Letter of Support

D.A. Sam Sutter
C/O Pam Cruz
Community Affairs Unit
888 Purchase Street
New Bedford, MA 02740

November 1, 2007

Dear Ms. Cruz:

I am writing in regards to the pending case against Temistocles Ferreira in the hope that justice may prevail for this young man. I have been kept abreast of the situation through the family and news articles. I have known the Ferreira family for decades and as the Associate Director of Admissions at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, I have had the pleasure and the honor of admitting a number of the siblings including Temistocles.

I, like many others, can attest to the fine character and stable, structured upbringing of Temistocles and the other Ferreira siblings. When I last spoke to “Tem”, we were at a family gathering, a multi-generational fun-filled event with well disciplined children and wise elders intermingling. This is the context of family life that I have always observed. I have seen Tem grow into a fine young man; I have known his wife since they began dating, and I have watched Tem mature into an admirable father. Our discussion at this event centered on community and world events and our personal and collective responsibility. Tem has always sought thoughtful, complex and peaceful resolutions to social issues.

The circumstances surrounding this case are in complete contrast to the values and mores that I have admired in Tem and his family. So often we hear of the neighbor who says that s/he was surprised by the action of someone who lived so close. I, on the other hand, have had so much interaction with this young man that he would have to be diagnosed with some bipolar disorder or other psychological disconnect that is deeply compartmentalized, as these accusations against him are so outrageously out of character for this young person. I know that this is not the case.

I hope that this letter reaches you in time to consider that perhaps a well-meaning but over-reactive police force made a mistake. I am advocating for the dismissal of the case. There is no doubt in my mind that Temistocles Ferreira is innocent and would not throw away his future as a good and loving father and husband, nor throw away his chance of finishing graduate school. As important, Tem cares too much about his relationship with family and friends; he is a good role model. I ask that you to review all character references regarding Tem Ferreira; I have great faith that there are no discrepancies.

Sincerely,

Wynora (Aquila) McCants,

Associate Director of Undergraduate Admissions (Retired)