Letter from Officer A.Resendez

CA Dept. or Corrections and Rehabilitation
Tuesday, 22 2009

Re: Robert McGowan
Case No. CR 07-123 R

To Whom It May Concern:


I am personally writing this letter in regards of Correctional Officer Robert McGowan. I have known McGowan for over 10 years and have worked with him numerous times in various positions throughout my career at the California Institute for Men (CIM), Chino.


I can personally say that McGowan is a very honorable and respeful person to be associated with. He is the type of person that will go out of his way to help you out under any circumstances in an unselfish manner.


I can recall one instance that I will never forget. I had forgotten my off duty weapon at home and had to put gas in my vehicle after a 3rd watch shift (at the time 4pm – 12 pm). McGowan went out of his way and followed me to the gas station and waited with me while I put gasoline in my vehicle and to safely leave the area. McGowan did not have to do this for me, also considering he had to be back in the morning at 8am.


He always makes sure to put others first, before himself. For his unselfish act of compassion for me I am personally forever grateful to him.


I can say for myself as well as others that know McGowan that he is a good person!


I ask of you to consider this letter in any actions and/or decisions that you may make about officer McGowan that could forever change his life and the life’s of his family and friends.


I sincerely thank you for taking the time to read this letter.


Sincerely,


Correctional Officer
A. Resendez

Letter from Officer A.Caldera

CA Dept. of Corrections
Sept. 12th, 2009

To Whom It May Concern,


I am very pleased to write this character reference letter for Officer Robert McGowan. I have known Robert for approximately eight years, during this time Robert has always been hard working, diligent, and industries, in his job duties, always being responsible, organized and a true leader amongst his peers, a true team leader. Approximately two years ago I had the pleasure of meeting Roberts’s family, his role as a husband and father was truly evident in the love respect and communication that Robert and his family shared in their household. His house was immaculate inside and out showing the pride that he and his family treasured everything that was important to them, this pride carried over to his appearance, and the organization of his work station, all this is truly a testament to his commitment to his family friends and life in general.


Correctional Officer A. Caldera

Letter from Officer A.Espinal

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Memorandum

8/27/09

Re: Letter of Reference for Officer Rob McGowan

To whom it may concern,


I have known Officer McGowan now for approximately 7 years now. Since I’ve known him he has been nothing less then professional at all times with his co-workers and inmates. He has been a role model to younger Officers, and an asset to the Department of Corrections. I appreciate Officer McGowan on a personal level for always helping and teaching me when I needed it, he has always been there when I had a question about work and never hesitated to help me or the rest of his co-workers.


Thank you,


Officer Antonio Espinal (CDCR CIM)

Letter from Officer A.Mendoza

Californian Dept. of Corrections-CDCR
August 20, 2009

To Whom It May Concern:


I believe you have received numerous letters expressing the type of Officer Rob McGowan is. How he has helped a number of officers in “showing them the ropes.” He has not only gone out of his way to help inmates, but actually saved a few inmates from terminating their own lives. I have been present on two separate occasions, and all of these points are true. He is an outstanding officer and role model to both new and veteran officers. However, my letter will not be about that but to explain him as a person and family man.


I have spent time with Rob both on a professional and social level. There are a few characteristics that stood out in getting to know Rob. One is his belief in loyalty amongst friends and family. He has the mentality of never leave a man behind, and puts thought in how his decisions affect the people around him. The second is his integrity. He always told the truth no matter what, even if the truth was brutally honest. The third is his sense of humor; he always finds the up side to a situation and jokes to lighten the mood. The fourth is his professionalism; you might have read in other letters like in mine (the third characteristic) he likes to joke, but when it was time to be serious he was. One thing he takes serious is being a Correctional Officer. The fifth characteristic is his leadership abilities and command presence. Even though we have a Sergeant as well as Veteran Officers in the unit, they all turn to Rob for advice. When he was there, the unit ran a lot smoother than on his days off. You could actually tell the difference when he was present.


Rob and I grew closer as friends, and not just co-workers I got to see a different side of officer McGowan. I have had the pleasure of seeing the family man. I have never seen anyone as devoted to being a father and husband as him. He has inspired me to go above and beyond within my own personal life. His wife, son, and daughter mean more to him than anything else in this world. I believe there is nothing he wouldn’t do for them within his capabilities, and all other circumstances I have no doubt he would die trying for them. He would never do anything to jeopardize or let anything come between him and his family. His number one worry about this whole situation isn’t any of the personal ramifications, but not being able to be with his family. Not being able to see his children grow up, and be there for them when life gets tough. Missing the day his son plays sports in high school, the day he gets to “eyeball” the guy who picks up his daughter for the prom, or being away form his wife who he loves and adores.


I think it’s sad that a man of such character as Mr. McGowan would have to go through any of this. I don’t think inmates are sub-human nor do I think they should be abused. We do have to remember though why they are inmates. They don’t function in society as productive working people. Another question to be asked is would you trust an inmate? If an inmate, who is in prison for lets say robbery, gave you his word would you leave him in your house unattended? Or believe him when you got home with your house emptied, and him saying “I didn’t do it?” This case sounds more like a witch hunt than an officer that went rouge. I really question now if I entered the right career? Where the criminals are listened to and believed more than a sworn officer. If that’s the case, why do a background investigation? Or make us take an oath? Save the state time and money and just hire anyone off the street. The real crime is to put Officer McGowan and his family through any more heart ache or pain.


Thanking you in advance for taking the time to review my letter.


Sincerely,
Andrew Mendoza
(Correctional Officer-Chino Instution for Men)

Letter from Officer A.Curry

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Saturday, August 8, 2009

Re: Robert McGowan
Case No. CR 07-123 R

To Whom It May Concern:


I met Rob McGowan approximately three years ago when I first started in California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. In just the few short years I have known him, I have come to know a partner, a good partner for that matter. Rob is one that will always give it to you strait, and won’t beat around the bush. If you ask him a question and he does not know the answer, he will find out and then let you know. He has a talent with his words and the way he talks to people. He can talk to anyone and make him or her understand his point, with just regular conversation. He is always willing to lend a helping hand, and truly cares about the people around him. The times I have heard him talk about his family, he is very involved with his children’s activities, and truly loves his wife and just truly enjoys being with his family. I feel very honored to have met Rob; I have learned a lot of good job skills from him in my short carrier with the department. He has made me feel accepted in the department as a partner and as a friend.


It is very upsetting to me as a friend and a partner of Rob, that we work in a place, that the criminal justice system puts people who commit crimes and we walk amongst them every day, but yet one of them can make false accusations about an officer, who has sworn to uphold the law.


Most people do not want the job of being a Correctional Officer because, the people that are behind the bars, are people most, would not want around their own family (children, husband, wife) and friends. Including the people who have made these accusations against Rob, they too were sentenced to be behind bars and even there, beat up an officer and a sergeant, prior to the false accusations.


How can one judge throw out the case because he believed there was a lack of evidence and then another judge came back and over turn it? It looks like people are feuding and the ones lives that are in turmoil because of it are Rob, and his family and friends, and it seems that they have no regard for this factor. This is SOMEONE that swore an oath to serve and protect, to hold up the law! Not a pawn in a chess game.


Please see the truth about Rob, and that it has already been seen once that he is not guilty of these false accusations. I would like to work with my partner again and continue learning from him and I can guarantee his family (wife, son 10, daughter 3) wants to keep him at home with them continuing to be a great husband and wonderful father.


Thank you for your time and consideration. Again, please see the TRUTH about Rob.


Respectfully and Sincerely,


Amy Curry


Correctional Officer at Chino Institution for Men
(Partner and friend of Rob McGowan)

Letter from Lt. A.Herrera

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Memorandum

September 2, 2009

To whom it may concern,


My name is Albert F. Herrera; I am a Correctional Lieutenant and have been employed by the California Department of Corrections since 1990. I wish to add my thoughts along with all the friends of Robert McGowan of which there are many, who want to put an end to a travesty in which this poor man has been made to endure.


Unlike the man who tells a News Reporter how he cannot believe how his neighbor “who he claimed to know” could have possibly killed all his family and committed suicide or the mother who after being told her son killed another in a gang related shooting, said, “not my son he is not a gang member”. I can say unequivocally and without hesitation, Officer McGowan did not commit any of the allegations he was accused of. First of all, I was his supervisor for three years and observed his actions under stress. No man can stray far from his true character under stress and I have observed Officer McGowan react under high stress situations.


I recall vividly, one occasion when Officer McGowan was spit on his face and attacked by an inmate he was about to escort. Officer McGowan had to wrestle the inmate to the ground and using his physical strength and body weight, held the man down while his partner summoned for help. Any other officer in the same circumstances could have used the occasion to use a lot more force than was used on this occasion to gain compliance of the inmate and have been justified, but Officer McGowan merely pinned the inmate to the ground. Picture yourself spit upon, think not only of the humiliation but the possibility that you could be exposed to any number of diseases an inmate may be a carrier of.


I have been witness to many more occasions where Officer McGowan was physically and verbally attacked and each and every time he used restraint and good judgment in overcoming the resistant inmate.


If it were in him to be the monster the federal prosecutor wished to paint to the jury, I would have seen it a long time ago, and I would have witnessed it as he reacted to an inmate’s attack.


Officer McGowan was a means to avoid prosecution by the very ones who would claim themselves victims after having severely battered a correctional officer earlier in the day. I sat in the court room, watching two jurors sleep undisturbed as pertinent information was being disclosed. I watched as the federal prosecutor weaved an incredible tale of fiction, expertly confusing the jury to feel sympathy for felons who admittedly confessed to having injured themselves in the past to “yes” avoid disciplinary repercussions for their actions in the past.


I sat in awe as one inmate described the officer who caused his injuries as a 5’7 medium build Hispanic officer. The other inmate had no idea who the officer was who allegedly caused his injuries. Incredible to us who paid attention to all this testimony was that the jury arrived at a guilty verdict.


Officer McGowan before being hired as a correctional officer was a decent human being loved his family and was a law abiding citizen. It’s unfortunate that the picture painted by the prosecutor caused the jury to believe that the officer who spent 12 years of unblemished public service was a criminal allowing a modern day Barabbas to be set free.


I petition you to please review the facts, to read the testimony without prejudice and restore Officer McGowan’s rightful place in society.


Sincerely,


Albert F. Herrera
Lt. CA Dept. of Corrections

Letter by Sgt.D.Lopez

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR)

Date: 09-02-09

Subject: Acknowledgement of Outstanding performance in assigned duties

I have known Officer Robert McGowan for approximately 9 years. We have worked together at the California Institution for Men in Chino. We started working as partners working as housing Unit Officers together. As Officers I have witnessed his professional conduct when interacting with inmates and fellow staff members. Officer McGowan takes pride in his profession; he is always willing to lend a hand to his partners.


The last couple of years our relationship has changed as I have since promoted to the Rank of Sergeant. I am currently assigned as a housing Sergeant in RCC were Officer McGowan is currently assigned. While he does not directly fall under my Supervision we have a good working relationship. When I call on Officer McGowan to assist me with support he is quick to offer his assistance. Officer McGowan currently is assigned to an Administration Segregation unit, dealing with high security inmates. I know that he is an asset to his peers and his supervisors.

On a personal note, I also know his family. We have spent time together over the years in a personal friendship. He is a great husband and father. He works hard to provide a good living for his family. He is a man of integrity and is loyal to those that call him a friend. He would not have committed the acts that he is being accused of. It is a shame that his character and honor have come into question.


Correctional Sergeant D.R Lopez


(Original signed by author)
RCC Housing Sergeant
Chino Institution for Men- CA Dept. of Corrections

Letter from Officer J.Cenderelli

California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation

Wednesday Sept. 2nd, 2009

Reference Letter for Officer McGowan
I have known Correctional Officer Rob McGowan for approximately 18 months. In the 18 months I have known Mr. McGowan he has always been the utmost helpful to newer Officers like myself and has always maintained the highest professionalism when dealing with all situations inside the Institution. Officer McGowan has always been there to answer any and all questions dealing with the job as well as personal issues. Every time I worked with Officer McGowan I observed the way he dealt with all inmates he had a professional repor with some of the most dangerous convicted felons in the states system. He is respected by staff as well as inmates. When I worked with Officer McGowan I always felt confident that I would be going home safe that night to my family. Officer McGowan is truly a valuable asset to CDCR as well as C.I.M.


James M. Cenderelli


Correctional Officer
California Institution for Men

"Locked in a Box" by Mac

Written by Robert McGowan June 28th, 2010

"First and foremost I want to personally thank all of you who are sustaining me and my family during this unjust, unthinkable nightmare we are living through. I also would like to thank CCPOA, Dan Lindsay, Dave Sanders, Chuck Alexander and Mike Jimenez for their continued support of my innocence. Also, I would like to thank PacoVilla and Sittin Bull for their support through their websites so all of our brothers, sisters and family and friends know the hidden dangers of the job.


As many of you know, I‘m currently sitting in a box (cell). The little contact that I’m allowed is only by phone calls (the time always goes by way too fast!), and only one visit per week (two at 30min.), through GLASS! I don’t even get to hug my beautiful family! I spend most of the days eatin’ breakfast at 4am, lunch at 10am, and then they bring dinner at 4pm. Before they found another cell for me, I spent a lot of time trying to hold it together, wondering what the frick happened and thinking about how my son and daughter were taking the fact that Papa could not say goodbye to them, their mom having to break it to them that I wouldn't be coming home. Sleeping on and off on my concrete bed with a yoga mat for mattress and wondering where I would be taken to next, took up the rest of my time in my head.


I know I’m a political pawn in the war between the US Attny’s office and CCPOA. It’s been going on for long before I even joined the Department. After 12 years on the “other” side of the door, I can tell you this is a living nightmare. To be looked at like an inmate, dirt bag, felon, makes my stomach turn. Add to that, I was acquitted and returned to work for almost two years before the 9th Dist. of Appeals overturned my judge’s decision, and the fact that I helped save a hanging inmate’s life, along with my partner’s. I can’t believe I’m in a cell!


My family visits me once a week through glass! My daughter doesn’t understand why her Papa can’t give her a kiss and hug like I did at home. My son looks at me with tears in his eyes but he stays strong at least until the visit is over. My wife, as strong as she is, can’t cover the fact that I can still see the heartache, sadness and helplessness in her eyes. Her first words are always, “How are you doing?” at the same time she pushes her own sadness to the side. When it’s time to go, I get up and wave goodbye and walk to the door with my hands behind me, ready to cuff up out of respect for the officers that escort me to my cell. But they just walk me back. My wife, at the exit, always blows me a kiss before the doors close behind us.


Any of my partners, co-workers, and free staff know what kind of officer and person I am. Those who worked with me for years, know the kind of man I am. My family and friends, KNOW what I stand for.


The probation report recommendation, with all of its background on me, said that at most, 6 months of home detention with poss. 3 yrs. of probation following. 51 months the judge gives me in prison! In shock and pleading with the judge to allow me to say goodbye to my children, wife and family, Otis just remands me into custody, IMMEDIATELY! Unbelievable. As I was stripped of my suit and my wedding ring and put in a jumpsuit, they placed me in a holding tank. I was processed and stuck in a cell for the night. The following day or morning, I was moved to the Shu-unit. I was still in shock with the reality of being in jail, and being away from my family. The pre-sentence report stated that probation and house arrest were more than fair and my lawyer had said there was NO WAY that I’d be taken into custody. Imagine my surprise, when the judge crammed the most he could, right down my throat?! The prosecution, with a last minute attempt to mess with the probation report's recommendation, threw in an accusation from another inmate, unrelated to what I was being sentenced for. He said that I brought drugs into the prison I worked in! With NO proof or even a request for drug testing, the judge used THAT against me too! He didn’t even ask for evidence!


The best way to explain a cop being locked up is the movie, “Groundhog Day.” Everyday is the same as yesterday. Tomorrow is going to be the same as today, and still NO FAMILY! I keep waking up in the middle of the night and wonder, “When is this nightmare going to end?” What did I ever do to deserve this? My family doesn’t deserve this either!


I will fight this with every ounce of energy I have. I was acquitted once and will be again!! I can’t tell you how much it means to me that my friends, partners at CIM and even many that I’ve never worked with from other institutions across the state, have my family’s back. The support from everyone out there has been good. Other prisons are getting involved and supporting my family through PacoVilla. Together as ONE, we will fight this injustice so that NO OTHER officer and their family will have to go through what my family and I are enduring, this heartache. Thank you CCPOA for everything. You truly are “Taking Care of Our Own.”


Keep your backs against the wall and stay safe. I can’t wait to put my badge back on and walk through the gate with my partners soon!"


- Rob(Mac)McGowan

FREE Robert McGowan

An open letter from Mother-In-Law of Robert McGowan
Jul 19th, 2010 By pacovilla

Following is an open letter received from Mrs. Marta Marquez, mother-in-law of Robert McGowan. Intended primarily for those unfamiliar with the circumstances, Mrs. Marquez’ letter echoes the frustration of a family torn apart by an opportunistic FBI and Office of US Attorney. Please read it and share it with your friends and family. On the subject of assisting the McGowan Family, Paco would like to thank those of you who pitched in an sent a few ducats via the PayPAL account. However, it’s going to take more than a handful of small donations to keep the family afloat. Surely, even in these uncertain times, we can all afford to send 5 bucks a month!? If cannot spare a $20, a 5 or 10 will do.If you cannot spare the 5 or 10, God Bless you.

Free Robert McGowan
An Open Letter from Mother-in-law of CA State Peace Officer

Dear Friends:

As the political winds blow so goes Judge Otis Wright! If he doesn’t play the game he will be relegated to preside over court TV, federal style. Principles are not an issue here, only political ambition, greed and corruption. The Justice Department whose sole manifesto is to seek out our U.S. Peace Officers, accuse them of malfeasance then persecute, prosecute and eviscerate. Win at all cost! Guilty! Lie, threaten, coerce in order to justify the department’s existence and political gain.

California Correctional Officer Robert McGowan, after an exemplary, eleven year career, was sentenced to four years in federal prison based on the words of inmates—One of who admitted in court to giving false testimony in the past for a deal with prosecutors! Presiding Judge Otis Wright (who is WRONG) took the inmate at his word, concluding Robert lost control, intentionally allowing an inmate to fall to the ground and skin his knees! 4 years in prison for (allegedly) skinned knees! Another inmate said that they were both beaten within an inch of their lives by 20 or 30 officers! A bruise was in evidence on his chin and one on his forehead but not until much later. The Judge, to pound in the final nail, stated Robert belonged to a neo-Nazi skinhead, white supremacist motorcycle gang, and thus concluding Rob was both a drug dealer and an addict! As Robert McGowan’s mother-in-law, you’d think his alleged racism would have been obvious to me, his wife (my daughter) and all the other Mexican-Americans in his extended family. Before meeting Robert, my daughter wouldn’t even date boys who smoked cigarettes–I wonder why she never noticed his drug dealing and addiction! No, the US Attorney created that Robert McGowan out of whole cloth—they needed to create a monster capable of committing the created offenses because the real Robert and the whole trumped-up case don’t mesh. Neither the FBI, US Attorney nor the judge ever questioned Robert’s neighbors, friends, relatives or co-workers. Never was he investigated or placed on suspension for drug use or supposedly dealing drugs within prison walls.

He and his family live in a nice middle-class neighborhood. I wonder if they (the Feds) think we are all in that imaginary, nefarious gang? When Robert and Lorraine first met 19 years ago, they both worked for a K-9 security firm, scoping one another out while training their dogs. Both were interested in careers in law-enforcement. They soon married and gave up their dogs for babies. The kids are now 11 and 4 years old. Home schooled, the boy is a straight-A student, even now on his way to college–The 4 year old is very close behind. With coaching soccer, baseball and T-ball, games twice a week and home schooling, their can be no time for gang activities. The children spend much time learning from and emulating both parents. But, like anyone else, they need their father. Its bad enough Robert is being punished for nothing; must his children be punished as well?

Speaking for Robert McGowan’s family, friends and neighbors, we are truly horrified this happened in this country…Our country! This isn’t supposed to happen in America. Neither the investigators, prosecutors or Judge Wright ever heard from any of these good people regarding Robert’s character, whom he is and what he stands for. Never was he allowed, during the trial, hearings or appeals, which have been ongoing for the last 8 years, a single character witness or allowed witnesses for the defense! Yet, the two key witnesses for the prosecution were known perjurers.

Here is the clincher folks, the federal government, FBI and federal prosecutors across the country openly contend “There is no freestanding constitutional RIGHT, NOT to be framed.” Simply put, you can’t sue them if they frame you. . .

This is the state of our country and I am ashamed to be one of many who have allowed this to happen. I am asking, begging, for help for this family, my family. I am the grandmother and mother who love them. Please add your name so our voices will be heard! Please go to www.pacovilla.com and select the “McGowan Family Fund” tab on the front page for links to help Raine and the kids. Also, search the site using the keyword “McGowan” for more information about the case and those who support Robert and our family. We need everyone to post a comment or blog on their own for him. As the political winds blow, so goes the FBI, DOJ and Judge Otis Wright!

As a result, freedom has been blown off course—Robert has been cast away. Like a hurricane, political ambition, greed and corruption have devastated the lives of the innocent in their path. But, with a little help from our friends, all of their prayers and our collective and unwavering faith, “Justice Will Prevail.”

Free Robert McGowan

Sincerely, M. Marquez

Make your voices heard- Silence DOES kill!