ORDERS IN THE CASE – Sacred Earth and Space Plowshares II, 2002
Carol Gilbert, O.P., Ardeth Platte, O.P., and Jackie Hudson, O.P.

Judge Blackburn has finally ruled in our case.

On November 8, 2005, Judge Blackburn ordered us to "submit a plan for community service in lieu of restitution." They submitted the "alternative restitution" documentation that many of you sent to us, which came to almost $600,000, plus documentation of our combined prison work and services provided since release and the fact that the court had declared us indigent at time of trial.

In the November 8 order Blackburn stated: "Depending on defendants' community service plan and the government's response, I shall rule on the papers or schedule appropriate in-court proceedings."

Well, after almost a full year, during which the three of us have tried multiple ways to receive a response (including a trip to Denver), the judge has ruled. We have received court orders entered October 19, 2006, in federal court in Denver, Colorado, as follows:
1. Order denying motion to terminate supervised release (signed by Judge Blackburn 10/18/06). (After one year you can submit a request for termination of supervised release.)
2. Order rejecting and denying Defendants' Joint Plan of Performance of Community Service in Lieu of Restitution and Joint Motion to Rescind Requirement of Supervised Release and Order denying Motion for Credit of In-Kind Payment in Lieu of Restitution (signed by Judge Blackburn 10/18/06).
Our status at present denies each of us the opportunity to travel for any reason outside our immediate federal court districts. This includes travel to visit family, attend congregational meetings, accept speaking engagements, etc. Carol and Ardeth are limited to the state of Maryland and Jackie is restricted to the western half of the state of Washington. We remain under the supervision of local probation officers and under the supervision of our mutual probation officer in Denver. Monthly reports must be submitted locally and regular visits are made by the local officer to our homes. Please send your prayers, light, and energy our way as we discern our next steps. We are extremely grateful for your continued support.

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