Pro Se Motion to Go on a Religious Pilgrimage by Charles Hill, IV — USA v. Thomas et al. (Dkt. 692, N.D. Ga.)

Record facts

U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia · No. 1:20-cr-00296-JPB-CMS · Doc. 692 · 2023-06-12 · Docket on CourtListener

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Honorable Judge Boulee 
United States District Judge 
Northern District of Georgia 
75 Ted Turner Drive, SW 
Atlanta, GA 30303 
Re: Request to Go on a Religious Pilgrimage 
Dear Judge Boulee, 
FILED IN CLERK'S OFFICE 
--. U.S.D.C. -Atlanta 
JUN 1 2 2.073 
I hope this letter finds you in good health and spirits. My name is Charles Hill, IV, and I 
am writing to you today with deep humility and sincere respect. I am currently under 
probation, and I kindly request your understanding and consideration as I share an 
important matter regarding my probation. 
Your Honor, I am a leader at my church, and my faith has always been a guiding force in 
my life. It is with utmost reverence and devotion that I write to seek permission to 
embark on a rare religious pilgrimage in October 2023 with my church-an incredible 
journey to follow the path of Jesus and His disciples. This pilgrimage holds immense 
significance for me as I believe it will profoundly deepen my faith and strengthen my 
bond with God. 
Throughout the past 18 months, as I have navigated the challenges of my probation, I 
have dedicated myself to introspection, prayer, and the mending of broken 
relationships. My family and my faith have been my pillars of support during this trying 
period. They have provided me solace and the strength to confront my mistakes and 
make positive changes in my life. 
I want to express my genuine remorse for the actions that led to my probation. I fully 
acknowledge my mistakes and take full responsibility for the consequences of my 
actions. I assure you, Your Honor, that this experience has been a catalyst for my 
personal growth and transformation. Through counseling, community service, and 
continuous self-reflection, I am striving to become a better person-one who is guided 
by integrity, compassion, and understanding. 
Case 1:20-cr-00296-JPB-CMS     Document 692     Filed 06/12/23     Page 1 of 5

The religious pilgrimage I seek to undertake is not just a physical journey but a spiritual 
quest for redemption and enlightenment. It is my sincere belief that this pilgrimage will 
provide me with an invaluable opportunity to deepen my faith, find solace, and seek the 
spiritual guidance necessary for my continued growth and rehabilitation. By immersing 
myself in the places where Jesus walked and the disciples spread His teachings, I hope 
to gain a deeper understanding of the values and principles that have always guided 
me. 
I understand the gravity of my probation and the trust that has been placed in me to 
abide by the conditions imposed by the court. I want to assure you, Your Honor, that if 
granted permission, I will strictly adhere to all the terms and conditions set forth. I 
understand the importance of my obligations and the need to be accountable for my 
actions. 
I humbly request your consideration in allowing me to temporarily travel for the purpose 
of this religious pilgrimage. I assure you that I will return promptly upon completing the 
pilgrimage and will faithfully continue to fulfill all the responsibilities assigned to me 
during my probation. I am fully aware that this journey is not a means to escape or 
evade my obligations, but rather an opportunity for genuine spiritual growth and 
personal rehabilitation. 
I have attached a letter from my Pastor who has organized this pilgrimage and it also 
includes the itinerary. To the best of my knowledge, the sponsor responsible for my 
expenses for the trip is an unknown person from my church. The cutoff date to finalize 
the pilgrimage is rapidly approaching and I respectfully request if an answer could be 
provided by Monday, June 26. This pilgrimage will not have any financial impact upon 
my ability to continue paying my court obligations. 
Last, both the Prosecution team and the Federal Probation Office have been contacted 
regarding this request. There are no objections Per my Federal Probation Officer, Ben 
Heath, there are no objections from the Federal Probation Office. 
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and for considering my request. If there 
is any additional information you require or if you have any questions, please do not 
hesitate to contact me. 
With utmost respect and gratitude, 
Charles Hill, IV 
c;/dl,$-
Case 1:20-cr-00296-JPB-CMS     Document 692     Filed 06/12/23     Page 2 of 5

May 23, 2023 
Dear Honorable Judge Boulee, 
Peace 
BAPTIS T CHURCH 
4000 Covington Hwy. - Decatur, GA 30032 
www.thi ispcace.org 
P. 404.288.1750 
F. 404.288.5209 
This letter serves as a request for you to consider allowing Charles Hill to accompany 130 members of our 
church on a spiritual pilgrimage to Rome and the Holy Land in Israel. 
This is an opportunity for the members of our church to develop a greater connection to our faith and discern 
God's will for their lives. It is my belief that this pilgrimage will be especially beneficial to Charles and his 
family at this transforrnative time in his life. I am aware of the situation that has brought him before your court, 
and I asked him if I could write to you concerning the remarkable growth I have observed in him. 
I am amazed at the way Charles has responded to the many challenges that have transpired over the past few 
years. You may be aware, that he bas tragically lost two sons in two separate motorcycle accidents and has had 
to hold his wife and children together as they weathered unimaginable heartache. He has been the rock that 
anchored the family as be leaned on his faith to steady them and manage his own pain. His walk witb God has 
grown exponentially when most people would allow adversity to cause them to cave in and withdraw from life. 
Charles has allowed adversity to shape and fortify him as he has refocused his life on his God given purpose. 
I believe this pilgrimage wiU further his development and give him the opportunity to connect with God and his 
family in a way nothing else can. His \vife and two teenage daughters are also going on this journey. The girl's 
school administration understands the significance of this experience and is permitting them to miss school in 
October allowing them to attend. My hope and prayer is that during thjg time the family can deepen their love 
for each other and come back stronger than ever full of hope and expectancy after facing so much suffering. 
Charles's presence as husband and father is vital for the family's healing to continue. 
Over my 3 7 years of ministry, I have written l.ess than five letters of support to a judge on behalf of a member in 
our large congregation. I take my role and my endorsement seriously. I reserve it for the persons and situations 1 
feel are most deserving. Charles fits my prerequisite and wholeheartedly has my support. I've known him for 
almost 20 years, and I rejoice at the man he has become and the tremendous leader he is at our church. 
Therefore, I ask the cowt to allow him to participate with us on this spiritual pilgrimage and to walk in the 
footsteps of Jesus and the Apostle Paul and receive the enabling grace of God for the road ahead. Please reach 
out to me if you need anything further. My personal cell number is 404-563-1680. 
Respectfull · 
· 
,._ 
Pas 
Peace aptist Church 
"MAKING DISCIPLES, MEETING NEEDS" 
Case 1:20-cr-00296-JPB-CMS     Document 692     Filed 06/12/23     Page 3 of 5

Walking in the footsteps of Jesus, Paul, and the Apostles 
Oct 12, 2023 Leave Atlanta for Rome. 
Oct 13 2023 
Visiting Vatican City and religious sites in Rome. 
Oct 14 2023 
Continue visits to historic/holy sites in Rome. 
Oct 15 2023 
Worship service and depart for Naples 
Oct 16 2023 
Visit Christian sites in Naples 
Oct 1 7 2023 
Rest day and worship service in the evening 
Oct 18 2023 
Visit religious sites in Ephesus 
Oct 19 2023 
Visit religious/historic sites in Athens, Greece 
Oct 20 2023 
Visit historic sites in Thira, Greece 
Oct 21 2023 
Rest and Reflection with Pastor Barnette 
Oct 22 2023 
Visit religious sites in the Galilee in Israel 
Oct 23 2023 
Visit religious sites in Jerusalem, Israel 
Oct 24 2023 
Visit religious in Cyprus 
Oct 25 2023 
Rest and reflection with Pastor Barnette 
Oct 26 2023 
Rest and reflection with Pastor Barnette 
Oct 27 2023 
Return flight to Atlanta 
Case 1:20-cr-00296-JPB-CMS     Document 692     Filed 06/12/23     Page 4 of 5

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Case 1:20-cr-00296-JPB-CMS     Document 692     Filed 06/12/23     Page 5 of 5

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