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News :: Prisons

URGENT - Eric McDavid denied critical medical care!

Dear friends,

This morning Eric called and informed us that his pericarditis woke him up at 6 am. He was having chest pains, trouble breathing, and was unable to lie down. Because of this, he went out for sick call and was given an EKG. The jail doctor told him that he was fine and that he NEVER had pericarditis - in direct contradiction to the diagnosis from the doctors at UC Davis Medical Center in the spring. When Eric asked to see the results of the EKG, the doctor refused and sent him back to his cell. Later, Eric requested to see the doctor again and they refused to see him. Eric's lawyer has filed a memo with the court and sent it to Scott Jones (the jail commander) and the US Marshalls Service.

It is imperative that Eric be allowed to see a doctor and that he be given the proper medical care. Pericarditis can be a VERY serious condition - especially left untreated. It is URGENT that everyone call the jail immediately and demand that Eric be allowed to see a doctor and that they give him the medical care he needs. If the jail cannot provide this, they need to send him back to UCD Med Center where he can get the proper care.

The phone number to the Correctional Health Services Division is: (916) 875-9782.

You can also email them at: inmatepatientcare (at) saccounty.net.

You should also call the main jail line at: 916-874-6752 of 916-874-6905, leave a message with them, and also request to speak with Captain Scott Jones.

Their website says that they log all calls and emails and that you will receive a response within 24 hours. Make sure that you have Eric's x-reference number when you call: x 2972521. They might also ask for his location, which is the Sacramento County Main Jail. If you get an answering machine, leave a long detailed message, include your name and number if you would like to receive a call back.

We are fairly certain that this recent flare-up of pericarditis is directly linked to Eric's atrocious diet. He is still not receiving vegan meals. His substandard diet consists primarily of small amounts of empty carbs, hydrogenated oils, and a bit of protein. It is crucial mention this when calling the jail about his condition, and demand that he be given vegan meals immediately. They have given him vegan meals and outside medical treatment before and can easily do it again, anything less could have severe repercussions for Eric's health.

We will keep you updated about this situation as more information becomes available.

Sentencing Postponed

Eric's sentencing has been moved to January 10. This is an upsetting development, as Eric was looking forward to getting out of the Sacramento County Jail - once moved to a federal facility, his general living conditions will likely improve dramatically. He will probably have access to better food, more outdoor time, more social interaction, contact visits, etc. The longer we have to wait for sentencing, the longer we have to wait to start the appeals process. Please continue writing Eric during this time (details about writing Eric can be found on his website: www.supporteric.org). This is proving to be a particularly difficult time for him, and he needs everyone's support.

Also, please plan on coming to sentencing on January 10 to support Eric. We would love to have the courtroom full for him on this day.

Finally, please consider writing a letter to the judge to urge the lowest possible sentence for Eric. The US Attorney is still indicating that they will be pushing for the maximum sentence of 20 years. The judge needs to hear from Eric’s friends and family – he needs to know that Eric is a well-respected, honest, compassionate, non-violent person. It is important for Judge England to know that the acts charged in the indictment are out of character for Eric. Some things you might mention in your letter include:

(1)How long you have known Eric

(2)How you met him and how you know him (i.e. school, work, mutual
friends, etc.)

(3)Any experiences you have had with Eric that demonstrate what you think
are important aspects of his character

Address your letter to:

Judge England
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California-Sacramento
501 “I” Street
Sacramento, CA 95814

Please DO NOT send your letter directly to Judge England. Instead, please send them directly to Eric’s lawyer:

Mark Reichel
555 Capitol Mall, 6th Floor - Suite 600
Sacramento, CA 95814

Please mail your letter with your original signature as soon as possible. Again, letters should be sent to Eric’s lawyer, Mark Reichel, and not to the judge.

Reminders and Miscellaneous

Eric is still doing fine on books. Please refrain from sending him more until further notice.

Eric's next hearing is still on calendar for November 15. This will be a hearing on the motion for a new trial and acquittal, which can be viewed on Eric's website.

Earth First! journal recently published an article about Eric and his case. The article can be viewed online at: www.earthfirstjournal.org/article.php
 
 

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