor, I recently read somewhere the following statement, the author of which I am. unsure, It states “everyone makes mistekes in life but that doesn’t mean they have to pay for them the rest of their life, Sometimes good people make bed choices. It does not mean they are bad, it means they are human.”Case 1:17-ct-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 8 of 25 PagelD #: 154 HORVITZ & BRILHANTE, LLP. Raymond Gallison made a mistake, A big mistake for which I believe he is truly sorry. While punishment is necessary, I submit that the Court should consider the suffering, admittedly self inflicted, that Mr. Gallison has experienced and his family has experienced as a result of his mistake, | ask you to consider that, not for sympathy purposes, but out of compassion for a yood human being who made a bad mistake Gregory A. Brilhante, Esq For HORVITZ & BRILHANTE. LLP. GAB/kseCase 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 9 of 25 PagelD #: 155 June 9, 2017 To the Honorable William B, Smith Jr. U, S. District Court United States Court House A Exchange Terrace Providence, R. I. 02903, Your Honor. ‘My husband and I have known Mr. Raymond Gallison since the mid-90s. He was recommended fo me by a customer of mine for a minor incident. About 12 years later, 2007, my husband had an accident at work. He fell 18 ft. He was unconscious at the time and hes no memory of what happened, We tried a couple of workmen comp lawyers and were not satisfied. We didn't know what to do, ‘Then I spotted Mr. Gallison's name in my phone book. [called him. He remembered us, He talked to us about my husband's case and agreed to help us. ‘My husband is disabled now, The irony is few years later [had an accident and have been disabled too. Mr. Gallison worked many hours and years on our cases without complaint. If we needed to go to Boston for a hearing, he would pick us up end bring us. If we had questions or fears because we didn't know what we were doing, he would get us the answers. ‘We don't know where we would be today if it wasn't for Mr. Gallison, I would recommend him to anyone, know he made some mistakes, always taking on too many things at once. But he is, in my book, a decent and honorable man, He always put his clients and their priorities rst. Please take this into account at his sentencing. Thank you, Sincerely, Ronald and Rosemary Cote Ao LelO many Oreteal>(Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 11 of 25 PagelD #: 157 Case 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participant&ye@fofit#0 1/002 Filed 06/14/17 Page 12 of 25 PagelD #: 158 May 18, 2017 ‘The Honorable William E. Smith, Esq, Chief Judge United States District Court United States Court House One Exchange Terrace Providence, RI 02903 Dear Judge Smith, Tam writing this letter in support of Raymond Gallison, but I would like to start by briefly introducing myself. Iam a 61-year-old who has lived in Bristol since 1995, After a 20-year insurance career, Ihave spent the last 22 years of my life working at a local environmental nonprofit organization, The majority of my time there is unpaid, I spend a good deal of my leisure time removing litter from Bristol’s streets and sidewalks and tending “pocket gardens in Bristol's downtown waterfront district, Most would view me as a model citizen, and I have received more than my fir share of awards over the years in recognition of my volunteer efforts. Ifmy memory serves me correctly, itis in my eapacity as a local environmental Volunteer/activit thet I first met then-Representative Gallison in 2000 or 2001, when the two us were honored by Save Bristol Hazbor, a local 501 (0)(3) dedicated to protecting Bristol's coastal waters. Ray and I have crossed paths frequently over the past 18 years due to our mutual interests, primarily ~ but not exchusively - relating to the environment, ‘The Ray Gallison I came to know asa Bristol citizen was a dedicated public servant who always “‘weat the extra milo” to represent his constituents attend public meetings and rallies, end was always on hand et Bristol's plethora of activities relating to the 4th of July celebration, which ‘commences on Flag Day and culminates with Bristol's well-known Parade, ‘When many citizens in the East Bay united in opposition to the Hess Corporation's proposed LNG facility in Mt, Hope Bay, Ray took the lead by attending endless meatings and rallies that ‘spanned a number of years, keeping local individuals and environmental groups from around the region apprised of developments with punctual regularity. When we finally won the battle ‘against the Hess Corporation, it was due in no small measure to Ray Gallison’s extcacrdinary tenacity. Ray, more than any individual, organization, or Town Council, deserves the credit for that hard-fought vietory, and for that, many of us in the region will be eternally grateful. For his ‘relentless efforts on behalf of Rhode Island and its citizens, Ray Gallison is my hero. ‘Whea Ray's legel problems first became public news, I immediately reached out to him, not knowing whether he was guilty or innocent of the pending charges. Whether or not Ray had committed a crime was irrelevant to me, because the man I knew and respected was a geatle, caring man, someone whom I will always hold in high regard. Whatever crimes he pleads guilty to will never change my opinion,05/18/2@3ase?8:F9-c1-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case ParticipanttyeFoht9°2/002 Filed 06/14/17 Page 13 of 25 PagelD #: 159 (Over the course of my adult life, I have known two business associates who each were responsible for vehicular homicide, each fatally striking a pedestrinn and flecing the scene. These were both professional, well espected, and otherwise law-abiding citizens who panicked after an accident, committing a crime. One was an insurance professional, the other @ tespected Providence attomey, My point here is that good people make mistakes, We all make mistakes. Some of us make mistakes with greater consequences, but that doesn't necessarily mean those who do are evil people, My other two friends and former business associates are two of these people. Similarly, Ray Gallison is a good man who made uncharacteristically bad choices, and for his, ristakes he must also pay a price. Whatever Ray’s reasoning forthe inappropriate choices he made which have led him to this poin, itis completely uncharacteristic of the man Thave known for almost two decades. Desperate people make bed decisions, and it may only be by the grace ‘of God that Thaven't found myself in Ray’s situation; that is why T don’t judge Ray or any others for their mistakes, Tknow you, as Chief Judge of the United States District Court, have a job to do in determining the price Ray Gallison must pay for his mistakes. Tam all too aware of the charges to which Mr, Gallison is pleading guilty. Thope that before you reach your sentencing decision, you will consider all the good Ray has done forthe citizens ofthe State of Rhode Island. 1 ask that you please consider the fact that I am one of thousands who owes a huge debt of gratitude to this, ‘man, our former State Representative, who at his core is one of the most admirable men I know. Ray's mistake is an anomaly. It doesn’t define him as the person I call my friend. Respectfully submitted, bien“ 341 Thames Street Bristol, RI 02809Case 1:17-cr-00006-S:PAS Document 16 (Case Partcipants) 160 Filed 06/14/17 Page 14 of 25 Pagel #: ‘ Rasprrernt forty. Tislie _ fig bie eiy fee Rica ep Lang tc Me, fron with Io “Reet Drala Etta pCase 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 15 of 25 PagelD #: 161 The Honorable William E, Smith Jr. Chief Judge United States District Court United States Court House 4 Exchange Terrace Providence, RI 02903 Dear Chief Judge Smith, |! am writing you to express my personal knowledge of Raymond Gallison’s many years of doing exceptional work on behalf of Rhode island's veterans. He served as the Vice- Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affairs under Chairman Kenneth Carter and was always an advocate for veterans’ Issues, When he became Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee he continued his advocacy for the state's veterans. He was the primary sponsor of much of the veterans’ legislation that was introduced in the House of Representatives during his tenure. He and his Veterans Affairs Office were always avallable to help our state's veterans with any issues they might have, He was always present at many veterans’ functions and events on his own time. He worked closely with veterans’ organizations to help veterans. ‘Although | am aware of the nature of the charges against Ray, | believe he was and stil Is @ good friend of all of the veterans and the veteran organizations in our state. f sspectfully Yours, Ch Lhe hr InP Gallo Sr., CMSGT (Retired USAF) Past President House Permanent Veterans Advisory Council, Past President United Veterans Council of Rhode Island, ‘Member, Nationel Legislative Committee Vetarans of Foreign Wars RI State Department, hi RING Retirees AssociationCase 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 16 of 25 PagelD #: 162 The Honorable William E Smith, Jr Chief Judge United States District Court United States Court House 1 Exchange Terrace Providence, RI. 02903 May 16, 2017 Dear Judge Smith, | posted on Facebook a few months ago: “Everyone makes mistakes in life, but that doesn’t mean they have to pay for them the rest of their life. Sometimes good people make bad choices, It doesn’t mean they are bad. It means they are human.” fully understand that Mr. Raymond Gallison has pleaded guilty. | know the seriousness of his illegal actions. | am also fully aware of the price he has already paid within his family and community. | know that he is contrite and realizes the consequences of his bad decisions. {also posted, “Don’t judge someone just because they sin differently than you". | believe that the good Mr. Gallison has done outweighs his guilt. | have known Raymond for twenty years in my capacity as pastor of St Mary’s church In Bristol. He has served this community very well and his district. | am not asking that Mr. Gallison be forgiven or excused but the purpose of the letter is to seek consideration of his family. | do not think a jail term longer than what is mandatory is merited nor will it produce any positive effect. Thank you for your consideration.Case 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 17 of 25 PagelD #: 163, May 17, 2017 ‘The Honorable William E, Smith Jr. Chief Judge United States District Court United States Court House 1 Exchange Terrace Providence Ri 02903 ‘The Honorable William E. Smith Jr., Please accept my unconditional letter of support for Raymond Gallison. Although ie ‘may stand before you, please take into consideration the good he has done over the course of many, many years of honorable public service for the East Bay and the State of Rhode sland. From his successful opposition of the LNG terminal to the funding and construction of the new Rhode Island Veterans Home. in between there has been support for fire and police departments and public access to our natural resources. Mr. Galtison has steadfastly supported and represented the citizens of Rhode Island for many years. 1am aware of the charges against him and his plea to those. | just simply ask you to take into consideration the good he has done for the state and its residents over the course of years. Mr, Gallison is a good person who has raised two sons that serve as two public servants and a spouse who dedicated her professional life to education. Please consider the overall person in your deliberations. Gary T Geoffroy 31 Sherman Avenue Bristol, RI 02809Gase 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 18 of 25 PagelD #: 164 ‘The Honorable William E. Smith Jr, Chief Judge United States District Court United States Court House 1 Exchange Terrace Providence, RI 02903, ‘Your Honor: | would like to thank you for taking « moment out of your busy schedule to read this letter of support for Mr. Raymond allison. Sir, Tam flly aware ofthe charges to which Me. Callison has plead guilty to; however 1 would lke to offer my insight end feelings of Mr. Gallson. Having served for almost 20 yeers as a volunteer firefighter/EMTT on the Bristol Fire Department, | came to know Mfr. Gallison through meeting him at various events and fundraisers thatthe department held. Mr. allison was always kind and supportive of the department efforts to procure equipment and training, ‘As a homeowner in Bristal, I would like to add that Mr. Gallison’s efforts to assist the grassroots ‘organization ‘Save Bristol Harbor’; in doing so that group rewarded him the first ever ‘Save Bristol Harbor Award’ for his diligence and care of the environment. Mr. Gallison also led « campaign which led to the eventual halting of the Weaver's Cove offshore LNG terminal which was proposed in Mt. Hope Bay in Massachusetts, Had the LNG terminal been constructed, LNG tankers would be traversing our beautiful Narragansett Bay, and Mt. Hope Bay. The security zones established around these tankers ‘would have brought traffic in Bristol and the surrounding towns to standstill when the Mt. Hope Bridge ‘would have to be closed, It would have been very taxing to local police end fire departments. Mr. Gallison also worked with the RI Department of Environmental Management and gained funding to ‘ebuild an eyesore in Bristol, that being the Mt. Hope Boat Ramp. The boat ramp was inaccessible to any vehicle, as the road which was a dirt path, was rutted, and impassable. Funding through the taxes gained ‘on marine fuel sales, of over $1million dollars was used to create a tranquil park, wit solar powered LED lighting for security t nigh, and aruple parking for numerous citizens from Rhode Island and nearby Massachusets to access the waterfront. Additionally, this boat launch was the frst of its kind in the state to be handicapped accessible. On a personal level, when my husband received his nursing license in Massachusetts, he challenged the RI nursing board for & RI license. The appropriate paperwork was completed and mailed to the Department of Health, we waited almost 2 months for a clerk to sign the paperwork and issue a RI LPN license. This delay was holding up my husband's employment in order to work as a nurse in the State of Rhode Island. On an off chance, we ran into Mr, Gallison at a mutual friend’s home, it was Mr. Gallison ‘who heard of the dilemma and offered to assist us while he was in office.Gase 1:17-cr-00006-S-PAS Document 16 (Case Participants) Filed 06/14/17 Page 19 of 25 PagelD #: 165, T've known Mr. Gallison, his wife and sons for almost 20 year; he is a good and deceat person and family man. humbly request that you please take into consideration this letter as you weigh your decision. Please look upon hit for his help of many residents of Bristol, the numerous civic and social ‘groups that he belped, and forall ofthe positive actions that he has made in the past. ask that you please ‘exhibit compassion on him when he appears before you, ‘Thank you for your ime. Respecflly: Ror 4 Richard. Giannini 58 Roosevelt Dr Biristol. RI 02809