FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
This is a request for assistance from people in the New
York City area.
Please forward it to anyone you think might be
interested.
July 4, 2004
This is of importance to the AS community because this young man was on parole
and just arrested AGAIN for the same offenses. Darius McCollum was a very high
profile case for the AS community that was outraged that the judge literally
REFUSED to have him evaluated for AS and would NOT let this into the record.
His trial was covered by the media nationwide. It will be interesting to see
how this plays out.
Darius McCollum, who has been diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome, was arrested
at the Long Island Railroad yard in Jamaica, Queens, NY, after identifying
himself as an independent railroad consultant and asking questions about the
operation of new M-7 locomotives. It's alleged that Darius was in possession of
stolen railroad keys, including one that would have started the locomotive in
question. The FBI investigated, but has apparently determined that Darius is
not a threat to homeland security. However, he still faces serious criminal
charges, including: attempted grand larceny, criminal impersonation, criminal
possession of stolen property, possession of burglar's tools and criminal
trespass. His attorney's stated goal is treatment for Darius instead of
imprisonment.
Lori Shery of Aspen (Asperger Syndrome Education Network) and I have been trying
to coordinate support for Darius McCollum in his pending criminal case. Darius
is still incarcerated on Rikers Island, and is scheduled to appear in court
again on 7/12/04.
His attorney, Stephen Jackson, has now offered to meet with Darius's supporters
to discuss advocacy strategy and options. A meeting is tentatively scheduled
for Wednesday morning (7/7/04). Anyone who would like to attend this meeting
should contact me at DBettis@aol.com, and I
will see that they receive updated information.
The attorney says it would help Darius's case to fill the courtroom with his
supporters. Therefore, anyone who can attend the Supreme Court, Queens County,
in Kew Gardens, on 7/12/04 or future dates should also contact me at
DBettis@aol.com.
Suggestions for further action are also welcome. Thank you.
See also:
Some are the melody, some are the rhythm, some are the harmony