O'Key, Sandy M. From: O'Key, Sandy M, Sent: Tuesday, March 08, 2016 4:01 PM To: “Helen Sams! Subject: RE: LIFE Clergy Meeting Request Attachments: SA Russell Reply to LIFE,pdf The attached is being sent on behalf of State Attorney Steve Russell. Thank you, Sandy OKay Administrative Assistant to State Attorney Steve Russell and Chief Assistant State Attorney Amira Dajani Fox Phone: 239-533-1100 Fax; 239-533-1150 Email; sokey@sao.cjis20.org Thursday, March 03, 2016 2:07 PM O'Key, Sandy M. ‘Subject: LIFE Clergy Meeting Request Hello, LIFE Clergy and members are heartbroken by the stories from members of their congregations who have lost family members to murder and never have seen the offenders brought to justice. Last Monday, February 29, 2016 over 100 of our members gathered to prayerfully ask the State Attorney to meet with LIFE Leadership to develop a strategy to increase arrests that builds upon the FMPD Strategic Plan and the commitment LIFE received from the State Attorney that the collaborative will be productive. LIFE seeks a plan that is transparent, innovative, and accountable to the public and for this it needs the expertise of the SAO. We respectfully again ask to meet with State Attorney Russell in the next two weeks. Blessings LIFE Helen E, Sams-Rachles MSW Executive Director \ Lead Organizer Offfice 239-210-9990March 8, 2016 Ms. Sams, While | share the community's concern over any death resulting from criminal wrongdoing, | have determined that meeting to discuss, once more, the criminal justice system with you is not productive or beneficial at this time. Each time we have met, first on civil citations and then on. unsolved homicides, it was apparent that the members of your group had come to the meeting, with a predetermined agenda and set of conclusions that were clearly not supported or consistent with the legal procedures and laws we are required to follow. In fact, Iwas somewhat astonished at the lack of understanding of the role and responsibilities of the public prosecutor and others in law enforcement and the community we work with In an effort to hold criminals accountable. Additionally, after these meetings we found ourselves having to repair good, evolving and established relationships with other agencies and individuals in the criminal justice system, as a result of apparent misrepresentations and mischaracterizations of parts of our conversations during our meetings with you and the Life representatives. | find nothing positive in repeatedly going through such a process that appears to be counterproductive to finding real and meaningful solutions. | have personally committed almost 40 years to making the communities we serve better and safer by fulfilling my legal and ethical duties as a prosecutor. Likewise, my office works hard to hold criminals accountable, in accordance with the law and the facts of each case. In doing so, ‘we are bound by and under oath to follow the legal and ethical standards set out by the U.S. and Florida Constitutions, Florida Statutes, case law, Rules of Court and the Rules of Professional Responsibility. On a personal note, | am particularly interested in finding solutions to the disproportionate criminal activity in certain areas that are often challenged by difficult historical and soclo- economic conditions. Some of these solutions, no doubt, are long term in nature, such as improved education, health care, job opportunities, addiction and mental health services, to cite some examples. As a ten year board member at the Quality Life Center, serving the Dunbar and surrounding communities, | have seen first-hand the benefits of investing in our youth to create future leaders, to reduce crime, and to ensure future stability and progress in the community. Fortunately, there are many good, open-minded people trying to work together to make our communities better and safer, My office will continue to work together with the Fort Myers Police Department, Lee County Sherif’s Office, and other agencies to be as efficient and effective as we can in combating crime. As the State Attorney for the 20" Judicial Circuit, | am pleased that our Circuit has had the lowest overall reported crime rate of all 20 judicial circuitsin Florida for the past three years. {believe this best exemplifies the excellent partnership between law enforcement, law abiding citizens, and those of us in the criminal court system, Nevertheless, | am mindful that crime rates in specific areas vary and that any crime is too much, This is particularly brought home to me when | attend the Parents of Murdered Children “Day of Remembrance” ceremony held each year in our circuit, Family members surviving the death of a loved one no doubt find no solace or comfort in low overall crime rates. I would appreciate your communicating my comments to others, if you so choose, in full and proper context, Steve Russell State Attorney ~ 20" Judicial Circuit