Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Avenal Riot
Avenal State Prison remains on lockdown this morning after an early evening riot sent five inmates to the hospital, authorities said.
Prison spokesman and Correctional Lt. Ed Borla said the brawl broke out in a single housing unit at 7 p.m. Tuesday and involved roughly 100 inmates.
One inmate was taken by helicopter for emergency treatment, while another four went by ambulance to area hospitals. All five have since been treated and returned to the facility, Borla said. No staff members were harmed during the attack.
Investigators are still trying to determine what sparked the attack. The facility will remain on lockdown as the inquiry continues.
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Letter from M.Mancinelli
My name is Mark and I am proud that Rob McGowan is my friend.
The first time I met Rob, he came knocking on my door. When I opened the door, there he stood 6’ 5” at 325 plus lbs. “What a burley man” I thought. As for me, I am the physical description of the officer alleged to have assaulted the inmates. “He was a Hispanic or maybe Italian about 5-8.” That is NOT Robert McGowan! How is it that he was mistaken for that description!
Anyway, I noticed right a way, Rob’s huge grin as he kindly offered my wife and I his hand to shake, welcoming us to the neighborhood. He then surprised us when he handed us a brand new USA flag. I was extremely grateful and impressed by his gentle demeanor and thoughtfulness. Because earlier that day, Rob had noticed that my flag had been torn by the wind, blowing it into our rose bushes. So he went out and purchased a new one, and gave it to us as a gift along with his friendship, welcoming us to the neighborhood.
Rob and I began talking about how great our country is and the common pride we share. Rob and I agree with the US Flag Etiquette rules and, we strictly adhere to them when caring for Old Glory. Rob installed a beautifully illuminated flag that flies night and day in his front yard. It displays his love for our United States of America. That was my first time meeting Rob McGowan and we've been great friends since.
My wife and I consider being neighbors with the McGowan family a wonderful blessing. Both Rob and his wife are always going out of their way to help others on our block including myself, with anything around our homes and our vehicles.
His wife, Lorraine is a fabulous cook and, we are so fortunate for her kindness, because she often walks over to our home sharing her delicious homemade food with us. Yum!
Rob and Lorraine’s two children reveal the great parenting skills and love that they have passed on to their kids. As a neighbor I have been a witness to the show of affection they both have for each other. I truly admire this tight knit family.
I miss seeing Rob outside in his front yard with his son and daughter. Both of his children were always at Dad’s side. Rob’s little girl was always following her Daddy around on her tricycle. She was never more than a few feet away from him. He is a gentle loving Dad and both of his kids enjoy being with him. And now his children have been robbed of their father’s presence, love and parental guidance due to a lie that the court base its verdict on. These two kids and Rob’s wonderful and very supportive wife should not be the ones punished because of a lie told by a prison inmate.
Rob and Lorraine have been married for about 16 years and yet their affection for one another could have a stranger assuming they were a newly married couple. I know how amazed I was when I heard they've been married for 16 years and, they have an 11-year-old son!
The McGowan family does everything together. When they are outside they can be found sitting together on their yard swing under a tree or playing together or just working around in their yard as a family. Their children’s personalities reflect their Mom and Dad’s gentle dispositions. The McGowans always smile and wave to my wife and I whenever we are outside. Their two children display exactly the same kindness, love and friendship towards others as their parents do the same. Great kids! It’s a joy to be around them. Their son and daughter are so intelligent and mature for their ages. Great parents!!
These kids need their dad, to have Rob at home so that he and Lorraine can continue the great job they've been doing in raising their awesome children. Why would a judge divide this family over a lie from a felon in prison?
Written July 22, 2010 - M. Mancinelli
The first time I met Rob, he came knocking on my door. When I opened the door, there he stood 6’ 5” at 325 plus lbs. “What a burley man” I thought. As for me, I am the physical description of the officer alleged to have assaulted the inmates. “He was a Hispanic or maybe Italian about 5-8.” That is NOT Robert McGowan! How is it that he was mistaken for that description!
Anyway, I noticed right a way, Rob’s huge grin as he kindly offered my wife and I his hand to shake, welcoming us to the neighborhood. He then surprised us when he handed us a brand new USA flag. I was extremely grateful and impressed by his gentle demeanor and thoughtfulness. Because earlier that day, Rob had noticed that my flag had been torn by the wind, blowing it into our rose bushes. So he went out and purchased a new one, and gave it to us as a gift along with his friendship, welcoming us to the neighborhood.
Rob and I began talking about how great our country is and the common pride we share. Rob and I agree with the US Flag Etiquette rules and, we strictly adhere to them when caring for Old Glory. Rob installed a beautifully illuminated flag that flies night and day in his front yard. It displays his love for our United States of America. That was my first time meeting Rob McGowan and we've been great friends since.
My wife and I consider being neighbors with the McGowan family a wonderful blessing. Both Rob and his wife are always going out of their way to help others on our block including myself, with anything around our homes and our vehicles.
His wife, Lorraine is a fabulous cook and, we are so fortunate for her kindness, because she often walks over to our home sharing her delicious homemade food with us. Yum!
Rob and Lorraine’s two children reveal the great parenting skills and love that they have passed on to their kids. As a neighbor I have been a witness to the show of affection they both have for each other. I truly admire this tight knit family.
I miss seeing Rob outside in his front yard with his son and daughter. Both of his children were always at Dad’s side. Rob’s little girl was always following her Daddy around on her tricycle. She was never more than a few feet away from him. He is a gentle loving Dad and both of his kids enjoy being with him. And now his children have been robbed of their father’s presence, love and parental guidance due to a lie that the court base its verdict on. These two kids and Rob’s wonderful and very supportive wife should not be the ones punished because of a lie told by a prison inmate.
Rob and Lorraine have been married for about 16 years and yet their affection for one another could have a stranger assuming they were a newly married couple. I know how amazed I was when I heard they've been married for 16 years and, they have an 11-year-old son!
The McGowan family does everything together. When they are outside they can be found sitting together on their yard swing under a tree or playing together or just working around in their yard as a family. Their children’s personalities reflect their Mom and Dad’s gentle dispositions. The McGowans always smile and wave to my wife and I whenever we are outside. Their two children display exactly the same kindness, love and friendship towards others as their parents do the same. Great kids! It’s a joy to be around them. Their son and daughter are so intelligent and mature for their ages. Great parents!!
These kids need their dad, to have Rob at home so that he and Lorraine can continue the great job they've been doing in raising their awesome children. Why would a judge divide this family over a lie from a felon in prison?
Written July 22, 2010 - M. Mancinelli
Letter from S.Marquez-Dr. and family
8/12/2009
To Whom It May Concern:
Recent events overturning Judge Real’s dismissal of charges against Robert McGowan are maddening. It seems as though justice for an innocent and hardworking officer is at the mercy of political backlash involving Federal judges, the prosecution and Judge Real, who overturned an initial guilty verdict after verifying that the evidence supported Mr. McGowan’s innocence.
I’ve known Mr McGowan now about 15 years, and in that time he has been consistently ethical and an upstanding citizen. He is proud to protect our community and lives to the letter of the law in doing so. He does not cut corners in a field where doing so may mean your life. So it’s a relief to see Judge Real objectively recognize Mr McGowan’s innocence. However, to see the Pasadena federal court overturn it, particularly given the history with Judge Real and Judge Kozinsky, is rather suspicious.
Recently, in “The Green Flash” Mr Walsh nicely outlined the injustice as follows:
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Officer Rob McGowan Is Being Railroaded By The Feds.
Not too subtle is it? I mean every syllable of it.
On May 9, 2002, nine Southern Hispanic inmates attacked an Officer and a Sergeant at Chino East facility. The officer was so badly hurt he was off work for almost a year. This was at a minimum a serious attempt to do great bodily harm to peace officers.
The nine inmates were gaffled up and kept in a tank at East from about 0730 until about 2200. All that time they were raw-jawing staff, insulting women who happened to walk by and in general being pains in the butt.
They were then transported in two separate loads on a van to Central facility for Ad Seg placement. Officer Rob McGowan was one of the officers at Central who received the nine. McGowan was in charge of exiting the inmates from the van. Since their paperwork did not come with them and the staff did not know who was who, the Ad Seg staff, including McGowan, handled all of the inmates with an appropriate level of caution and care.
Two of the inmates made formal complaints of brutality three hours AFTER they had been placed in the Ad Seg cells. They stated that approximately 24 staff members stomped them, beat them with batons and kicked them. This is all on the record. None of it happened and it was proven it didn't happen. Their statements were fully discredited. The San Bernardino County D. A. examined the case. The Department I. G. (Inspector General) examined the case. The A. G. examined the case. They all agreed there was no case.
Two members of the Office of Internal Affairs, for reasons of their own, took the material to the Feds. The Feds ran it by three or four different Grand Juries. (There is some difference of opinion on the exact number but either way Rob McGowan was never called to testify.) Finally, after the last Grand Jury, and with only about 80 days left on the statute of limitations, indictments were handed down against Officer McGowan and Sgt. Ramos for conspiracy and assault under color of law. Officer Flores was charged with conspiracy.
The case went to trial in October of 2007, in front of federal district judge Manuel Real. The trial took only a few days after which Judge Real had to travel back East for a judicial conference. Another judge handled the verdict. Sgt. Ramos and Officer Flores were found guilty of conspiracy. Officer McGowan was found guilty of conspiracy and assault under color of law.
Officer Flores originally stated that he saw Officer McGowan assault an inmate. Later (after the statute of limitations had run out on his case) Officer Flores said that as McGowan handed the inmate over to Flores, he (Flores) began to escort the inmate up the steps and the inmate got tangled up in his own leg irons. Flores then allowed the inmate to fall to the ground because he was angry with the inmate over the earlier attack on staff. Officer Flores then assisted the inmate to his feet and continued his escort. (It has been said that a religious conversion had something to do with Officer Flores' change of testimony.)
All nine of the inmates were escorted through the control sallyport by the control Sergeant and taken to Ad Seg. The Ad Seg Sergeant saw nothing noteworthy about the inmates at that time. The two inmates who claimed to have been beaten were photographed, three hours AFTER they were celled, promptly after they made their complaint. At that time one inmate was noted to have FRESH scratches on his forehead and the other was noted to have FRESH scratches on his face, which were still dripping blood. This apparently was the sole actual evidence to support the inmate's claims of brutality. To this day, none of the nine inmates has received any additional time for the original assault. If one had a suspicious mind, one might conclude that the inmates used a phony staff brutality complaint and minor, possibly self-inflicted wounds, to (successfully) avoid penalty for their vicious and unprovoked assault on staff.
In November of 2008 Judge Real was back in town. He threw out the charges in spite of the guilty verdict, stating that there was insufficient evidence to support a guilty verdict. One of the inmates had admitted to hurting himself to get relocated from one facility to another. Judge Real upbraided the prosecutors, at some length and on the record, for even bringing the case to trial. Among other things, one of the alleged beating victims stated his assailant had been at both East and Central facilities that day and was a 5-7 150 # Hispanic or Italian officer. McGowan is a 6-5 300 # Mick and had never been to Central facility that entire day. Something of an I. D. problem, don't you think? Additionally, none of the defendants, including McGowan, had ever appeared before any of the Grand Juries involved, which makes it difficult to me to understand how they were supposed to have obstructed the Grand Jury.
Another somewhat odd thing is that the jury was not allowed to take notes during the trial.
Conspiracy, especially at the federal level, is a complicated matter. There is a whole list of things, ALL of which must be present for the charge to be sustained. An actual checklist is commonly used for this sort of thing. Additionally, the jury was never at any time given written instructions. You therefore had a complex case with a somewhat inattentive jury (three members of which slept off and on during the trial) with the jury relying solely on their memory during deliberations.
On literally the last hour of the last possible day, the feds filed an appeal of Judge Real's ruling. A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit, meeting in Pasadena, reinstated the conviction against McGowan (though not against the other staff). It is worth noting that, the 9th Circuit has, within the last year or so, overturned 5 out of 8 of Judge Real's rulings that came to it.
Judge Alex Kozinsky is the chief judge of the 9th Circuit. He is the one who made the news recently when he was formally admonished for, among other things, having a lot of rather bizarre pornography on his personal computer and web site. I should point out that bestiality is not illegal in California and looking at it is not a violation of the law. It is, however, interesting to note that the judicial panel that looked into this matter wrote that this situation "can reasonably be seen as having resulted in embarrassment to the institution of the federal judiciary." Judge Kozinsky has been a primary force in the actions to overturn Judge Real.
In any event that's where it sits. McGowan's lawyer has requested a hearing of the matter in front of the full 9th Circuit. If that is not granted, or is not successful, the matter will be returned to the trial court for sentencing unless a further appeal is made. It is also worth noting that Judge Kozinsky ordered that Judge Real NOT handle the sentencing, in violation of the courts own rules.
So we have an eleven-year officer with ZERO sustained complaints against him in all that time being railroaded, apparently over a personality dispute between the trial judge and the chief judge of the circuit. These are the people, by the way, who just ordered the Department to kick out 22% of it's clientele.
With luck, the full panel will acknowledge this travesty and hand out some actual justice here. If not, I hope Rob is successful in his further appeal. the fact of the matter is, THIS JUST AIN'T RIGHT. We have a good man and a good cop (who incidentally has a wife and two kids who are also being shafted by this idiocy) on the wrong end of a demonstrably bogus complaint. It's not slightly bogus, it's not a maybe yes / maybe no / there MIGHT be something here. It's just plain ludicrous. If it can happen to him, it can happen to you.
Mr McGowan and his family have had their lives turned upside down. As a result of these charges, they have faced financial hardship and stress that no innocent should suffer.
Please do not make him a scapegoat, but instead demonstrate that we should continue to have faith in our justice system, to protect the innocent--To presume innocent until PROVEN guilty. Cast aside the inner jabs between legal representatives and realize that at the heart of the matter is a hard-working American who serves his life to protect us all. He has always taken his responsibilities VERY seriously and to have these accusations scar his otherwise pristine reputation is ludicrous. We need to support those who put their lives on the line for us. Rob lives his life in a law-abiding manner, and this charges speaks against everything he represents to himself, his coworkers and his family.
Do the right thing, and reinstate his innocence so he and his family can move forward and put all this experience behind them. I, for one, am happy to vouch for his honorable nature at any call.
Thank you,
Sheri D. Marquez, M.D.
Attending Physician and Medical Director,
Santa Maria Radiation Oncology Center
Coastal Radiation Oncology Medical Group
To Whom It May Concern:
Recent events overturning Judge Real’s dismissal of charges against Robert McGowan are maddening. It seems as though justice for an innocent and hardworking officer is at the mercy of political backlash involving Federal judges, the prosecution and Judge Real, who overturned an initial guilty verdict after verifying that the evidence supported Mr. McGowan’s innocence.
I’ve known Mr McGowan now about 15 years, and in that time he has been consistently ethical and an upstanding citizen. He is proud to protect our community and lives to the letter of the law in doing so. He does not cut corners in a field where doing so may mean your life. So it’s a relief to see Judge Real objectively recognize Mr McGowan’s innocence. However, to see the Pasadena federal court overturn it, particularly given the history with Judge Real and Judge Kozinsky, is rather suspicious.
Recently, in “The Green Flash” Mr Walsh nicely outlined the injustice as follows:
Saturday, August 08, 2009
Officer Rob McGowan Is Being Railroaded By The Feds.
Not too subtle is it? I mean every syllable of it.
On May 9, 2002, nine Southern Hispanic inmates attacked an Officer and a Sergeant at Chino East facility. The officer was so badly hurt he was off work for almost a year. This was at a minimum a serious attempt to do great bodily harm to peace officers.
The nine inmates were gaffled up and kept in a tank at East from about 0730 until about 2200. All that time they were raw-jawing staff, insulting women who happened to walk by and in general being pains in the butt.
They were then transported in two separate loads on a van to Central facility for Ad Seg placement. Officer Rob McGowan was one of the officers at Central who received the nine. McGowan was in charge of exiting the inmates from the van. Since their paperwork did not come with them and the staff did not know who was who, the Ad Seg staff, including McGowan, handled all of the inmates with an appropriate level of caution and care.
Two of the inmates made formal complaints of brutality three hours AFTER they had been placed in the Ad Seg cells. They stated that approximately 24 staff members stomped them, beat them with batons and kicked them. This is all on the record. None of it happened and it was proven it didn't happen. Their statements were fully discredited. The San Bernardino County D. A. examined the case. The Department I. G. (Inspector General) examined the case. The A. G. examined the case. They all agreed there was no case.
Two members of the Office of Internal Affairs, for reasons of their own, took the material to the Feds. The Feds ran it by three or four different Grand Juries. (There is some difference of opinion on the exact number but either way Rob McGowan was never called to testify.) Finally, after the last Grand Jury, and with only about 80 days left on the statute of limitations, indictments were handed down against Officer McGowan and Sgt. Ramos for conspiracy and assault under color of law. Officer Flores was charged with conspiracy.
The case went to trial in October of 2007, in front of federal district judge Manuel Real. The trial took only a few days after which Judge Real had to travel back East for a judicial conference. Another judge handled the verdict. Sgt. Ramos and Officer Flores were found guilty of conspiracy. Officer McGowan was found guilty of conspiracy and assault under color of law.
Officer Flores originally stated that he saw Officer McGowan assault an inmate. Later (after the statute of limitations had run out on his case) Officer Flores said that as McGowan handed the inmate over to Flores, he (Flores) began to escort the inmate up the steps and the inmate got tangled up in his own leg irons. Flores then allowed the inmate to fall to the ground because he was angry with the inmate over the earlier attack on staff. Officer Flores then assisted the inmate to his feet and continued his escort. (It has been said that a religious conversion had something to do with Officer Flores' change of testimony.)
All nine of the inmates were escorted through the control sallyport by the control Sergeant and taken to Ad Seg. The Ad Seg Sergeant saw nothing noteworthy about the inmates at that time. The two inmates who claimed to have been beaten were photographed, three hours AFTER they were celled, promptly after they made their complaint. At that time one inmate was noted to have FRESH scratches on his forehead and the other was noted to have FRESH scratches on his face, which were still dripping blood. This apparently was the sole actual evidence to support the inmate's claims of brutality. To this day, none of the nine inmates has received any additional time for the original assault. If one had a suspicious mind, one might conclude that the inmates used a phony staff brutality complaint and minor, possibly self-inflicted wounds, to (successfully) avoid penalty for their vicious and unprovoked assault on staff.
In November of 2008 Judge Real was back in town. He threw out the charges in spite of the guilty verdict, stating that there was insufficient evidence to support a guilty verdict. One of the inmates had admitted to hurting himself to get relocated from one facility to another. Judge Real upbraided the prosecutors, at some length and on the record, for even bringing the case to trial. Among other things, one of the alleged beating victims stated his assailant had been at both East and Central facilities that day and was a 5-7 150 # Hispanic or Italian officer. McGowan is a 6-5 300 # Mick and had never been to Central facility that entire day. Something of an I. D. problem, don't you think? Additionally, none of the defendants, including McGowan, had ever appeared before any of the Grand Juries involved, which makes it difficult to me to understand how they were supposed to have obstructed the Grand Jury.
Another somewhat odd thing is that the jury was not allowed to take notes during the trial.
Conspiracy, especially at the federal level, is a complicated matter. There is a whole list of things, ALL of which must be present for the charge to be sustained. An actual checklist is commonly used for this sort of thing. Additionally, the jury was never at any time given written instructions. You therefore had a complex case with a somewhat inattentive jury (three members of which slept off and on during the trial) with the jury relying solely on their memory during deliberations.
On literally the last hour of the last possible day, the feds filed an appeal of Judge Real's ruling. A three-judge panel of the 9th Circuit, meeting in Pasadena, reinstated the conviction against McGowan (though not against the other staff). It is worth noting that, the 9th Circuit has, within the last year or so, overturned 5 out of 8 of Judge Real's rulings that came to it.
Judge Alex Kozinsky is the chief judge of the 9th Circuit. He is the one who made the news recently when he was formally admonished for, among other things, having a lot of rather bizarre pornography on his personal computer and web site. I should point out that bestiality is not illegal in California and looking at it is not a violation of the law. It is, however, interesting to note that the judicial panel that looked into this matter wrote that this situation "can reasonably be seen as having resulted in embarrassment to the institution of the federal judiciary." Judge Kozinsky has been a primary force in the actions to overturn Judge Real.
In any event that's where it sits. McGowan's lawyer has requested a hearing of the matter in front of the full 9th Circuit. If that is not granted, or is not successful, the matter will be returned to the trial court for sentencing unless a further appeal is made. It is also worth noting that Judge Kozinsky ordered that Judge Real NOT handle the sentencing, in violation of the courts own rules.
So we have an eleven-year officer with ZERO sustained complaints against him in all that time being railroaded, apparently over a personality dispute between the trial judge and the chief judge of the circuit. These are the people, by the way, who just ordered the Department to kick out 22% of it's clientele.
With luck, the full panel will acknowledge this travesty and hand out some actual justice here. If not, I hope Rob is successful in his further appeal. the fact of the matter is, THIS JUST AIN'T RIGHT. We have a good man and a good cop (who incidentally has a wife and two kids who are also being shafted by this idiocy) on the wrong end of a demonstrably bogus complaint. It's not slightly bogus, it's not a maybe yes / maybe no / there MIGHT be something here. It's just plain ludicrous. If it can happen to him, it can happen to you.
Mr McGowan and his family have had their lives turned upside down. As a result of these charges, they have faced financial hardship and stress that no innocent should suffer.
Please do not make him a scapegoat, but instead demonstrate that we should continue to have faith in our justice system, to protect the innocent--To presume innocent until PROVEN guilty. Cast aside the inner jabs between legal representatives and realize that at the heart of the matter is a hard-working American who serves his life to protect us all. He has always taken his responsibilities VERY seriously and to have these accusations scar his otherwise pristine reputation is ludicrous. We need to support those who put their lives on the line for us. Rob lives his life in a law-abiding manner, and this charges speaks against everything he represents to himself, his coworkers and his family.
Do the right thing, and reinstate his innocence so he and his family can move forward and put all this experience behind them. I, for one, am happy to vouch for his honorable nature at any call.
Thank you,
Sheri D. Marquez, M.D.
Attending Physician and Medical Director,
Santa Maria Radiation Oncology Center
Coastal Radiation Oncology Medical Group
Letter from Officer V.Newman
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Memorandum
September 3rd, 2009
Re: Reference for Officer Rob McGowan
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing you in regard to Rob McGowan. I have known Rob since 1998/1999. We have worked together at the Correctional Institute for Men at Chino, many times in the same yard or building. He has always conducted himself in a respectful and professional manner to inmates and co-workers. I have also been in a position during my time as a Sergeant to supervise him. During such time I observed the same professional and respectful mannerisms, even during incidents where it would have been easy for him to respond negatively. I find him to be hard working, dependable and honest. He has shown himself to be a good friend to his co-workers, working for them when they needed time off to attend to events in their personal lives. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would be a better place if there were more officers of his caliber.
I have also witnessed the dedicated family man that Rob is. We live in the same area and on many occasions I have run into him with his family. I have seen him cheering on his children at the soccer field and shopping with his wife at Wal-Mart. I have never seen him without his family. The old adage, “the family that plays together stays together”, conjures up images of him in my mind. Family is of the highest importance to him and he understands that and has worked for me to spend time with my own family on special occasions. Children should not grow up without a father and a woman should not grow old without her husband. We see all too often, especially in the careers we have chosen as Correctional Officers that family is of the greatest importance.
As you read this, I hope that you can find compassion in your hearts. Please do not tear apart this family. Please let there be a cheerleader on the sidelines of those soccer games and a hand to hold as the days turn into years. This family, this man, this woman and these two children deserve to be together. What has happened is an injustice of the highest magnitude. I would like to thank you in advance for keeping this family together.
Sincerely,
Vance W. Newman
CA Dept. of Corrections Chino
Memorandum
September 3rd, 2009
Re: Reference for Officer Rob McGowan
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing you in regard to Rob McGowan. I have known Rob since 1998/1999. We have worked together at the Correctional Institute for Men at Chino, many times in the same yard or building. He has always conducted himself in a respectful and professional manner to inmates and co-workers. I have also been in a position during my time as a Sergeant to supervise him. During such time I observed the same professional and respectful mannerisms, even during incidents where it would have been easy for him to respond negatively. I find him to be hard working, dependable and honest. He has shown himself to be a good friend to his co-workers, working for them when they needed time off to attend to events in their personal lives. The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation would be a better place if there were more officers of his caliber.
I have also witnessed the dedicated family man that Rob is. We live in the same area and on many occasions I have run into him with his family. I have seen him cheering on his children at the soccer field and shopping with his wife at Wal-Mart. I have never seen him without his family. The old adage, “the family that plays together stays together”, conjures up images of him in my mind. Family is of the highest importance to him and he understands that and has worked for me to spend time with my own family on special occasions. Children should not grow up without a father and a woman should not grow old without her husband. We see all too often, especially in the careers we have chosen as Correctional Officers that family is of the greatest importance.
As you read this, I hope that you can find compassion in your hearts. Please do not tear apart this family. Please let there be a cheerleader on the sidelines of those soccer games and a hand to hold as the days turn into years. This family, this man, this woman and these two children deserve to be together. What has happened is an injustice of the highest magnitude. I would like to thank you in advance for keeping this family together.
Sincerely,
Vance W. Newman
CA Dept. of Corrections Chino
Letter from Sgt. J.Bennett
8/15/2010
Letter of Recommendation for Correctional Officer Robert McGowan
To whom it may concern,
My name is Correctional Sergeant John Bennett. I have been employed at the California Institution for Men for over 30 years. In my dealings with staff during my career I have had the privilege of working with Correctional Officer Robert McGowan. Officer McGowan is a hard working correctional officer. He has displayed his dedication to his job thru his strong work ethics and professionalism. His daily interaction with staff and inmates has always been professional, courteous and nonjudgmental. Considering the dangerousness of our profession I have always trusted his judgment. I would not hesitate to hire Officer McGowan and have him be part of my area of responsibility.
Robert is also a very dedicated Father and Husband who works hard to provide a better life for his family.
Sincerely,
Sgt. John Bennett
Chino Institution for Men
CA Dept. of Corrections
Letter of Recommendation for Correctional Officer Robert McGowan
To whom it may concern,
My name is Correctional Sergeant John Bennett. I have been employed at the California Institution for Men for over 30 years. In my dealings with staff during my career I have had the privilege of working with Correctional Officer Robert McGowan. Officer McGowan is a hard working correctional officer. He has displayed his dedication to his job thru his strong work ethics and professionalism. His daily interaction with staff and inmates has always been professional, courteous and nonjudgmental. Considering the dangerousness of our profession I have always trusted his judgment. I would not hesitate to hire Officer McGowan and have him be part of my area of responsibility.
Robert is also a very dedicated Father and Husband who works hard to provide a better life for his family.
Sincerely,
Sgt. John Bennett
Chino Institution for Men
CA Dept. of Corrections
Letter from Sgt. J.Spinney
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Memorandum
Date: Nov. 16, 2009
Re: Letter of Character for Officer McGowan
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Joseph Spinney and I am a Correctional Sergeant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) at the California Institution for Men (CIM). I would like to relay to you my experiences with Correctional Officer Robert McGowan. In my years of experience, I rarely come across a person with exceptional character and dedication to the CDCR as Officer McGowan has shown me. Officer McGowan has shown steadily how he can rise above the difficult situations we face at CDCR and shine in a manner supervisors aspire our subordinates to attain. I would like to share a few of these examples with you.
When I promoted to Sergeant, I was new to the California Institution for Men (CIM). I came from another institution and did not understand the processes and policies of a reception center such as CIM. I did not understand the process of working at a reception center or the inner workings of an Administrative Segregation Unit (ASU). I was initially assigned to Cypress Hall ASU and had the opportunity to work with Officer McGowan. Officer McGowan took the time to show me the process of a reception center and how the program operated. Not only did Officer McGowan familiarize me on reception center and ASU policies and procedures but he took the time to explain to me why they were implemented. His knowledge of policy and procedure became a useful tool to my assimilation into a new institution and a new program. In other words, he became a vital resource for policy and procedure.
When I was assigned new officers from the Academy, it was Officer McGowan that assisted me in the training of the new staff on policy and procedures and to ensure proper training was given to these new officers, making them aware of not only policies but the reasoning behind the policies, thus increasing their value as employees. For example, when I had a new officer assigned to ASU Culinary, Officer McGowan was able to complete his assignments in order to be able to train the new officer on other areas of responsibility in ASU. This became valuable because later that week, we were short of staff due to furloughs and I needed the new officer to cover other areas of responsibility. I was confident in the training and experience of the new officer because of the training received from Officer McGowan. It was Officer McGowan’s ability, knowledge, and desire to train other officers on policy and procedure that enabled our unit to operate during reduced staffing levels and to operate within departmental policy.
When CIM was experiencing several days without water pressure, it was Officer McGowan that led the charge to take thousands of gallons of water to the second and third floors of ASU so that inmates could flush their toilets and have water to brush their teeth and wash their hands. This act of leadership was, in my opinion, responsible for the reduction of the possibility of an inmate uprising and the subsequent reduction in the possibility of staff being assaulted and/or having inmates require cell extractions which could have led to staff or inmate injuries.
Officer McGowan has always shown his personal and professional belief in the sanctity of human life. A few months ago it was Officer McGowan who entered an inmate’s cell in ASU while the inmate was attempting suicide by hanging. Officer McGowan quickly cut the noose, lowered the inmate down, and personally began life saving measures. Officer McGowan continued these lifesaving measures until the inmate was transported to an external medical facility. Prior to the Inmate leaving ASU, Officer McGowan (to my understanding) was able to resuscitate the inmate.
Although I was not here at CIM when the alleged incident took place, I will say this: from what I have seen of Officer McGowan, I personally and professionally do not feel that the accusations are representative of the man or officer I know. In addition, believe Officer McGowan was instrumental in my development as a Correctional Sergeant. He is the epitome of what Correctional Officers should be and only wish there were many more like him in the Department.
Respectfully,
Joseph Spinney
Correctional Sergeant
California Institution for Men
Memorandum
Date: Nov. 16, 2009
Re: Letter of Character for Officer McGowan
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Joseph Spinney and I am a Correctional Sergeant with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) at the California Institution for Men (CIM). I would like to relay to you my experiences with Correctional Officer Robert McGowan. In my years of experience, I rarely come across a person with exceptional character and dedication to the CDCR as Officer McGowan has shown me. Officer McGowan has shown steadily how he can rise above the difficult situations we face at CDCR and shine in a manner supervisors aspire our subordinates to attain. I would like to share a few of these examples with you.
When I promoted to Sergeant, I was new to the California Institution for Men (CIM). I came from another institution and did not understand the processes and policies of a reception center such as CIM. I did not understand the process of working at a reception center or the inner workings of an Administrative Segregation Unit (ASU). I was initially assigned to Cypress Hall ASU and had the opportunity to work with Officer McGowan. Officer McGowan took the time to show me the process of a reception center and how the program operated. Not only did Officer McGowan familiarize me on reception center and ASU policies and procedures but he took the time to explain to me why they were implemented. His knowledge of policy and procedure became a useful tool to my assimilation into a new institution and a new program. In other words, he became a vital resource for policy and procedure.
When I was assigned new officers from the Academy, it was Officer McGowan that assisted me in the training of the new staff on policy and procedures and to ensure proper training was given to these new officers, making them aware of not only policies but the reasoning behind the policies, thus increasing their value as employees. For example, when I had a new officer assigned to ASU Culinary, Officer McGowan was able to complete his assignments in order to be able to train the new officer on other areas of responsibility in ASU. This became valuable because later that week, we were short of staff due to furloughs and I needed the new officer to cover other areas of responsibility. I was confident in the training and experience of the new officer because of the training received from Officer McGowan. It was Officer McGowan’s ability, knowledge, and desire to train other officers on policy and procedure that enabled our unit to operate during reduced staffing levels and to operate within departmental policy.
When CIM was experiencing several days without water pressure, it was Officer McGowan that led the charge to take thousands of gallons of water to the second and third floors of ASU so that inmates could flush their toilets and have water to brush their teeth and wash their hands. This act of leadership was, in my opinion, responsible for the reduction of the possibility of an inmate uprising and the subsequent reduction in the possibility of staff being assaulted and/or having inmates require cell extractions which could have led to staff or inmate injuries.
Officer McGowan has always shown his personal and professional belief in the sanctity of human life. A few months ago it was Officer McGowan who entered an inmate’s cell in ASU while the inmate was attempting suicide by hanging. Officer McGowan quickly cut the noose, lowered the inmate down, and personally began life saving measures. Officer McGowan continued these lifesaving measures until the inmate was transported to an external medical facility. Prior to the Inmate leaving ASU, Officer McGowan (to my understanding) was able to resuscitate the inmate.
Although I was not here at CIM when the alleged incident took place, I will say this: from what I have seen of Officer McGowan, I personally and professionally do not feel that the accusations are representative of the man or officer I know. In addition, believe Officer McGowan was instrumental in my development as a Correctional Sergeant. He is the epitome of what Correctional Officers should be and only wish there were many more like him in the Department.
Respectfully,
Joseph Spinney
Correctional Sergeant
California Institution for Men
Letter from Sgr. J.Powers
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Memorandum
Date: September 23, 2009
Re: CR 07-123 R
To Whom This May Concern,
My name is Joseph Powers. I’ve been an employee of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, at the California Institution for Men State Prison, for almost 16 years (12 years in uniform). This is a letter of support for Correctional Officer Robert McGowan. I’ve known Officer McGowan most of my career and have had the pleasure of supervising him on several occasions, at various posts, over the past 8 years in my current classification as a Correctional Sergeant.
Officer McGowan has been an asset to the Department, this institution, his supervisors and his peers, day in and day out, over his 13 year career. The first obvious thing you notice when you meet McGowan is that he is a very tall, stocky guy. From the first time I met him and up to now I’ve always called him “Big Mac.” He’s always been a good Officer. Mac has a great command presence. His size has its advantage here, at work, as I’ve witnessed how easily he directs normal operations; he relies on his “gift of gab” and doesn’t need to be physical. On top of that, Mac has always been level headed. Mac knows how to stay calm during emergencies and, in fact, has kept his peers calm, collected and squared away in times of need. Mac is a natural leader. He uses his seniority advantageously. He provides insight, procedural and personal knowledge, and proven techniques to junior Officers and new supervisors to help make everyone’s job a little easier. Mac is of admirable moral character. Mac has strong family values. Mac has always been an enthusiastic Officer. I remember when I was a rookie Officer. Mac asked me what kind of off-duty weapon I carried. I didn’t carry at the time because I thought it was inconvenient. Mac enlightened me, by asking how I expected to be able protect myself, my family and others. He told me that it was better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. He reminded me that I had an obligation, as a Peace Officer, to act, if I were to observe a crime in progress while on or off duty. I’ve been carrying, off duty, ever since.
Officer McGowan has been a positive influence to many over the course of his career. I have to be honest; it’s disheartening to have to write this letter. All Peace Officers are duty bound to uphold federal, state and local laws, policies, procedures, creeds, etc despite whatever external factors that may drag us or attempt to deter us from those responsibilities. Mac is an exemplary illustration of those characteristics. Mac has been suffering the turmoil of these proceedings for the last few years. It’s obviously been a great burden upon him, his wife, his two children and all others around him. And to think his immediate and long term future is hinged upon the insight, prudence and balanced judgment of someone who is so unconnected to his life; is for me unbearable. Yet, Mac has kept his head held high and has continued to work at the same level of excellence and dedication as he did from the first days he donned the uniform. In fact, although currently off work, Officer McGowan recently attended a fallen Officer’s dedication ceremony, well dressed, with his badge appropriately displayed, and respectfully draped. In an era and time of exceptionally low morale amongst all sworn Peace Officers and during extremely trying times for Officer McGowan, he still outwardly projects that his spirits are up and he displays a high regard for his chosen profession.
I request the above, as well as other letters of support, be carefully considered and that a favorable disposition be made on behalf of Officer McGowan. Favorable for me would be any decision that allows him to continue his career, continue to take care and be a role model for his family, and continue to be an upstanding, contributing Peace Officer of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Thank you for time and consideration. For any questions or if you need further information, please feel free to contact me at home, (xxx) xxx-xxxx or at work, (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Sgt. Joseph Powers
Memorandum
Date: September 23, 2009
Re: CR 07-123 R
To Whom This May Concern,
My name is Joseph Powers. I’ve been an employee of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, at the California Institution for Men State Prison, for almost 16 years (12 years in uniform). This is a letter of support for Correctional Officer Robert McGowan. I’ve known Officer McGowan most of my career and have had the pleasure of supervising him on several occasions, at various posts, over the past 8 years in my current classification as a Correctional Sergeant.
Officer McGowan has been an asset to the Department, this institution, his supervisors and his peers, day in and day out, over his 13 year career. The first obvious thing you notice when you meet McGowan is that he is a very tall, stocky guy. From the first time I met him and up to now I’ve always called him “Big Mac.” He’s always been a good Officer. Mac has a great command presence. His size has its advantage here, at work, as I’ve witnessed how easily he directs normal operations; he relies on his “gift of gab” and doesn’t need to be physical. On top of that, Mac has always been level headed. Mac knows how to stay calm during emergencies and, in fact, has kept his peers calm, collected and squared away in times of need. Mac is a natural leader. He uses his seniority advantageously. He provides insight, procedural and personal knowledge, and proven techniques to junior Officers and new supervisors to help make everyone’s job a little easier. Mac is of admirable moral character. Mac has strong family values. Mac has always been an enthusiastic Officer. I remember when I was a rookie Officer. Mac asked me what kind of off-duty weapon I carried. I didn’t carry at the time because I thought it was inconvenient. Mac enlightened me, by asking how I expected to be able protect myself, my family and others. He told me that it was better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it. He reminded me that I had an obligation, as a Peace Officer, to act, if I were to observe a crime in progress while on or off duty. I’ve been carrying, off duty, ever since.
Officer McGowan has been a positive influence to many over the course of his career. I have to be honest; it’s disheartening to have to write this letter. All Peace Officers are duty bound to uphold federal, state and local laws, policies, procedures, creeds, etc despite whatever external factors that may drag us or attempt to deter us from those responsibilities. Mac is an exemplary illustration of those characteristics. Mac has been suffering the turmoil of these proceedings for the last few years. It’s obviously been a great burden upon him, his wife, his two children and all others around him. And to think his immediate and long term future is hinged upon the insight, prudence and balanced judgment of someone who is so unconnected to his life; is for me unbearable. Yet, Mac has kept his head held high and has continued to work at the same level of excellence and dedication as he did from the first days he donned the uniform. In fact, although currently off work, Officer McGowan recently attended a fallen Officer’s dedication ceremony, well dressed, with his badge appropriately displayed, and respectfully draped. In an era and time of exceptionally low morale amongst all sworn Peace Officers and during extremely trying times for Officer McGowan, he still outwardly projects that his spirits are up and he displays a high regard for his chosen profession.
I request the above, as well as other letters of support, be carefully considered and that a favorable disposition be made on behalf of Officer McGowan. Favorable for me would be any decision that allows him to continue his career, continue to take care and be a role model for his family, and continue to be an upstanding, contributing Peace Officer of the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Thank you for time and consideration. For any questions or if you need further information, please feel free to contact me at home, (xxx) xxx-xxxx or at work, (xxx) xxx-xxxx.
Sincerely,
Sgt. Joseph Powers
Letter from Sgt. J.Bain
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Memorandum
Date: September 23, 2009
Re: CR 07-123 R
Robert McGowan is a man who puts his family first and insures everyone around him does the same. McGowan is a man who truly cares about the people that he works with and considers them family. He is one whom always stands up for what is right and one that everyone would want by their side in any situation.
Correctional Officer McGowan is an officer who takes his job very seriously, although he likes to clown around, when it comes to getting the job done he is one of the most dedicated and professional officers I have ever worked with. Officer McGowan is an officer who could deescalate any situation with his professional verbal persuasion, a partner whom would always hold you to department standards and never allow anyone to take short cuts.
When I first rolled up to the California Institute for Men as a young inexperienced officer, Officer McGowan took me under his wing and taught me how to deal with difficult situations with the art of using verbal communication and told me “if you treat them like they are human and with respect they will respect you more.” It wasn’t just me, it was every young officer that came through the unit’s front door that he did this for. He would always go out of his way to drill policies and procedures into your head, to ensure your safety, the safety of others and the safety of the inmate population. Officer McGowan’s leadership abilities demanded the respect of his peers and of his supervisors.
I could sit here all day and tell you wonderful qualities that Robert McGowan has as a man and as an officer or how much I disagree with this situation. The facts are Officer McGowan is one of the most professional officers I have ever had the privilege of serving with as an officer and now as a supervisor, and I look forward to the day he’s working for me.
J. Bain
Correctional Sergeant
California Institution for Men
California Department of Corrections
Memorandum
Date: September 23, 2009
Re: CR 07-123 R
Robert McGowan is a man who puts his family first and insures everyone around him does the same. McGowan is a man who truly cares about the people that he works with and considers them family. He is one whom always stands up for what is right and one that everyone would want by their side in any situation.
Correctional Officer McGowan is an officer who takes his job very seriously, although he likes to clown around, when it comes to getting the job done he is one of the most dedicated and professional officers I have ever worked with. Officer McGowan is an officer who could deescalate any situation with his professional verbal persuasion, a partner whom would always hold you to department standards and never allow anyone to take short cuts.
When I first rolled up to the California Institute for Men as a young inexperienced officer, Officer McGowan took me under his wing and taught me how to deal with difficult situations with the art of using verbal communication and told me “if you treat them like they are human and with respect they will respect you more.” It wasn’t just me, it was every young officer that came through the unit’s front door that he did this for. He would always go out of his way to drill policies and procedures into your head, to ensure your safety, the safety of others and the safety of the inmate population. Officer McGowan’s leadership abilities demanded the respect of his peers and of his supervisors.
I could sit here all day and tell you wonderful qualities that Robert McGowan has as a man and as an officer or how much I disagree with this situation. The facts are Officer McGowan is one of the most professional officers I have ever had the privilege of serving with as an officer and now as a supervisor, and I look forward to the day he’s working for me.
J. Bain
Correctional Sergeant
California Institution for Men
California Department of Corrections
Letter from Sgt. E.Solorio
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
Memorandum
Re: Letter of Character for Officer. Rob McGowan
Date: Nov. 17, 2009
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
MY NAME IS ERIC SOLORIO AND I AM CURRENTLY ASSIGNED AS A VACATION RELIEF SERGEANT AT THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR MEN. I HAVE SUPERVISED OFFICER R. McGOWAN WHEN HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE RECEPTION CENTER CENTRAL FACILITY AT C.I.M. DURING HIS TENURE AS AN OFFICER UNDER MY SUPERVISION HE HAS SHOWN OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP SKILLS, GOOD JUGDEMENT AND HAS TAKEN CONTROL OF STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AND VIOLENT EMERGENCIES THAT HAVE OCCURRED ON THE FACILITY. NEITHER MY SERGEANTS NOR I HAD ANY CONCERNS REGARDING HIS JUDGEMENT WHEN DEALING WITH CRITICAL SITUATIONS AS HE IS PROACTIVE IN LEARNING THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATIONS.
I FEEL STRONGLY ON THE CALIBER OF INDIVIDUAL OFFICER McGOWAN IS THAT I NEEDED TO WRITE THIS LETTER TO EXPRESS MY PROFESSIONAL FEELINGS ABOUT ROB McGOWAN AS HIS SUPERVISOR. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, OFFICER McGOWAN WILL CONTINUE TO DO GOOD THINGS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATIONS AS I HAVE WITNESSED HIS LEADERSHIP SKILLS AS A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER AND THE POSITIVE REACTION FROM HIS PEERS AND SUBORDINATES.
IF I CAN BE OF ANT FURTHER ASSISTANCE PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT (XXX)XXX-XXXX OR MY CONTACT INFORMATION BELOW.
SGT. ERIC SOLORIO
VACATION RELIEF SERGEANT
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR MEN
Memorandum
Re: Letter of Character for Officer. Rob McGowan
Date: Nov. 17, 2009
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN,
MY NAME IS ERIC SOLORIO AND I AM CURRENTLY ASSIGNED AS A VACATION RELIEF SERGEANT AT THE CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR MEN. I HAVE SUPERVISED OFFICER R. McGOWAN WHEN HE WAS ASSIGNED TO THE RECEPTION CENTER CENTRAL FACILITY AT C.I.M. DURING HIS TENURE AS AN OFFICER UNDER MY SUPERVISION HE HAS SHOWN OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP SKILLS, GOOD JUGDEMENT AND HAS TAKEN CONTROL OF STRESSFUL SITUATIONS AND VIOLENT EMERGENCIES THAT HAVE OCCURRED ON THE FACILITY. NEITHER MY SERGEANTS NOR I HAD ANY CONCERNS REGARDING HIS JUDGEMENT WHEN DEALING WITH CRITICAL SITUATIONS AS HE IS PROACTIVE IN LEARNING THE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES OF THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATIONS.
I FEEL STRONGLY ON THE CALIBER OF INDIVIDUAL OFFICER McGOWAN IS THAT I NEEDED TO WRITE THIS LETTER TO EXPRESS MY PROFESSIONAL FEELINGS ABOUT ROB McGOWAN AS HIS SUPERVISOR. THERE IS NO DOUBT IN MY MIND THAT GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY, OFFICER McGOWAN WILL CONTINUE TO DO GOOD THINGS IN THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS AND REHABILITATIONS AS I HAVE WITNESSED HIS LEADERSHIP SKILLS AS A CORRECTIONAL OFFICER AND THE POSITIVE REACTION FROM HIS PEERS AND SUBORDINATES.
IF I CAN BE OF ANT FURTHER ASSISTANCE PLEASE FEEL FREE TO CONTACT ME AT (XXX)XXX-XXXX OR MY CONTACT INFORMATION BELOW.
SGT. ERIC SOLORIO
VACATION RELIEF SERGEANT
CALIFORNIA INSTITUTION FOR MEN
Letter from S.Barns-family friend
July 25, 2009
Re: Character Reference for Robert McGowan
My name is Scott Barns. I am employed by Thompson Engineering in Riverside, California as a Sales Engineer.
I have known Robert McGowan for several years. He is my neighbor and good friend. Our children also attend the same school. We were first introduced at an awards assembly at the school where Robert’s son and my son were both recognized for various achievements including Honor Roll. Robert and his Wife are both very involved in school functions, volunteering for various activities and tasks and never miss an opportunity to participate in their son’s education. Robert is also a valued member of the community, policing the neighborhood teens who have no regard for speed laws on our residential streets and even removing obscenities spray painted on a wall adjacent to the school before the kindergarten through 5th grade students who would follow that path were released that afternoon. Robert is well liked and highly respected by the staff at the school, other Parents and the community at large.
I am aware of the charges Robert is facing as well as the verdict that was reached. I can honestly say that I was completely confounded with the Jury’s verdict. I was not present during the trial, nor was I in the deliberation room as the verdict was reached but I have a difficult time understanding how the jury could have come to this conclusion. I have personally witnessed Robert’s calm emotional reaction to situations that would rightfully evoke an angry and physical response from most people. He has proven to be virtually unflappable when faced with difficult and aggravating situations. I am speaking of two separate occasions and two completely different sets of circumstances.
I have also seen the financial and emotional toll this proceeding is taking on Robert and his family. He has endeavored to provide a secure and stable home taking on the burden of being the sole income earner so that his children can grow up in a home where the warm embrace of their Mother is never too far away. These are the things that matter to Robert, not bravado or revenge for a fellow officer. It’s an almost indescribably helpless feeling watching a man who has proven to be an honest and loyal friend, Father and Husband become a victim of the legal system that he took an oath to uphold. I can count on one hand the number of people I have met in my life who I hold in such high regard. I would trust Robert with everything that matters most in my life, including the care of my children or the safety of my family.
I appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts with you about Robert. He is above all a man of integrity and has earned my respect. I honestly aspire to be more like the person that he is today and I believe others should as well. We need more people like him in our community. In spite of this devastating proceeding he continues to enrich the lives of those he encounters.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Scott Barns
Sales Engineer
THOMPSON ENGINEERING
Re: Character Reference for Robert McGowan
My name is Scott Barns. I am employed by Thompson Engineering in Riverside, California as a Sales Engineer.
I have known Robert McGowan for several years. He is my neighbor and good friend. Our children also attend the same school. We were first introduced at an awards assembly at the school where Robert’s son and my son were both recognized for various achievements including Honor Roll. Robert and his Wife are both very involved in school functions, volunteering for various activities and tasks and never miss an opportunity to participate in their son’s education. Robert is also a valued member of the community, policing the neighborhood teens who have no regard for speed laws on our residential streets and even removing obscenities spray painted on a wall adjacent to the school before the kindergarten through 5th grade students who would follow that path were released that afternoon. Robert is well liked and highly respected by the staff at the school, other Parents and the community at large.
I am aware of the charges Robert is facing as well as the verdict that was reached. I can honestly say that I was completely confounded with the Jury’s verdict. I was not present during the trial, nor was I in the deliberation room as the verdict was reached but I have a difficult time understanding how the jury could have come to this conclusion. I have personally witnessed Robert’s calm emotional reaction to situations that would rightfully evoke an angry and physical response from most people. He has proven to be virtually unflappable when faced with difficult and aggravating situations. I am speaking of two separate occasions and two completely different sets of circumstances.
I have also seen the financial and emotional toll this proceeding is taking on Robert and his family. He has endeavored to provide a secure and stable home taking on the burden of being the sole income earner so that his children can grow up in a home where the warm embrace of their Mother is never too far away. These are the things that matter to Robert, not bravado or revenge for a fellow officer. It’s an almost indescribably helpless feeling watching a man who has proven to be an honest and loyal friend, Father and Husband become a victim of the legal system that he took an oath to uphold. I can count on one hand the number of people I have met in my life who I hold in such high regard. I would trust Robert with everything that matters most in my life, including the care of my children or the safety of my family.
I appreciate this opportunity to share my thoughts with you about Robert. He is above all a man of integrity and has earned my respect. I honestly aspire to be more like the person that he is today and I believe others should as well. We need more people like him in our community. In spite of this devastating proceeding he continues to enrich the lives of those he encounters.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Scott Barns
Sales Engineer
THOMPSON ENGINEERING
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