Character Letter — USA v. Thurmond et. al. (Dkt. 71.7)

Record facts

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia · No. 1:23-cr-00021-JRH-BKE · Doc. 71-7 · 2024-04-29 · Docket on CourtListener

Full text

March 23, 2024 
 
 
Attn: Honorable Judge J. Randall Hall, 
 
Dr. Matthew T. King 
4204 Bitternut Trail 
Greensboro, NC 27410 
 
RE: Mr. Brandon Thurmond 
 
 
Dear Honorable Judge J. Randall Hall, 
 
My name is Matthew King, and I am writing you this letter in support of my good 
friend, Brandon Thurmond. I would like to thank you for the opportunity to do this, as I 
understand the magnitude of such decision making.  
 
I have been in communication with Brandon offering positive reinforcement and 
accountability since not only his incarceration with the State of Georgia but since being 
charged with this Federal offense. I will continue to provide Brandon with 
encouragement and support, as long as I am able. Although not classmates, Brandon 
and I are alumni of the same university (University of Arkansas Pine Bluff) have known 
each other since 2012. We are also members of the same college fraternity and bonded 
quickly after meeting. Brandon was a star football player on campus, but I was struck 
by his humble demeanor and how much he embraced any guidance given to him. His 
obvious dream was to play in the NFL and it appeared that would be his calling. 
Unfortunately, that dream was not be and I believe out of desperation and no “plan B” 
to speak of, Brandon made mistakes and decisions that would put his character in 
question.  
 
Brandon and I have not spoken about the details of his offense, but he has told me that 
he made a serious error in judgement and prays for forgiveness. He has heavily 
increased his relationship with God and rejects negative associations of any kind. I am 
so proud of the fact that he is managing to deal with this situation by not placing blame 
or complaining about his circumstances. He takes responsibility for his wrong doings 
and has become totally committed to being the best person he can be, while allowing 
God to guide his thoughts and actions. He refuses to associate his past with the person 
he has become today. He fully understands this is crucial for his current stability and 
his ability to maintain the effort he has put forth to become the man he is today.  
 
Brandon has always been a good-hearted person. Always a pleasure to be around and 
remains well loved for his genuine care for others and humble personality. He was a 
Case 1:23-cr-00021-JRH-BKE     Document 71-7     Filed 04/29/24     Page 1 of 3

pretty good student and athlete and started college upon graduating from high school. 
Like many of us at times, he lost his way when the initial plans [to play pro football] did 
not work out and allowed himself to be drawn into poor decisions.  The 5 years he 
spent in the custody of the State of Georgia,  Brandon truly shows in his actions that he 
understands the cost of making stupid and selfish decision does and that was never 
worth his while.  He  sincerely regrets the failure in judgement and decision-making. 
Since he has been released from prison, Brandon has done so much for his personal 
growth but also in assisting with the growth of others and he still has many, many 
positives to offer the world.  
 
Brandon will have the support of myself and many others that love him and want the 
best for him. Again, I will continue to offer him positive guidance and support for as 
long as I am able. I will continue to  connect him with resources to challenge himself to 
continue to grow as a hardworking man. I will continue to hold him accountable for the 
goals he sets for himself.  
 
I ask that you please consider allowing Brandon to serve his time under home 
confinement.  I know he has abiding by the rules and stipulations of his current 
probation with the Federal Government and the Parole guidelines that were set with the 
State of Georgia. I know that Brandon has been working a full time job since released, 
has obtained a position under a Nonprofit Organization to mentor youth. Brandon has 
been heavily involved in the life of not only his biological daughter Laila, but his 
girlfriend’s daughter Dakota.  Brandon has expressed to me  what damage has been 
done in the 5 years he was physically absent in his daughter’s, Laila, life. Since he has 
been home he has had the honor of spending time, creating memories and getting to 
know his baby girl all over again. He has expressed remorse and is determined to never 
put himself in a situation that will remove him from his daughter’s life again.  
 
Brandon has lost so much through his time incarcerated from time, missing milestones 
in his daughter’s life, his father passing away and other things but Brandon never 
blamed anyone for the circumstances that he placed himself in. Since he has been home 
and has experienced what it is like living a law abiding way, working hard  but also  
what a support system really feels like. His girlfriend Brandi, her daughter Dakota, her 
friends and her family have been super supportive and present since Brandon has been 
released.  Brandon mentioned to me the he has experienced firsthand how much his 
presence means to the people who truly love him and I know Brandon is determined to 
only become the best man and father he can be. Brandon’s sense of looking even the 
darkest situations in a positive way is honorable. He sees each day as an opportunity to 
be thankful in spite of his situation and is truly focused on leading a life of good 
character and higher standards going forward. 
 
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I will close this letter by again thanking you for this opportunity to be heard. Brandon 
has always respected me and sincerely cared about my thoughts and opinions. I know 
he will continue to do so. He will not let you down if given the chance.  
 
 
Best Regards, 
 
 
 
 
Matthew T. King, PhD 
Case 1:23-cr-00021-JRH-BKE     Document 71-7     Filed 04/29/24     Page 3 of 3

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