There are two late breaking events regarding Fritz.  One is good news and the other is not so good news.  So I’ll give the good news first.  The Feds have approved of funds for an investigator pre-sentencing, which is fantastic.  This means that they see some merit in Fritz’ new attorney fighting for a retrial before sentencing, or they would have refused the funds.  This new attorney has his trip together.  Within two weeks of receiving the 318 page transcript and 650 pages of discovery, he had everything scanned and burned onto a CD.  He interviewed Fritz for four hours and once he got the investigator, the investigator interviewed him for three hours.  It is such a relief to have someone who cares!  We are hoping that it is uphill from here so please keep us in your prayers—they are obviously helping. 

Well, now for the bad news.  One of the inmates assaulted Fritz last Wednesday, so they both got thrown into solitary confinement.  Fritz tells me that he took a beating, but that he’s OK.  It’s heartbreaking to be in a situation where you can’t protect or comfort your loved one.  The last I spoke to him was Wednesday and heard nothing until yesterday (Tuesday) when I got a letter from him.  When he didn’t call on Monday, I knew something was wrong.  I’ve included an excerpt from his letter detailing the event in this update.  If you’ve been thinking of writing to him lately, now would be the perfect time.  Below is the contact info. for Fritz.  You can send him letters and postcards only.  If you want to put money on his books for stamps, batteries for his radio or other commisary items, it must be a postal money order made out to him with his Federal ID number.  If you wish to send books, they must be purchased and sent from the retailer.  Magazines can be sent by subscription only.  Just know that they read every letter that comes in, therefore, it may take several extra days to get to him because of the processing.  Here is his address: 

Fritz Springmeier 65941-065 
FDC Sheridan 
P.O. Box 6000 
Sheridan, OR  97378 

The number following his name is his federal ID number.  He would love to hear from all of you. 

Just a quick note to tell you all two pieces of good news regarding Fritz' legal situation.  First--Fritz is now out of solitary confinement and is back with the general population.  Address any mail you wish to send to him to the original Sheridan address: 

Fritz Springmeier 65941-065 
FDC Sheridan 
P.O. Box 6000 
Sheridan, OR  97378 

The second piece of good news is that his attorney has gotten the sentencing postponed to November 13, 2003, in order to give more time for investigation.  Your letters and support meant so much to both of us and really made all the difference in getting Fritz through a tough time.  Many thank-you's from the bottom of our hearts! 

Patty