Court filing
Exhibit A - Character Letters — USA v. Hopkins (Dkt. 22.1)
Filed March 15, 2023 in USA v. Hopkins; one of 62 filings from this case.
Record facts
| Court | U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia |
|---|---|
| Filed | 2023-03-15 |
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia · No. 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS · Doc. 22-1 · 2023-03-15 · Docket on CourtListener
Full text
Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty United States District Judge 2321 Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3309 Re: United States v. Harrescia Hopkins; 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS, Letter in Support of Defendant Harrescia Hopkins Dear Judge Geraghty, My name is Sheryl C. Hoy I offer this letter of reference in support of Harrescia Hopkins. I’ve known Herrescia for approximately six (6) years and she’s shown me that she’s extremely dedicated to her family and her christian walk with God. When I first met Herrescia, she was full of fire, strong willed and determined to achieve whatever she set her sights on accomplishing. I remember when she started working for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office as a Detention Officer, one of many whom I chose to share my experience with while establishing a rapport and an outlet of digression for when/if things become overwhelming. Furthermore, when I asked why she chose the profession of Law Enforcement, Herrescia stated, “I’m going to be a Federal Court Judge”. Her eagerness to learn and her love for knowledge impressed me. Not only did she have goals; some of which she was making preparations towards accomplishing by attending school and receiving several degrees all while working a full time job, but by also working in other areas within the Fulton County Jail i.e. Jail Court to learn as much as she could to aid in reaching the goals she’d set. With all due respect Judge Geraghty, I ask that Herrascia Hopkins be given another opportunity to prove to this court and to society that she’s worthy of forgiveness and a second chance to right her wrongs. We must look at all of what has happened in the past few years and look beyond where we are now. How do we get it right, by suppressing the potential that lies within her or by unleashing the gifts that God placed deep within her soul? I humbly ask that you lean towards unleashing the potential and allow her to serve whatever sentence you impose on probation with the option of first offender status so that this offense will not hinder someone with so much potential from reaching her destiny. Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 1 of 11 For your information, I am a retired Fulton County Lieutenant Deputy Sheriff with 33 years of service where I proudly served the Citizens of Fulton County. During my tenure with the Sheriff’s Office, I had the opportunity to have worked in many areas within the agency (Magistrate Court, Juvenile Court, State and Superior Courts) to include being assigned as the Unit Manager for Jail Court. Some of my duties included overseeing staff, scheduling and maintaining vacation/training hours and ensuring the inmates went to court within the mandated time frame. I’ve also worked alongside many Judges, Attorneys’ and Court Staff to ensure that the day to day operations ran as smoothly as possible. Respectfully, Sheryl C. Hoy Retired Fulton County Lieutenant Deputy Sheriff mschipahoy@gmail.com 404-671-6160 Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 2 of 11 Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty United States District Judge 2321 Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3309 Re: United States v. Harrescia Hopkins; 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS, Letter in Support of Defendant Harrescia Hopkins Dear Judge Geraghty, My name is Jamenia Yelder. I am a former General Manager for IHOP Inc for a total of 15 years. During my time of employment with the brand I had the pleasure of employing Harrescia Hopkins. She started working at my location in 2012 as a server. I noticed something very different about her that made her stand out from my other employees. She was a young lady that exemplified her respect for policy and her coworkers. She took on responsibilities without being asked and handled disgruntled guests with patience and tact. Eventually, Harrescia was promoted to a trusted position as my assistant. We were a team for 5 years. During that time she also was a full time student that maintained a second job. She invited me to a total of 3 graduations. I ensured to attend her graduations to celebrate her accomplishments. She also was a spiritual person that was an active member of her congregation at her church. In 2019 I fell very ill and was diagnosed with a rare pulmonary disease and became disabled. Harrescia checks on me frequently and has offered to help me with anything that I need. The Harrescia that I know is one of the most beautiful people that I have encountered. I am willing to share any additional details needed in regards to Harrescia’s character. Please feel free to contact me by phone or via email. Jamenia Yelder Jameniayelder@yahoo.com 678-427-6218 Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 3 of 11 Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty United States District Judge 2321 Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3309 Re: United States v. Harrescia Hopkins; 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS, Letter in Support of Defendant Harrescia Hopkins Dear Judge Geraghty, My name is Allyson Bray. I met Harrescia Hopkins (Pebbles) our 11th grade year at Stephenson High School and have remained long time friends for about 17 years. Although we now live in different states, we still make time to visit and can always pick up right where we left off. Pebbles has always been an ambitious and motivated person. Every goal she has set, she has achieved, and I admire her for that. She is always willing to help her friends and family. At a young age she took on the responsibility of looking after her younger sister as well as her older brother and his son. Making sure she kept a roof over her head so that they would have somewhere to call home. In my opinion, she had no choice but to be successful in life because she had so many others depending on her. She willingly sacrificed for her siblings as if they were her own children. To me that says a lot about her. Pebbles is a good person, with a pure heart, and she is a great friend. Sincerely, Allyson Bray Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 4 of 11 Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty United States District Judge 2321 Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3309 Re: United States v. Harrescia Hopkins; 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS, Letter in Support of Defendant Harrescia Hopkins Dear Judge Geraghty, My name is Nakita McFadden and I am a Real Estate Broker here in Atlanta. I’ve known known Harrescia since she was a little girl, over 20 years. We grew up together. Since we’ve met, she has always been very hardworking, dedicated, and always willing to help others. I am happy to help Harrescia. and write a letter of reference for her regarding this matter. I understand the seriousness of this matter; however, I hope that some leniency will be shown. Harrescia is a very reliable and honest person. My family can trust her in all matters. My spouse and I even leave our children with Harrescia without any doubts. Our kids love her. Moreover, it will be indicative that she does it with the best friendly intentions and never takes money for it. She is always happy to come to the rescue—one has only to ask and Harrescia does not expect any rewards for this. In addition to our friendship, Harrescia also assists in my business from time to time.It is unfortunate that she is in this situation. Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 5 of 11 I was surprised to hear about the matter, but I am totally sure that Harrescia is ready to accept all responsibilities. I have no doubt about the sincerity of her intentions. I hope that the court will be able to take my letter into account and attach it to the case. Even in spite of this offense, I continue to consider Harrescia a worthy member of the local community and an example for many. Sincerely, Nakita McFadden Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 6 of 11 Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty United States District Judge 2321 Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3309 Re: United States v. Harrescia Hopkins; 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS, Letter in Support of Defendant Harrescia Hopkins Dear Judge Geraghty, Greetings, my name is Matthew Paulk. I have known Harrescia Hopkins for 7 years . We first met at the Fulton County sheriff’s Office as co-workers. She has always been a very helpful and caring person inside and outside of work. Whenever I needed help or needed someone to do overtime at Grady Hospital she would volunteer to help me. She has always been a positive, honest, and understanding person. There were times I was struggling to buy my children food and Harrescia would buy food for me and my children out of the kindness of her heart. There were times she even made me food so I wouldn't starve at work. She has always donated and helped people in need. She has never been the one to deceive, lie, or break the law in any way. Harrescia is a beautiful and loving individual inside and out. Thank you, Matthew Paulk Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 7 of 11 Nzinga Walls 17301 Turnberry Place Lithonia, Ga 30038 December 19, 2022 To The Honorable Judge Sarah E. Geraghty, My name is Nzinga Walls and I have known Ms. Hopkins for 34 years. Ms. Hopkins, my niece has always been a loving and caring family member since she was a child. That is why I am writing this letter to defend Ms. Hopkins, because she has always been a respected person in the community, and a genuine person to everyone she has come across. To give you a personal example, Ms. Hopkins has tutored students and has provided personal mentorship as a youth advisor at the Church of Life. Ms. Hopkins has been a positive influence on the youth, inspiring them to pursue their goals and dreams. Apart from that, Ms. Hopkins has served as a tennis coach at Stephenson High School for several years. It is unfortunate that Ms. Hopkins is in this situation. However, it is obvious to me that Ms. Hopkins will do all that she can to resolve this situation without further problems and is sorry for any damage or inconvenience she has caused. I hope that this letter can go some way in convincing the court that Ms. Hopkins is a good person, and this testimony will be taken into consideration. Yours truly, Nzinga Walls Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 8 of 11 Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty United States District Judge 2321 Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3309 Re: United States v. Harrescia Hopkins; 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS, Letter in Support of Defendant Harrescia Hopkins Dear Judge Geraghty, My name is Tiffany Giwa. I have known Harrescia Hopkins for about 4 years. We met at Fulton county sheriff's office where we were both employed. Whilst working together she became a close friend. When we met we immediately connected because of her humbled personality. She was one of the most hardworking, kindest individuals I've known. I do not trust very easily but she is someone I can confide in and trust. Over the years we have developed more than a friendship and she has become family. In 2019 when I moved to Georgia from New York, I didn't have any friends or family here to help me adjust to this big move. She made the move so much easier and I will always appreciate her kind and welcoming heart. Sincerely, Tiffany Giwa. Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 9 of 11 Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty United States District Judge 2321 Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3309 Re: United States v. Harrescia Hopkins; 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS, Letter in Support of Defendant Harrescia Hopkins Dear Judge Geraghty, My god-sister, Harrescia Hopkins, also known as pebbles to me, is such an amazing big sister. She watched me a lot growing up and with me not growing up with my biological sister she was the one I would run to with any problems. My sister is a wonderful person with a beautiful sprit who has made some bad decisions. She teaches me to own up to my mistakes and do my what she says and not by what she does. Anytime she has made a mistake she owns up to it and does what she can to make up for it. My mom passed away when I was younger, so she really was there for me a lot. No matter how far I was she still came to me when I needed her. Pebbles is my heart literally and I wouldn’t know where I would be without her. I am about to graduate high school and really need her to be there, most definitely since I live in another state now, but even with me being over 500 miles away she still stays in contact with me and checks in on me. She calls me her mini me because I semi look like her. Harrescia has been through a lot growing up and some of the situations that happened to her happened to me. The difference is I was able to get help and she couldn’t or didn’t have the resources. She just needs some healing for all her pain. Sincerely, Serenity Snyder Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 10 of 11 Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty United States District Judge 2321 Richard B. Russell Federal Building and United States Courthouse 75 Ted Turner Drive, SW Atlanta, GA 30303-3309 Re: United States v. Harrescia Hopkins; 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS, Letter in Support of Defendant Harrescia Hopkins Honorable Sarah E. Geraghty: To know Harrescia or to those who love her most, Pebbles, is a blessing. She is a very responsible and loving young woman that will give you the shirt of her back if you need it. From the time she was just a small child, she has always had a very selfless spirit and that characteristic has stayed with her even until now. She is dependable and responsible, and I can count on her to come through no matter what. She is the glue that holds our family together and her siblings and I would be absolutely lost without her. She tries her best to set an example of where hard work and determination can lead you. From being one of the highest ranked in her high school graduating class, to receiving her college degree in a field that she loves, she has been able to do this all while never letting her family or friends down. Nobody is perfect and people make mistakes, but Harrescia is a wonderful person that I’m sure has learned from hers. I can’t find enough words to express how much she is loved, respected, and needed by us. She has so much positivity to share with the world and I’m sure that it is a better place because she’s in it. I hope that you are able to see this from the words on this page and pray that forgiveness is shown to her. Highest regards, Rachael N. Torrence Case 1:22-cr-00284-SEG-CMS Document 22-1 Filed 03/15/23 Page 11 of 11
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