Dear Friends,

Thursday, September 4 at around 12:30 Judge Leonard Shapiro ended the deportation case against Vicente Lebron. Congratulations to Vicente and his attorney Lanore Glaser, sister Luz Lebron, friend Rosa Matos and everybody else involved. He was actually released late in the afternoon and I'm happy to say I had to privilege of having dinner with him at Luz's home the night of the release.

Vicente sends infinite thanks to all of you for supporting him during his three months of incarceration (yep - three months!). Your cards, letters and generous donations made all the difference. Thanks to the Jazz Foundation in New York for a hugely helpful grant, too. And knowing that there were lots of people on the outside pulling for him helped Vicente get through some harrowing times. His report from inside the penal system is chilling.

I also like to thank Manolo Mairena and Ernesto Diaz for filling in with the Either/Orchestra fabulously inVicente's absence.

The next step is to raise a little more money to help Vicente get US citizenship so this can't ever happen again. US citizenship is an increasingly expensive proposition between government charges and any classes or tutoring necessary. I'll keep you informed.

Also, there are more legal bills and expenses yet to be covered.

Please continue to help in the following way.....

Mail a check to:

Vicente Lebron
Accurate Records
343 Medford St. #4A
Somerville MA 02145


thanks,
Russ Gershon