Exhibit A — To the Honorable Judge James C. Dever III (Case 5:23-cr-00094-D, Document 44-1)

Summary

Exhibit A to Document 44-1 in Case 5:23-cr-00094-D, filed 07/20/23, consisting of letters addressed to the Honorable James C. Dever III on behalf of Monica Faye Barnes. Dionne Spell's letter states that the writer has known Monica for over 20 years, first as co-workers at Branch Banking and Trust in 2001, and describes Monica's catering business, Minnie's Banana Cups Catering Service. Sharome Renee Barnes's letter states that the writer has known Monica since 1996 and that the catering business is well known in Wilson. A further letter, from a writer who says Monica has been a friend since 1998, describes Monica as loyal and honest.

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Full text

                        EXHIBIT A




Case 5:23-cr-00094-D   Document 44-1   Filed 07/20/23   Page 1 of 5
 From,
Dionne Spell
2302 Sutton Place NW Unit B
Wilson, NC 27896

July 18, 202.3

To,
The Honorable Judge, James C. Dever Ill
United States District Court Judge
Eastern District of North Carolina
Raleigh, NC


Dear Judge James C. Dever Ill,


My name is Dionne Spell and I am a Supervisor over Accounting at First Citizens Bank. I am a very active
member of my church, Summerville Chapel UHC, where I serve as Choir Director and Youth Leader. I am
also one of the co-chefs at Monica's business, Minnie's Banana Cups Catering Service.

I am aware of the incredulous charges that Monica Barnes is facing. This entire situation is unbelievable.
I have known Monica for over 20 years. She and I first became co-workers at Branch Banking and Trust
in 2001. Our relationship quickly developed into friendship and from there she has become an honorary
sister. Monica and I learned early in our friendship that we both shared a love and great ability to cook.
We have spent countless hours discussing her dream of owning her own catering business and one day
owning her own food truck. While at BB&T she and her family catered the entire Mortgage and
Correspondent Lending departments for all special events and holidays from approximately 2001-
2014. Around 2016, I was so happy and proud of her when she finally decided to pursue her dreams and
she started out small by making lunch boxes to sell from her home. Her lunch boxes quickly became the
talk of the town, Her banana pudding should be considered lethal! Even though, she was doing what she
loved, it was still only the tip of the iceberg. Monica began receiving so many requests to cater events
that she finally decided to make her business legit and in 2018 she got her EIN for her business. After
receiving that, she began taking catering jobs for all kinds of events.

Monica has always been honest, dependable, and a respected hard worker. She is a woman of
distinction and integrity. She is a very active member of per church and cherishes her walk and faith in
Christ. She is an upstanding citizen and valued member in her community .. My brother, Roy Spell Jt., has
a community food giveaway in Wilson every three months and Monica donates several pans of food to
assist in this great community outreach. Monica is a woman that strives for excellence!
                                     .
                                                          .
                                                          (:



Monica is a single mother of a son that she has raised info being a well-respected young man. The two
                                                           )    "
of them along with myself work to mentor kids that face difficult challenges in life. We started off in
                                    I                     ,\     :
2013 first by doing this with our families, but over the years as they began to invite friends, it has grown
                                                           C       •
and now some of the older ones that we mentored are mentoring others.
                                                           '




      Case 5:23-cr-00094-D               Document 44-1         Filed 07/20/23        Page 2 of 5
I pray that you would take my heartfelt words into consideration. Thank you for this opportunity to
express my honest accounts and opinions.




Dionne Spell




      Case 5:23-cr-00094-D           Document 44-1          Filed 07/20/23       Page 3 of 5
 The Honorable James C Dever Ill

 United States District Court Judge

 Eastern District of North Carolina

 Raleigh, NC

 Re: United States of America v Monica Faye Barnes

 5:23-CR-00094D-002

 Dear Judge Dever,

My name is Sharome Renee Barnes. I currently work at Truist as a Lender Support Officer in Retail
Banking. I have been with the bank for over 25 years. I am married with three sons. I am also a member
of the House of Prayer Holiness Church in Elm City and have been a member there for over ten years. I
attended the University of Mount Olive and graduated in August 2020 with a Batchelor's of Business
Administration degree.

I write this letter to you concerning the current charges that are pending against Monica Faye Barnes. I
have known Monica since 1996. We began working together at BB&T and quickly became friends. We
would carpool with one another to and from work. We talk almost every day and our families have
become very close over the years. We continue to remain friends and there is nothing that l could not
ask of her that she would not do for me or anyone else.

Monica has always been a very loving and fun person to be around. I have watched her over the years
grow to become a successful businesswoman through her love of cooking. She is one of those people
that will give the shirt off her back and is always willing to help someone. Her service in the community
has been felt throughout Wilson as she is known for her Minnie's Banana Cups catering service which
she named after her mom. She comes from a family that loves to cook and she has taken those skills to
the next level with her catering service. She prepares orders that may include lunches, dinners and
caterings for companies, churches and individuals. She is a hard worker and always puts forth her best
effort in anything she does.

Monica is becoming quite a pillar in the community. She graduated from the University of Mount Olive
with a degree in IT Management. She is highly active in her church and is a part of the choir. She is also a
member of the choir at Carrons funeral home in Wilson. She works at the bank as well and I do not see
her jeopardizing her job, business, integrity or livelihood in any way. She would in no way damage her
reputation in the community as she is a diligent worker and honest businesswoman. She currently runs
her business and it has become well known in Wilson and surrounding areas. She has worked her
business for many years and I have seen the sweat and tears she has put into Minnie's Banana Cups to
make it the success it is today. Her business continues to thrive and I pray she will continue to have
more success as she builds her clientele.



Sincerely,

Sharome Renee Barnes




         Case 5:23-cr-00094-D           Document 44-1          Filed 07/20/23       Page 4 of 5
The Honorable James C Dever Ill

United States 0 1st net Court Judge

Eastern District of North Carolina

Raleigh, NC

Re: United States of American v Monica Faye Barnes 5:23-CR-0094D-002



Dear Judge Deve,

 My name is D0111tra Ballard,

   I am a 48 year old Real Estate Mortgage Closer for a financial institution. I have known Monica since
1998 when we worked at BB&T together. Monica and I became friends very quickly. I'm aware of the
charges that are pending against Monica. Monica is a wonderful and devoted friend. I can count on
Monica for anything. Monica has helped me get through a lot of personal moments in my life. Monica
was there for me wh en I lost both of my parents and through a divorce.

Monica has a reputation of being loyal and honest person. The willingness to give a helping hand as well.
Monica will go dhove and beyond to be there for her family and friends. Monica is and asset to her
family, friends, and the community. She is knowns for her catering business and have been in this
business for such a long time. She started this business by honoring her mother who taught her how to
cook before her passing. She takes strive in what she does and give her business 110% when there is a
catering involve. Monica has gone to other businesses and given away free lunches and wanted people
to try her food. Her business continues to grow, and I am proud to see how she is happy with her
dreams coming true.




Thank you,

Donitra Balla rd




                                               J5ttiii.GM.ji..Q                                             I

 Case 5:23-cr-00094-D                 Document 44-1               Filed 07/20/23       Page 5 of 5


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