Family in Crisis: Facing False Accusations

I am reaching out for help during one of the darkest times of my life. In less than 48 hours, I lost my job, drained all my savings, and was wrongfully arrested—all because of a lie.

To give you some background: about a year ago, I reported a terrible crime. A close family member with an intellectual and developmental disability (IDD) was being sexually molested by her stepfather and impregnated her. As a teacher, I had a duty to report what was happening, and because of that report, this man was arrested and is now in jail.

Fast forward to today, two friends of the abuser have fabricated a story about me forging an affidavit. This is absolutely not true. This is their attempt to help this man get a reduced charge or freed from jail. Despite the lack of any evidence, their claims were enough for stepfather’s defense lawyer to convince them to file an official report, which led to an arrest warrant being issued against me, my father and my sister.

In the blink of an eye, I found myself arrested, spending a night in Jail—something I never imagined would happen in my life. I had to hire a lawyer immediately, spending all of my savings on legal fees and bail. I’m now facing a first-degree felony charge for "Tampering with a Witness," which carries a potential sentence of up to 99 years in prison, with a minimum of 20 years.

I immediately informed my employer about the situation, and they were incredibly supportive, but HR had no choice but to give me two options: either resign with a good reference or go on leave and face nonrenewal. The only logical option to save my future was to resign.

My lawyer, from Cofer & Connelly, PLLC, is currently reviewing my case, and the evidence is overwhelmingly in my favor. The affidavit in question was notarized in another state on November of last year—the same day I was working in Pasadena and had never even been to that state. Despite the clear proof of my innocence, I’m still dealing with the fallout: I’ve lost my job, drained my savings, and now face mounting legal fees.

My wife and children are struggling with the emotional and financial toll of this situation. With no job, no savings, and no way to support my family, we’re in a desperate place. I’m facing legal fees of $15,000, and the emotional burden is unbearable. The current felony arrest on my record is making it impossible to find work, and every two weeks, I have to make an 8-hour round trip to meet with my parole officer. Court hearings are frequent, and I’m trying to keep my family afloat during this trying time.

I need your help. My lawyer is fighting for my freedom, but I can’t do it without financial support. Your donation will go directly toward paying for the remaining legal fees. Any contribution, no matter how small, will make a significant difference and will allow me to continue to fight for justice for my family.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity, and support during this unimaginable time.