[Js JANKOWSKI & SPENCER, P.C. ATTORNEYS AT LAW Six University Drive, Suite 201 + Amherst, MA 01002 Deborah, Jankowski ‘Tel (413) 849-0041 Robert}. Spencer Fax (413) 549-3818 Danielle S. Michaud 1/s@jsamherstcom December 27, 2016 Eastern Hampshire District Court Honorable Judge Mark Mason 205 State Street Route 202 P.O. Box 1490 Belchertown, MA 01007 RE: Patrick Bemben Dear Judge Mason: Tam writing this letter on behalf of Patrick Bemben and his parents, Peter Bemben and ‘Jacqueline Zuzgo. [ have known the Bemben family for almost 20 years, and count Jacqui and Peter as treasured fiiends. Since have known them, our interactions inevitably center around the trials and tribulations of raising our children. Based on those interactions, I know that Patrick hhas presented e unique challenge for them. Both Peter’s and Jacqui’s families have over century Jong ties to Hadley with deep personal and professional connections within the community. Peter is an active participant in many civic affairs and institutions. Jacqui is one of the top roal estate agents in Western Massachuselts. I always felt that Patrick struggled with the issue of reconciling his parents civic presence and economic prosperity with the pull of growing up with kids from a rural farming community with less social, familial and economic resourees than him, Jacqui and Peter intended from the beginning that Patrick pursue a college track, Being a restless kid, Patrick did not buy into the advantages of that track. School work bored him. He butted heads with his parents over their desire that he go to college. He preferred a lifestyle that was more compatible with that of his friends, which was tinkering with machines, hunting, fishing, fuming and driving ATVs, snowmobiles and pick-up trucks. He believed in the honor of canning a living doing something simple rather than complex. The one thing all threo understood ‘was that Patrick possessed a real innate intelligence to fix all things mechanieal, How to nucture Patrick's innate ability to fix things into a viable cateer path presented many challenges to Poter and Jacqui. Given Patrick’s reticence to pursue college, the family compromised with Patrick agreeing to attend a diesel mechanic training school in Wyoming. ‘That school did not work out in the way all had hoped, However, the family re-grouped and allJudge Mark Mason December 27, 2016 Page 2 agreed that Patrick would attend Greenfield Community College and take pre-engincering. courses to see if Patric could hamess and apply his mechanical aptitude ia the classroom. Patrick held up his end of the bargain, achieved high grades, and gained admission into the mechanical engineering program at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, While at WPI, Pattick proved that he could compete against some of the most gifted engineering students in the country. He performed at a very high level. Things fell into place for ‘him academically and personally, He was in a good spot. The tangible pay-off for this newly discovered work/life balance was the offer of a prestigious internship at Sikorsky Lockheed Martin. This past August, I spoke to Patrick at great length about his internship. He spoke with complete pride about the experience, and how his mentors wore impressed by his practical ‘mechanical skills and understanding of enginesting theory. He hoped that Sikorsky would offer hain a full time position, Tt was great fit for him, A cruel irony of Patrick’s current ordeal is that hho received a letter this week from Sikorsky offering him the coveted position, ‘The above narrative should be a life lesson about how hard work, paying your dues, resiliency, correcting mistakes, and living up to your potential leads to perspective and contentment, However, Patrick's optimistic narrative went awry. He took a hard left turn off his remarkable comeback story when he got into drugs at WPI. Only Patrick knows the reason why he went down that path, and the rest of us are left to speculate, Was it the pressure of performing at WPI? Was it the contemplation of his own mortality after suffering a life threatening illness? ‘Was it the loss of his beloved grandmother over the summer? Was it the pressure of obtaining, his first professional position? Maybe it wasn’t one specific event or situation but the culmination of all those events that proved to be too much of burden for him to handle, Another sad irony to this story is that Patriok’s parents knew that he was heading down a self destructive path, but they never quit on him, They contacted substance abuse professionals and WPI officials, but were stymicd by Patrick’s stubborness and the privacy laws, which severely hindered their ability to stave off the oncoming disaster. I experienced their helplessness and frustration almost every step of the way, but they kept trying to help him, They feared the worst and the worst happened. It is truly tragic to see a disaster before it happens, and do overything in your power to stop it, and then, in spite of your frantic efforts, experience the inevitable awfulness, That is the predicament of this fimily. Patrick is not a loss cause, He can be rehabilitated. He has proven abilities that are >eneficial to him and our socicty. ‘This incident is clearly a tipping point for us as citizens, Ifhe {s sentenced to a long prison stint, my fear is that we as citizens will forover loso the good part of him, He would then be a permauent burden on our society. This would be tragic, because with ‘proper treatment and counseling, Patrick still possesses the potential to be a productive eitizen with employable skills. He has an incredible support network with the resources to assist him every step of the way. His parents and family members are remarkable people who will do everything in their power to keep him on track.Judge Mark Mason December 27, 2016 Page3 Ifyou have any further questions about the information contained in this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me. Very truly yours, Tt li Robert J. SpencerDecember 22, 2016 Hampshire County Superior Court To whom it may concern, [am a manager of an engineering group at Sikorsky Aircraft. This past summer | had the privilege of having Patrick Bemben work for me as an intern. He worked full time from May 2016 through August 2016. | was shock to hear of the serious allegations against him. That is so out of character from the Patrick Bemben | worked with this summer. Patrick was very enthusiastic about working at Sikorsky and was interested in learning as much as he could about the work we do. He was always on time and worked hard throughout the day. He even volunteered to work late in our lab to gain addition*experience outside of his normal work assignment. | was impressed enough with Patrick's enthusiasm and hard work that on December 16" I extended him a job offer upon his graduation this spring. Unfortunately | received a return e-mail stating “The e-mail address you entered could not be found." presumably because of the situation he currently finds himself in. Please give consideration to the Patrick Bemben | got to know this past summer. The allegations do not fit the Patrick Bemben | know. Sincerely, William Lange Manager Hydraulics & Mechanical Flight controls Sikorsky AircraftDecember 21, 2016 ‘To Whom it May Concern: ‘My name is Susan Russell. I have known Patrick Bemben and his family for approximately 25 years, beginning with Elementary School in Hadley, Ma, Hadley is asmall town with a very large parental involvement in their schools. Itisin this capacity that my family first met Patrick. He was a wonderful, kind, young boy who played soccer and played well. We gathered for celebrations after the end of soccer season. We traveled to Florida with the Hopkins band, family and students, Itwas wonderful to watch the friendships that were forged between Patrick, my son, and other classmates, Patrick remains close with a core group of longtime friends dating back to those early years of elementary school. [know there were times when school was difficult for Patrick, Because of this, I was aware that his family never gave up on him and always worked hard to ‘encourage him to continue to work hard to succeed. Over the years, Patrick has enrolled in different colleges and programs until he finally ended up at Worcester PolyTech. I greatly admired that he had never given up pursuing higher education, When last I spoke with Patrick, he seemed very pleased with his accomplishment and his continuing education at Worcester Poly'ech. | was thrilled that he had finally seemed to have found his niche. When | heard of Patrick's arrest, | was heartbroken. | take comfort in the fact that, Patrick is fortunate in that he has a longtime girlfriend, Carolyn, who ‘continues to be supportive of him. He also has local childhood friends who have steady jobs, live locally, and have not given up on him. His family, though devastated, is very supportive and willing and able to assist him with rehabilitation and recovery. Its no small feat to be able to have family and friends who are willing to stand by, encourage, and supportyou when you have hitrock bottom. I believe that Patrick regrets the decisions he made. I believe that Patrick will take responsibility for his uncharacteristic behavior and I support and advocate for rehabilitation for him, Itis my hope, and to be honest, prayer, that Patrick can be given a chance to redeem himself after this terrible descent into addiction and behavior that is not the “norm” for him, ‘Thank you for your time and consideration of my support of rehabilitation for Patrick, |” Susan M Russell 189 Hockanum Road Hadley, MA.01035 : “Sone ea ,Your Honor, Reference: Mr. Patrick Bemben We are Ronald and Linda Michaud of 42 Harkness Road, in Pelham, Massachusetts. We have known Patrick Bemben and his family since 2002 when | joined the same Realty Company as Jacqui Zuzgo, Patrick's mother. My husband, now retired, was the Associate Dean for the College of Humanities and Fine Arts and Chair of the Department of Art, Architecture and Art History at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Our families became quick friends and we have remained so ever since, Beyond our common employment situation, Patrick and our son, Phillippe, were/are the same age. In fact, so close were our families that Jacqui and | took the ‘boys to Washington, D.C, when they were both in middle school, Both boys were typical and ‘age-appropriate; friendly, happy, polite, occasionally inattentive and immature as boys so often are, We went to several museums and memorials and enjoyed some of the best that Washington has to offer. It was a wonderful experience for both boys. Patrick was a delight and we remember the trip so fondly. ‘Over the years, my husband and I have attended events, both together and separately at the Bemben/Zuzgo home where we often had the opportunity to see and interact with Patrick. He might be coning home or going out, but he alvays took time for d wonversation with a stile and an appropriate word or two. He always seemed confident, happy and with a comfortable interactive demeanor; meaning, a hug, @ handshake and a brief conversation, We often ‘commented, particularly since our own son was the same age, how the boys were growing and learning and developing their distinctive social skills and abilities. To say that his recent involvement with drugs and the criminal justice system comes as a shock is an understatement. ‘the potential and promise alone that Patrick held; a nearly-graduated engineer from one of our highly-regarded educational institutions is itself so difficult to reconcile with all that has apparently transpired in his life over the past few months. This is not the course he was on. in March of 2014 Patrick traveled with his family out of the country and upon return he became very ll. Jacqui relayed to us during this time that Pat's illness was serious and it caused genuine fear among us all, As a result of his weakriess atid his serfous conultion, tne was put on pat medication, We saw Patrick after his hospitalization and he looked pale, thin and weak, He ‘was stil the same Pat - kind, smiling that smile, and completely appropriate however, he clearly displayed the results of his illness and subsequent slow recovery. We remember driving home and talking about what a shock it was to see how this liness had devastated the Pat we knew. Your Honor, we imagine that your position puts you in direct contact with the destruction and devastation that drug abuse visits on all aspects of our often fragile culture. You, more thanmost, must understand that the drug culture of today is far more serious, organized and frightening, particularly when compared to previous generations. While we believe that Patrick's illness and subsequent medication may have played a role in his current involvement, we also understand the seriousness of the charges against him. We further believe that what Patrick needs, like so many of the drug-addicted in our culture, is help; help to heal; help to return to the ranks of productive individuals in our society. ‘We believe Patrick has the intelligence and matu‘ity to sustain a productive, successful and a positively contributive future. We would ask that you please consider all of these positive elements when rendering your decision in his case. Patrick's current situation could well be the impetus for correction and healing that we believe he so desperately needs. He has a wonderful supportive family and extended community. We have no doubt that given the opportunity and professional help that he needs, Patrick will once again return to the positive course he was once so clearly on. Sincerely, Linda Michaud Frocks Masten Id MichaHarriet Levin 18 Laurel Drive Hadley, MA 01035 December 21, 2016 To Whom It May Concern: ‘have known Patrick Bemben and his family since 1995. Patrick and my son were in school together and 4 got to know him through school and social events in the community. He was in a Cub Scout troop Ico- lead and he played on sports teams with my son. When he was accepted into the engineering program at WPI was thrilled that he was setting and meeting goals fora bright future. I was therefore shocked and saddened to hear about the part he played in a terrible crime and the drug addiction that led him to make such horrible choices. | work with young mothers who are addicted to opioids and | understand the single-minded bad decision-making that addiction creates. Consequences of the drug-driven decisions take a backseat to the need for the next high. The drug rehabilitation process is a long road but | am hopeful that Patrick has good potential for success in arehab program. He isa bright young ‘man who has strong support from his family and friends. Having these relationships will help to keep hhim strong and resilient during the tough times ahead. The coping skills and self-awareness that can be provided by a good drug rehab program will serve him well to reach the potential i know he has to be a productive member of our community once again. —termut (au Harriet Levin“ag December 21, 2016 ‘To Whom it May Concern: My name is Susan Russell. I have known Patrick Bemben and his family for approximately 25 years, beginning with Elementary School in Hadley, Ma. Hadley is a small town with a very large parental involvement in their schools. Itis in this capacity that my family first met Patrick, He was a wonderful, kind, young boy who played soccer and played well.. We gathered for celebrations after the end of soccer season. We traveled to Florida with the Hopkins band, family and students. Itwas wonderful to watch the friendships that were forged between Patrick, my son, and other classmates, Patrick remains close with a core group of longtime friends dating back to those early years of elementary school. know there were times when school was difficult for Patrick. Because of this, I was aware that his family never gave up on him and always worked hard to encourage him to continue to work hard to succeed. Over the years, Patrick has enrolled in different colleges and programs until he finally ended up at Worcester PolyTech, I greatly admired that he had never given up pursuing higher education, When last I spoke with Patrick, he seemed very pleased with his accomplishment and his continuing education at Worcester Polyech. I was thrilled that he had finally seemed to have found his niche When I heard of Patrick's arrest, I was heartbroken. I take some comfort in the fact that Patrick is fortunate in that he has a longtime girlfriend, who continues to be supportive of him. He also has local childhood friends who have steady jobs, live locally, and have not given up on him. His family, though devastated, Is very supportive and willing and able to assist him with rehabilitation and recovery. [tis no small feat to be able to have family and friends who are willing to stand by, encourage, and support you when you have hit rock bottom. [believe that Patrick regrets the decisions he made. | believe that Patrick will take responsibility for his uncharacteristic behavior and I support and advocate for rehabilitation for him. Itis my hope, and to be honest, prayer, that Patrick can be given a chance to redeem himself after this terrible descent into addiction and behavior that is not the “norm” for him, ‘Thank you for your time and consideration of my support of rehabilitation for Patrick, Susan M Russell 189 Hockanum Road Hadley, MA 0103512/21/2016 My name is Debbie O'Neil; | have been friends with Patrick's parents for many years. | came to know Pat through them and from working in the school system in town and my children being in school with Pat and his brother, Andrew. | am very aware of the serious allegations against Patrick and think about Pat and his family every day, wondering what will happen and how will he get through this and what will be the outcome. | have spent time with Pat in all kinds of situations, with his parents, grandparents and extended family and also as a student in schoo! with his friends and teachers. Patrick has always been helpful, loving and supportive to his grandparents and family, he has always treated his friends and teachers with respect and fair play in sports. Pat has always treated my husband and | and my kids with caring, loving and Tespectful friendship. When he works alongside his grandparents, uncle & aunt and sometimes my daughter on the farm, he is happy and friendly and helpful and fun. When my daughter was having trouble with a boyfriend at high school, he was very protective of her and assured her he would be there for her. I hope you will take into consideration my views about Patrick, since | have known him since first grade. | am very entwined in his family and extended family and have spent time with Pat in school, family, sports, kids and holidays. Pat always greets me wherever | am with “hi, Mrs. O'Neil, how are you, with a big hug. | know how serious his charges are but this is not the Patrick | know. (Bafonal12/21/2016 | am Bill O'Neil and | met Patrick through school sports and my kids. Then | became friends with his parents and extended family, and became one of his uncle's best friends. | am aware of the seriousness of his charges but | have a hard time believing this, since it is outside his character. The Patrick | know of is loving and caring for everyone he comes in contact with. For example, when Pat and my son played on the baseball team together, we were at a teammate's home on the river for a end of the season picnic. The boys were all swimming and one of the boys threw a stick, which speared into my son's face and cut a large flap in his face. Pat took my son holding his face and brought him in to the shore to make sure we knew what happened and make sure he got treatment; he was the only one that helped him come in and made sure he got stitches. Please consider my thoughts and relationship with Patrick, since | have known him since he was very young, Bill O'Neil. Pull Pit ae