Letter from Stephanie

I got a letter from Scates today.  It brought tears to my eyes.  I will cherish this letter for the rest of my life.  She wanted me to tell everyone how much she appreciated their support, encouragement, and presence at the trial.  She said that it meant the world to her and she thanks God everyday for such wonderful friends and family.  She loves you all.  I count myself as very blessed to be a part of Stephanie's life.  I am the lucky one and I will never take that for granted.

The next big step is the final sentencing.  This is scheduled for 9/12/2011 at 2pm in the Chatham Circuit Court.  We all need to be praying that the truth can be seen.  Stephanie has been wrongly convicted of something she did not do.  Something she is not even capable of doing.  Please pray that the judge can see that and have mercy on her.  Stephanie will need as much support as we can give her so save the date.  Please spread the word, we need everyone's help and prayers.

It is really important that Stephanie keeps her spirit up.  This is not over and she has a great battle ahead of her.  She needs as much support and encouragement as she can get right now.  She has been moved from Pittsylvania County to Lynchburg.  As her friends and family, please take a moment to send her a card or a note.  I know that it would mean a great deal to her and she needs to know that she still has the support of everyone who knows and loves her.  Just so you know, she may not always be able to write back due to limited resources.  She may also be moved at any time without notice so your mail to her could either be forwarded or sent back to you.  I will try to keep her status updated as I get more information.  It is also really important for people to continue writing our representatives so please take some time to do that as well.  The names addresses can be found down the right side of the page.  If I have left out someone that would be important to write please let me know.    

The address to write to Stephanie is:

Stephanie Scates
C/O Lynchburg Adult Detention Center (or LADC)
P.O. Box 6018
Lynchburg, VA 24505

I have included information on what the mail regulations are:

Receiving Mail

• When mailing letters to inmates, please use your correct return name and address.
• Inmates may not receive or keep in their possession more than 10 pictures at a time.
• Polaroid pictures and frames are not allowed.
• Pictures must be no larger than 4x6.
• Nude or revealing pictures of any type are not allowed.
• Greeting cards with mechanical devices, such as musical or recording, are not allowed.
• Bookmarks, plastic or paper, are not allowed.
• Do not send envelopes, paper, or stamps. These items must be purchased from the commissary.
• Do not send letters or cards with stickers, glitter, plastic, strings, or any type of pasting.
• Do not send credit cards, phone cards, or calling cards through the mail.
• Do not send any types of books, magazines, or pamphlets through the mail.

Receiving Books

• Inmates can only have three (3) paperback books at a time.
• No hard covers or metal binders.
• Inmates can only have three (3) magazines or newspapers at a time.
• Books, magazines, and newspapers must be by subscription only and must have a label with the inmate's name verifying the subscriber. They must be sent directly from a publisher, bookstore, or book club.
• Only AA or NA books will be accepted at the Main Lobby on Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holidays.

Receiving Money

• ONLY MONEY ORDERS MAILED will be accepted at the facilities. No drop-offs permitted. NO CASH, CERTIFIED CHECKS, OR PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Make money orders payable to BRRJA with the inmate's name written after the purchaser's name. Mail to:

• Inmate's Name
  C/O Lynchburg Adult Detention Center (or LADC)
  P.O. Box 6018
  Lynchburg, VA 24505

You can view the website here


"When things go wrong, as they sometimes will,
When the road you're trudging seems all uphill,
When the funds are low and the debts are high
And you want to smile, but you have to sigh,
When care is pressing you down a bit,
Rest! If you must-but never quit.
Life is queer, with its twists and turns,
As every one of us sometimes learns,
And many a failure turns about
When he might of won if he'd stuck it out;
Stick to your task, though the pace seems slows-
You may succeed with one more blow.
Success is failure turned inside out-
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt-
And you may never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit-
It's when things seem worse that YOU MUSN'T QUIT."

-Anon