Eric Jonathan Brewer - mlivemedia.mlive.com/news/detroit_impact/other/happy letters.pdf · 2016. 11. 16. · Eric Jonathan Brewer Email: [email protected] Tel: 2.l6-MMch J9, 2015 The HonorIbleDenise

Eric Jonathan BrewerEmail: [email protected] Tel: 2.l6-

MMch J9, 2015

The HonorIble Denise Page Hood, Judgeu.s. District Court for the Eastern District ofMichiganTheodore Levin U.S. Courthouse231 W. Lafilyette Blvd., Room 251Detroit, Ml48226

Dear Judge Page-Hood:

I didn~ hesitate when Happy Aske£ asked that I write a character letter on his behalf.

rm the fonner Mayor ofthe City ofEast Cleveland and I met Mr. Asker and his DIlIIIlIgeIIIent team in thatcapacity in 2008. He'd purchased a building and was planning to spend a considerable sum ofmoney torenovate it for one ofhis restaunII1ts next door to city ball. I welcomed him to East Cleveland with open armsand was neve£ dillappointcd in our relationship with Mr. Asker's business as corporate partners.

Since then I see Mr. Asker as having played an important role in helping to strengthen the Americancommunities served by his restaurants, and playing an important role in helping to stimulate our nation'seconomic and job recovery.

When Mr. Asker "invested" in East Cleveland there were less than 45 Happy's restaurants in Michigan. A storewas scheduled to open in Toledo, but the East Cleveland location was the first to open in Ohio. 1unde£standtoday Mr. Asker operates 85 stores that employ 2500 Americans in 54 cities and 6 states. He has made asignificant investment in economically depressed cities and struggling neighborlloods whose residents like minewere begging for businesses and the jobs that come with them.

Mr. Asker's investment in America means the mayors in the cities where his restaunII1ts exist have 85 occupiedcommercial buildings. It means they were renovated by local contractors and construction workers who usedmaterials from local building supply companies.

It means he's spending miUions ofdollars annually with Ioca1 wholesale food distnDutors and businesses sellingpaper products such as food containers, cups, napkins and utensils. In Ohio Mr. Asker's landlords are payingproperty taxes to support the schools in the cities where they exist.

More importantly, many of the Americans Mr. Asker employs may not have had an employment opportunity hadbe not been a visioomy who persisted with his dream to open not only his first store, but to have the desire toexpand. I know of one 24-year-old woman who started off as a teenager with the East Cleveland store and beprovided her with the opportunity to buy one, and today helps guide her success.

And !!peCifically, as it pertains to our relationship, I can't remember all the times Mr. Asker's business supportedEast Cleveland residents during an emergency. Every time our citizens were disp1aced by fire Mr. Aske£ madesure they weren't hunlllY. That includes the more the 500 East Cleveland residents who were displaced when afire erupted on one floor ofthe 26 story high-rise where I resided. And rn note that in all the instances whereMr. Asker's business supported our residents, we didn't ask for help ... it was offered.

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2:13-cr-20518-DPH-DRG Doc # 146-4 Filed 06/01/15 Pg 1 of 26 Pg ID 1875

fm aware of the ~ous charges Mr. Asker faced and was found guilty of, and fm aware offederal sentencingguidelines. I'm also aware that corporations and corpomte leaders have been fined instead ofjailed, or entered"no proaecutioo agreements," for acts that should bave been prosecUled lDIder the RICO statute.

I testified for federal prosecutors in the Northern District ofOhio in a criminaJ canplaiot involving the formermayor ofEast Cleveland and privately-held OMIlCH2M Hilt No prosecution agNWMUlS were signed withOMIlCH2M Hill officials who bnDed Illllllyol' fd served as chiefofstaff and Ilsked the FBI to investigate. Theirscheme included passing an ordinance raising water and sewer rates by a crippling 60 percent a mooth to raisethe $3.2 million II year needed to pay OMIlCIl2M Hill. It cost the city $1.4 million a year to deliver the sameservices with city employees. They aetualJy hurt people like an 85-year-old woman whose 5362 a month insocial security was consumed by a $I80 a month water and sewer bilt These were real community-killingcrimioals who federal prosecutors gave a pass.

Mr. Asker's crime was financial. No one was hurt. No one was murdered. No was raped or kidnapped. Nochildren were molested. He owes money to the federal government.

Ifjailing Mr. Asker for money win result in the 8S stores he owns and guides closing, and the displacemcnt of2SOO Americaos among the bard to employ "striving poor," that is not justice. It also maJres DO SCDSC from myperspective as a former mayor who knows how Mr. Asker's investments have supported and stimulateddevelopment in financialIy~baIlenged municipal business districts.

Ifjailing Mr. Asker for money wiD result in II loss of income to commercial property owners, or diminish thebottom line ofwholesale food distributors and suppliers, and cause them to lay-offAmerican maiotcoance,janitorial, clerical, stock workers, inventoty and more, that is not justice.

It's not good public policy to punish American workers just so the federal government can collect a fine andprove a point American mayors and council members in communities stnJggling to rebuild their small businessinfrastructure need Mr. Asker free and working. East Cleveland is now fiscally insolvent because ClevelandClinic closed Huron Hospitlll and took 1000 jobs and $1 million II year in taxes with it The loss also affectedlIClIIby apartment building owners and the shopping center. I know one building that lost 2S percent of itstenants a1most overnight. Both groceries in the shopping center closed. All this has killed the city's tax baseand it's now impossible to govern.

Jailing Mr. Asker, even for a short time, wiD not be in the best interesls of2Soo Americans who live in 54American cities or the Americans employed in thc businesses IDd institutions they support.

Give him probation. Require him to sign an agreement and make payments on a fine. Watch him. But don'tstifle this' ur's creative genius. He deserves a second chance.

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Honor1lble Denise Page HoodTlleodore I.evln U.s. Courthouse231 W. Lat.ryette Blvd., Room 251Detroit, Michigan 48226

RE: SENTENONG OF MR. HAPPY ASKER

Dear Judge Hood:

After deep thought and considerable reflection, I have decided to write this letter on behalf of Mr.Happy Asker for your consideration as you sentence Mr. Asker. Iwould also like to offer for yourconsideration that in almost forty (40) years In law enforcement, I have never written a pre-sentencingletter on behalf of anyone. I have long held the conviction that crime should not pay and 'don't do thecrime if you can't do the time." However, the last almost six years of my law enforcement career hasswitched from primarily enforcement to being primarily a jailer. With that change in priority, I havecome to appreciate the high cost of incarceration. Because of this, I now subscribe to a philosophy thatexamines the true need for Incarceration. The question, for me, becomes: 'are you scared of them orare you just mad at them." If society is truly safer because someone is incarcerated, then we shouldwholeheartedly and adamantly demand Incarceration. However, if we don't' feel safer becausesomeone is incarcerated, then appropriate alternatives to incarceration should be consldered. I believethat this simple question serves the best economic interest of the taxpayers, without jeopardizing publicsafety.

In my capacity as Wayne County Sheriff, I have an average daily population of approximately 2,800inmates at a cost of approximately $140.00 per day for those who are actually in the jail. On any givenday, I have approximately 600 Inmates who are on alternatives to Incarceration (electronic monitoring).These 600 inmates per day who are on monitoring have been deemed a limited risk to the public safetyand historically overwhelmingly comply with the conditions of their monitoring. This program has beenproven effective, and saves the taxpayers of Wayne County approximately $30,000,000.00 per year.

Because Idon't believe that Mr. Asker poses a threat to the safety of this community, I humblysuggest to this honorable Court that a fine, restitution and some form of alternative to Incarcerationwould be a suitable punishment for Mr. Asker.

Respectfully,

Benny N. Napoleon

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March 1,2014

To Whom h May COIll:Cm:

My name is Tarence Wheeler and I've been a community activist for over 20 years. Over the last 7years I've had the distinct pleasure ofpartnering with Happy Asker on multiple community initiatives.Whether it was passing out coats to low-income children or Happy's Pizza donating pizzas for our Stop theviolence basketball game. Happy's commitment to our community is unwavering; there's never been atime that 1called Happy to volunteer his time to the cause.

I've witnessed the impact that Happy Asker has made on the community, feeding needy families whootherwise might not have a meal. Not only did his donation fill an immediate need for families, but it a1lIohelp to lift the spirits of those heads ofhouseholds who were not able to sufficiently provide for theirfamilies.

The Happy Asker I've had the pleasure ofworldng with, is a kind, generous man who wants toimprove the lives ofchildren & families.

S~~IY, ( . A A

V"1t?Ah1r.0W~Tarence Wheeler, MBA

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Honorable Denise Page HoodU.s. District Court Judge231 W. Lafayette Blvd.• Room 237Detroit, Michigan 48226

Re: Character Reference for Happy Asker

Dear Honorable Judge Denise Page Hood:

My name is Terence K. Mathis. Retired June 4'" 2014. as a City of Detroit InvestigatOr. Icurrently volunteer as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff in Wayne County for HonorableSheriffBenny Napoleon. Mr. Asker and I been good friends for five years.

During my five year friendship with Mr. Asker. I have witnessed a man ofintegrity andloyalty to his family and friends. Mr. Asker has giving me emotional support, spiritualadvice. Through the years ofour friendship Mr. Asker has extended his unconditionaltrue compassionate ways. Judge Denise Page Hood,l have personally witnessed Mr. Askershow his benevolent attitude towards total strangers by encouraging words and true actsof kindness giving back to the community.

Mr. Asker intentions and efforts to the society has been a blessing to unprivilegedfamilies. Mr. Asker host several events in which my family and I were invited. JudgeDenise Page Hood, one event stands out, in 2012 Mr. Asker and Greater Grace Baptistchurch hosted a (Coat Drive) for thousands ofschool children in the City of Detroit, Icouldn't believe the loY in these kids eyes to receive a warm coat it brought tears to myeyes and It was very heartfelt. Your honor I had never seen my friend in such a heartfeltstate ofhumbleness and the true sense of a humanitarian.

Honorable Denise Page Hood I ask for leniency when sentencing Mr. Happy Asker. Takinginto consideration ofhis character and contribution to society.

Thank you in advance for your time and consideration.

~~--Respectfully,

Terence K. Mathis

Romulus, Michigan(734)

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February 25, 2015

James Ihedigbo

Detroit Lions

(Address available upon request)

To Whom It May Con~rn:

This letter is concerning my friend, Happy Asker. I met Happy last year when I was traded to

the Detroit Lions and he became a qUick friend to my family and me. He has opened his home

to us, had us over for dinner and BBO's at his house and we immediately felt at home here In

Detroit while across the country from our families.

Happy donated to my charity, Hope Africa USA, which provides scholarships to students of

African decent and recently launched our efforts here in Detroit with his help. He sponsored

my charity event helping us raise over $20,000 to put towards scholarships here in Detroit.

His faith in God and his commitment to his family are beliefs that we both share a common

commitment to and has bonded us as friends. I support Happy Asker and in my opinion, he is

a great man that has created opportunities and jobs for people here in Detroit and has given

back relentlessly along the way.

I have respect for Happy as an upfront, honest and hardworking person and great friend. I

hope that you take my letter Into consideration at this time as my friend is on this difficult

journey.

Thank you for your time,

~JZ---:es;edigbo,

Detroit Lions Saftey

832-


February 4, 2015

Stephen TullochDetroit Lions(Address available upon request)

To Whom It May Concern:

I am writing you about my good friend, Happy Asker.

I have known Happys since I came to play for the Detroit Lions, four years ago. WhenI got here, I didn't know many people but Happy was one of the first people andcompanies to reach out and help support my foundation here in the Metro Detroitcommunity. With his support and partnership we have taken children and failiesaffected by cancer to the Detroit Lions home games, granted wishes for dying kids,given over 55 Detroit families a Christmas buying them gifts and toys, and currently areadopting 55 schools in the Detroit Public Schools providing them with technologyneeded to have success in the classroom.

Happy has always offered food to the kids in my foundation programs and has donatedpersonally and his company, Happy's Pizza has sponsored and donated to theprograms and events I host all year.

Aside from knowing Happy professionally, him and his family have become personalfriends of mine and have helped me feel at home here in Detroit. He is a stand upperson that is a man of faith and integrity.

I have a small circle of people that I include in my life and Happy Asker is someone Irespect and commend for his hard work, dedication to his family and friends.

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OPERATIONGRADUATION

February 6, 2015

To Whom It May Concem:

While I haven't done business with Happy Asker, I consider him a friend and appreciatehis support of the JaJen Rose Leadership Academy - a public charter high school Ifounded on the Northwest side of Detroit He believes in giving back to his communityand our scholars were fortunate to receive new microscopes as weD as donated pizzaon numerous occasions.

Sincerely,

Jalen Rose

0pe0lIII0n GrallJaIIllfl is a 501 (c)(3) fl<Jf1-IlfOIiI o<ganizallon ra!*'!llunds to inftuenar 1he J...... Rose ~rsl1ip AaIdomy.Operllllon~ cJo JRlA

lSOOOTroJ-l Slreet, Detroit MI_(800) 975-0001


March 9, 2014

To lhe HONORABLE Judlle:

Denise Paige Hood

It's a privilege to present this letter pertaining to Mr. Happy Asker's character.

Happy has been a valued and respected neighbor for over ten years. He always lends a hand

whether In service to the community at large or our personal relationship.

Happy sponsored a COAT 4 KIDS program at Greater Grace Temple Church for under privilege

youth in the Metro-Detroit.

I personally worked beside him distributing these coats in this program for approximately four

years with some of the Detroit Lions football team.

My wife and sons have seen his support as well through assistance in employment and the

Chargers Youth football team in Commerce Twp. I know Happy has remorse for the choices

made that may separate him from his children in their formative years. He's a great dad that

loves his family.

A reduced sentence will help Happy, his family and the community at large. He will be deeply

missed by all of us.

Reginald Hill - Vice President/Fairfield Estates Sub

West Bloomfleld, Mi. 48322

248 (cell)


January 28, 2015

Mary Anne PlICbeco

Plymouth, Ml48170


I am writing to vouch for the character ofHappy Asker, who fBCes criminal sentencing before your court.

I have known him for three years, since the time I shared with him my work with nonprofit organizations. I runfree football camps for Detroit inner-1:ity youth with Lomas Brown and Stephen Tulloch, respectively, organizeactivity days at the Coleman Young Recreation Center; help provide schools supplies and computers for DetroitPublic School students, plan and run fundraisers for families with kids with cancer, and several more events.Happy Asker bas generously supported all ofmy events with food, monetary donations and bas volunteeredwith his kids at several ofthe events. He even helped me when my father past with food and support.

His two young sons, Sammy and Sonny were very good natured, polite and enjoyed being with their dadvolunteering to help others less fortunate.

I have always known Happy to be of good character, he is generous, kind, sensitive, caring and honest - he istruly a good man. He is the type ofperson who would give you the shirt offhis back. In my experience,Happy bas proven himselfto be an honest, hard-working man who loves his family, I trust him. Those whoknow him see him as a trusted soul who puts his family and friends abov,e all else. He is philosophicallycommitted to nonviolence and poses no risk to the public. He has close ties to the community and is constantlyadding value.

I have always found Happy to be ofgood moral charBCter. He is a gentle and pelICeful man, one time a couple ofvolnnteers started arguing and it would have escalated ifhe hadn't gotten the two ofthem to talk it out.

I consider myselfto be an excellent judge ofcharacter; in fact I am the Executive Director of 11 nonprofitorganizations that deal with underprivileged and underserved youth. I can tell when someone is being sincereand genuine.

I am proud to know Happy Asker and would be happy to testify on his behalf in person ifnecessary.

Sincerely,

, ~~~734


iTOPS Enterprises, L.L.C

March 23, 2015

Re: Happy's Pizza

To whom it may concern:

18272 James COUZlln5Detroit, MI 48235

Telephone: (313) 345-6601Fax: (313) 345-1044

I am wrttlng this letter to provide a character reference for Mr. Happy (Owner of Happy's Piua).Happy's Piua has been established since 1996 and has definitely been an asset to ourcommunity. During this time I've Known Mr. Happy I've become very familiar with the businessand his personality and work ethics and I am happy to share my impressions with you.

I have great respect for such a business man, whose leadership and integrity has been displayedthroughout. If I can be of future assistance, please don't hesitate to contact me.

The Four TopsAbdul (DUke) FakirManaging Artist of The Four Tops

"Tf·


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10 whom it may concern,

1Sophia King, have knOwn Mr. Happy Asker:lbr over fuur years. He has impacted mylife in IDIIlY positive way•. He is a givina, meet· •kind hl:lll1ed leader who always spreads levein ewrything he docs. Whether he is cooking for Ii school or taking the time out to giveback tothe inner city communities in Michigan.

Mr. Happy Asker has helped my tiunily when we were in desperate JIeCd ofasslsbmce.·lIe has impected my Iik in such positive ways. 1mnow Ilble to help assist others in my familyIIIId community. I have learned liom Mr. Happy Asker that giving to others in need is more· .VlI1uable tban mything tangible that this world can provide. I have seen Mr. Aak:ct help othersin need while cleaning up the inner city streets wi1h no desire but to hdp stimulate economic.growth. He has also provided OvCll"thousends ofjob npportunities to keep the streets ofMichigan clellll and desirably 'afe.

Please contact me at (818)7 ifany questiOllS reganiing this matl.et

1'hank.youSopbiaKing

lOOQ!!

, I" ··f'


March 22, 2015

To Judge Denise Paige Hood:

I am a parent at St. Fabian Catholic School. My daughter is in the 6th grade along withSammy Asker, who happens to be Happy Asker's yOWJge5t child. Their children and mydaughter have been together since Pre-School and it has been a pleasure seeing theirsmiling faces walking around the halls. Happy and his wife, Holly, always attend schoolfunctions and are there for their children. Whether they are cheering them on at a game,attending mass or making a monetary donation; their presence is known.

Whenever we have a school auction, Happy is the first to step up and donate to helpbetter all ofour children's education. Our school is very lucky to have such a generousfamily. My husband would see Happy at the DaddylDaughter Dances and always .comment on how involved and generous he is.

It saddens me to know that these children may be without their father for a lengthy periodoftime. Anytime away from my daughter feels like an etetttity and I couldn't imaginemyself separated from her. I don't know if it's my place to say but I just ask that youplease take into consideration that this is a wonderful father, husband and friend that mayhave made a mistake but please don't be too harsh when making yOUl" fina1 decision.

.

llidaKUi ~-Reference #: 248


Dear Honorable Judge Denise Paige Hood,

I am writing this letter on behalf of an acquaintance, Happy Asker. My name is

Ronald Farida and like Mr. Asker, I am a Roman Catholic of Chaldean decent. I

was born in the enclave of Highland Park, where I worked in my father's grocery

store on Woodward for most of my life. My brothers and I operate many

businesses now in Detroit and the surrounding suburbs.

The crazy business world is very complicated and demanding. There is so much

to deal with each and every day. There are employees, managers, partners,

customers, inspectors and so much more that goes on constantly. There is

absolutely no way anyone can do everything correctly. I do understand that

Happy Asker, Willingly, did something wrong and illegal.

I first met Happy Asker when our children attended St. Fabian Elementary in

Farmington. He struck me as a friendly, caring person. As a successful business

man, he also gave generously to the school and church. Happy has also helped

numerous people succeed in the difficult world of business. He offers turnkey

solutions to individuals starting up. So many people have benefited from his

generosity and help.

JFK said "Life is not fair." It is not for Mr. Asker. It's so ironic that a person that

has helped so many of his peers, has donated to so many charities and gives the

shirt off his back to anyone, in the end is sentenced to prison time. I have never

done business or benefited from Happy Asker in any way. I simply have gotten to

know him and others like him over the years. They are the kind of people that I

want to be my friends and neighbors. While I don't know the exact details of the

case, I know that he did something wrong and been convicted of something he

was a part of.

Honorable Judge Denise Paige Hood, I am asking you to please understand that

Happy Asker is a good, hardworking man. I know that these types of letters come

across your desk every day and that you probably don't read many of them

'.1 ~. . - IT .


because it's the same thing that you read yesterday. Actually, it probably matters

more to me. t have never written a letter of this type before. Although he is not a

close friend of mine, in the last five years that I have known him, I have been

surprised by the good he has done. I am from my dad's school that says you need

to help as many people as you can in your short lifetime. We are after all. one

people on one beautiful planet. Happy Asker passes this litmus test but with a

scarlet letter that cannot be removed.

I am fully aware of crime needing punishment. Taking a good man away from

his family for an extended period does not help anyone in our society. His

businesses will also suffer greatly. This could also have a negative effect on his

ability to pay whatever fine has been imposed by law. I have written this letter

for one purpose Honorable Judge Denise Paige Hood. I am asking you to please

be lenient on his prison sentence; because ofthe man that Happy has been in

helping others.

Thank You

Ronald Farida


February 4, 2015

Sherrie Handrinos

Royal Oak, Ml48067


'This letter serves to vouch for the personal character of Happy Asker. I have known him for over 5 years, sincethe time I met him needing help with community events. I am the President/CEO ofBoost I Marketing. Mycompany bandles PR, Marketing, branding, charity events and much more for corporate clients, professionalathletes such as the Detroit Lions and nonprofit organizations across the country. Because of the generosity andcaring qualities ofHappy Asker, I was able to enhance my events. Happy offered monetary and food donationsto every charity event making them a success.

Every time I have approached Happy seeking help for families with kids with cancer, making sureunderprivileged families had a Christmas with food and gifts, and helping 2000 kids get coats for winter, amongjust a few ofmy events, he was supportive 100%, including volunteering with his family. All I have to do ismention a worthy cause and he immediately says, 'yes' with a smile.

Furthermore, Happy remembers where he came from and the hard work, due diligent and long hours. He is thefirst one to lend a helping hand to others in need.

He surprised me on my birthday with an amazing party ofmy family and friends; this is something I willremember forever. Happy has opened his home to me, my friends and family many times including us in hisfamily's celebrations.

I can confirm that he is a man ofgreat integrity, very generous, greets everyone with open arms, is extremelydedicated to his family and work, and is entirely peace-loving.

As the owner ofBoost I Marketing, I come across people from all walks of life, I consider myself to be anexcellent judge ofcharacter. I know when someone is genuine and sincere.

I feel blessed and honored to know Happy Asker and his family. Please feel free to contact me for anyadditional information.

. President/CEOBoost 1 Marketing734-3


Honorable Daniell Page HoodU.S. District Court Judge231 W. Lafayette Blvd., Room 237De\JQIt, MI 48228

Dear Honorable Judge,

I reoentIy felt the need 10 hold a fundraiser at Happys Pizza 10 benefit Adopt a Refugee FamilylMosulRelief EffortlHelp Iraq last year. When the inlUal thought came 10 mind and I knew in my heart and mindthat that Happys was the only place to hold this fundraiser at Happys pizza corp has always beengenerous to the churches and to my youth groups and the retreats I help set up. One of the lebeats lied,one of our leaders was responsible for ordering the food, the day of the place bad< out of giving us thefood we needed for our retreatants and immediately I insisted on calling Happys pizza and right awaythey sent us everything we needed. When a corp gives so much without blinking an eye, its only rightand filling to glVe back and pa\JQnize them. I knew a meeting wa6 needed to discuss the details of how Ienvisioned tt all. The team saw how Important this was for me and went above and beyond to make surethat all of my needs were mat so that this event was successful. I made sure to get a blessing/ok. fromHappy as I met wi1h his learn to make sure that this fundraiser was perfecl Happy and his team madesure that all my request went met, and the set upllayoutland the team was reedy for what I thought wouldba an swesome event. The night of the event went well, and Happy attended the event in full support ofhelping me accomplish my mission. He made sure his staff had taken care of me, and that everythingwent smooth. One thing that really struck me, I knew the size of Happys heart and I knew from first handexperience his generosity. Wilh that being said, I was running around, making sure raffles were beingsold, people were enjoying themselves eating and drinking and just having a good time helping an evengreater cause. I finally had a moment, so , said 10 myself let me go outside and help my team out so theycan grab a bile to eat. As I walked outside I saw a table set up and endless amount of food and sodas,waters and deeserts out there. I asked my sister, whats all this from, she said "Happy came outside andasked what we wanted 10 eat, and we told him we were fine but he sent this all out and then came outsideand said if we needed or wanted more to let him know" I lnerally just stood there staring at my sister,knowing how generous he was but he never ceases to amaze me. That tiny gesture went along way withme. This is just one instance Ican think of.

Your Honor, Mr. Asker always been an extremely hardworking loyal and compassionate person. Hisdedication to his family, his friands, and his career are one that everyone should emulate. His kindnessand generosity stand out He makes everyone that crosses his path feel like they are a part of his familyand someone they have known for years. He mak.... &lrBnge", feel comfortable and wetcome. Happyslove for his faith stand out, especially attending mass as a family. Faith is number one in his life, and heinsUlls his in his children.

Your Honor, Happy is an important member of our community. He hes a great name with the community,and the young men see him as a role model and example of how a man should be and act. We have somany young men going on a wrong and wide path. When I see Happy in church with his family I alwaysthink to myself, I wish more men would coma as a family to praise and worship God. Your honor, pleasehave mercy on him, for his wife and kids sake. Those kids are precIoUs and Happy plays a vital role withraising his kids with his wife.

Sincerely,

Antonia Kassab

, ,~, 'If" , '


Ado t ARefugee Family Program

Adopt A RefM!lee Family Program30m Northwestern Hwy

Sulte300Farmington HUts. MI 48334

248-406-2052www.a<!°Ptarefugeefamily.org

To whom it may concern,

Adopt a Refligee Family has been established since 2007 and our focus is to help theIraqi Christians that have been displaced from their homes and live in Jordan, Lebanon .and Syria as Refugees with no support from local government at all. They depend onAdopt a Refugee Family to link donors here the United States with families in the threecountries. 100% of all donations go directly to the families with four levels oftransparency. . 4, \., . ..Everyone Is a volunteer except for a receptionist. But The only way to fund one full timeadministrator at Adopt a Refugee Family Is to engage with the local community and planevents such as annual goit outing, fun themed galas, events .at restaurants, etc... Manyof these events depend on volunteers and sponsors and Happy Asker and Happy'sPizza have b_n very supportive and genef"ous in donating many their restaurants forevents and pizza's to our events. We were able to raise over $22,000 In one night atHappy's Pizza & Pub in September of 2014 to help the displaced Iraqi Christians,

~A-Basil BacaU

Chairmen ofAdopt a Refugee Family


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. ·'·CHALDEANAMERICAN LA[)I~ARnY . '. .... .,., .... ..- ~ ·..~I.With jJridein the past • •• Confide,," in the present.~. Hopetorthefuture

. Jlinuary6,2015 .

The Honorable Judge Denise Page HoodU:S. District Court. EastemDistrict of MichiganTheodore LevinU.S. Courthouse..23 t W. Lafayette Blvd. Room, 251

.• DeIroit;MI 48226

··.Dear Hortorable Judge Derti~:Page Hoijd:

On beha1fo(the Chaldean American Ladies ofCharity (CALC), l!lmwritirigtQ youilbout.. Mr. Happy Asker. '•

•The CALC is a 53-year old non-profit organization that assists families and individuals (men,women and' clUidren.) that are in need and affected by poveny. Many tifthe flUllilies\indi.vidlia\s

... are alsO iTia'naging resettlement to the United St8~~ fleeing persecution for their religiousbeliefs in Iraq. We try to offer them a safe place to find emotional and economic support •. 'thI'Ough our baSic needs facility andvarioUs prognuDs~

Mr. Asker has been II supporter of our programs when possible. Over the years, Mr..Askerhai personally assisted CALC in achieving its miSsion to help those in need. He donated over .

.. 800 winter coats to CALC to ensure families have the proper clothing to face II ~ldMichigan

• winter. We hav.e over the years, distributed these coats to parents and children tbatcould notafforcho purchase theirown.' . . . .

Mr;Asker, thrOugh hisbusinessiS;iJ.ways willing to provide CALC ~th:much needed f~d. for OUf various programs; Countless~, CALC has reached oUt to Happy'S piZza for fOod .

doriaiiims aIldWe'veucVer bei;n turned away empty handed. An eXample of his generosity' •inCludes providing pizzas, for our: .. ' ..'

• . Christmas Story nme - Offers refugee families that are new to the COllntry asilfeplace to take their children to meet a biliJigual Santa, receive gifts for their children

.. and to interact and share a meal with 'other faniilies whd are stru&g!ingto assimilate'

.. to th.e American ciilture•. Many ofthe children suffer from depression 8J1d anxiety'

. PIIp.lof2 ..

2033 Autin Drive ITroy, Midaipa~2231PHONE: 248.528.0130 1FAX: 24.8328.0194>


•

due to the. atrocities they have seen while living in Iraq.. Many of.the'children·havegone for yeatS without any sChooling siIice they've lived in refug~ ciUnps for yearsuntil they finally. make it to the United States; Each y~ this program setves over100 individuals with a .sit down meal at the program, .

Whueto some, providing pizza, atneal, may not seem like much but to these fiuniliesit, provideS amuch·needed sense of stability; aD. opportuliity to have·apeaceful meal, shared ~th

others that Uliderstandyour pain and challengeS. Mr. Asker bas ken and we believe willcontinue to hem advOCate for these families and CALC by helping us and the families we, .slipport .

We kind1y request you take Mr~Asker'spast a1idcontiritiedgcoorosity andimpport of CALC .and tbti f'l$ilies we serve int6 consideration during your senlencingdeliheratioll,. 'We've always.been able to rely on donations from Mr:Askerand Happy's Pizza to ensure we're able to provide.the kind ofprograms and services our clients need.

ThaDk you in advance for your time and oonsiderati6n..

Sincerely,

Rita •. omniaPresident

. Chaldean American Ladies of'Charity

- ..CAI£ Is a.501(c)(3) cl1ari("b~orga"iz'llon• Tax_mpt # 38-233~3~3

2033AustiD Drive ITroy, Michigan 480~1231l;'HONE:248.528.0130 IFAX: 248;$28.0194 '


Ms. Renee & Company

Detroit, Michigan [email protected]

Judge Denitle Page HoodTheodore Levin U.S Courthouse231 W.lsfayette BM:i.., Room 251'Detrolt, MI48226 .

March 18,2015

Dear: Judge Denise Page Hood,

My name is Renee GlImore, I am the founder and owner of Ms. Renee & CompanyTheatre Educational Program. Ms. Renee & Company is a social, self-esteem drivenarts program for youth, established on April 22, 1995. I am also, the chairman ofseveral other youth programs. I am a community leeder. I am a member of my blockclub. I am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc" An advisor for AKA Teens ofDetroit, sponsored by Alpha Kappa~ha Inc., ChalJman of Emerging Young Leaders(Burton InIemational- Detroit Public School) sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Inc.,.(2010- 2014). A member of the dance ministry at my church. A board member ofCreekside CDC, and I 8EllVe on many other community programs.

As you can imagine, It is very expensive to be involved with 80 many delightfulcommunity and outreach activities. Therefore we can alwayS use community 8UPPOrt,dOllfllions and volunteers. .

Happy has always stepped up, with no hesitation, to support these community programsfinancially, with meals, and 88 a community volunteer (Mrs. Asker has been a proudspoke's person for our events/programs). Happy's passion for the community resonatesthroughout the community, neighborhoods and with his employees at Happy's PizzaRestaurtll'lllJ. Offend when Happy's Pizza Is donating meals to an event we are hosting,it is very wei noted how prompt, professional, organized and f1exlble the staff is.

Moreover, at all times, It is good to see Happy and his family, .because I'm sure to havea great experience learning from his wisdom, grace, and opportunity to helpothers. Happy is a standup guy, always sure to display a sense of commitment to thosewhom he admirers and what it means to give back. Happy Is no stranger to working

. hard to get the job done. We appreciate Happy 80 much for his tine, talents andcontributions to the community at large and most definitely to Ms. Renee & Company.

,

I,


If you have any questions or need additional information. Please do not ha&late toact mel I can be reached by [email protected] or on my cell 313

Sincerely,

Renee Gilmore


· -.

JIMSEBA

FARMINGTON HILLS, MI48334

03/27/15

The Honorable Judge Hood.

I beg a few moments ofyour undivided attention. fully understanding.prioritizing time allocation is a difficult choice. The cause is worthy from where Istand, I promise.

Speaking from the heart; as a father, a husband. a provider for my family andlong time businessman. I would like to share my thoughts and valuations of the manstanding before you, to be judged based on snippets of the man's life.

First and foremost, [ do not condone violating. bending. or breaking the lawunder any circumstances. With that said. allow me to sbare my long experience withthe family of the defendant and not just the defendant alone.

Our paths crossed around 13 years ago when my then two-year-old daughterDahlia and a kid name Sonny Asker which was also Zat the time, decided it wouldbe funny to pull my Dahlia's pants down. Mrs. Asker apologized and assured us thatSonny is not a bad kid and we saw no malice in what happened.and later had a laughabout It Later that day, Mr. Asker called me and apologized for the Incident nomatter how innocent everyone agreed it was. That day I realized that respect, honorand decency still exists.Sonny Asker ended up attending the same Kthrough 8 school as my Dahlia.Now inher ftrstyear of high school and going to her first dance with a boy ever.Whodoesshe, my wife and I feel most safe and comfortable with to escort my Dahlia? SonnyAsker.

Your Honor, you may wonder why the long-winded story and the relevance to thesituation at hand There Is a simple and ancient saying in our culture and heritagethat says, ·Judge the parents by the actions oftheir offsprings" Sonny at 2 wouldhave had an undesirable effect on his parents, but what happened later that day, tome, speaks volumes about the character of his parents.

We got to know the Asker family much better over tile years as all their kidsattended the same school as our kids. I got to see and speak to Mr. Asker frequentlyat school meetings, kids sports activities, parents/ teacher conference, daddydaughter dances, church on Sunday and on a personal leveL I have seen Mr. Askercarry himselfwith dignity while meeting witil Fortune 500 people and the samewhile meeting with an inner city kid that could not afford a warm coat in the winterin-which Mr. Asker was more than eager to provide as a gift:.

'0_ J-' "l'-


I can teU you unequivocally and without hesitadoD, iff were in Mr. Asker'sshoes today, tadng worst-case scenario, Happy Asker, would be the one Iwould entnut with my tamBy.

Once again, I do not condone violating any laws, In my opinion. and my bini's eyeview of the situation at hand. A lot of people manipulated situations and have takenadvantage of Mr. Asker's good nature and his eagerness to do good by his workassociates, may have contributed to him veering off the straight and narrowtemporarily.

Mr. Asker Is a good family man and deserves a second chauce.Mr. Asker is a true problem solver, a quick learner and deserves a second chance.Mr. Asker Is the person that goes that extraproverbial mile because it makes himfeel good and deserves a second chance.Mr. Asker is not a violent criminal or a threat to society and deserves a secondchance.

Please your honor; show leniency and mercy for the sake ofhis family, as Mr. Askerdeserves a second chance.

I thank you whole-heartedly,

JimSeba


March 24.2015

RandaKhami

West Bloomfield, Ml48322

The Honorable Judge Denise Paige HoodJudge of1he United States Federal CourtCounty ofWayne, State ofMichigan

March 24, 2015

Dear Judge Hood,

This lett« is a letter ofcharacter regarding Happy Asker.My name is Randa Khami; I am a retiIed educator, living in West Bloomfield I live inthe same community and attend the same church as Happy.

This comes from personal side, 11cnow Mr. Asker has, on nlDJlerous occasions, providedfinancial and/or moral support to many people in OlD' community. such as offering 1hemjobs and businClis. Unsolicited assistance, much ofthe time was rendered quietly andwithout limfare. People in our community; adore Happy and his amazing family.

Because ofthe significant difficultiCli that will be meed by his family, who themselveswere blameless in this crime. I would ask ofyou, Judge Hood, to grant Happy Asker asentence ofprobation or at least 1he lowest possible sentence. I believe that the lost timewith his family and watching his children grow up is truly a disservice. I cannot imagine1hat he will ever repeat any illegal activity.

I hope this unique man, with his love of this country and passion for helping people, canbe placed in a situation, in which he is able to continue to put his love and generosity touse.

v cry sincerely and respectfu1ly yours,


Ronnie J. Boji

Orchard Lake, MI 48323(517)i@bQjl~oup.com

March 17, 2015

The Honorable JUdge Denise Page Hood

Dear Judge Hood:

My name Is Ron Bolt and I have been a business owner In real estate development, property management andconstruction management for the past 2S years, with offices In Lansing and Southfield. I am married with fourbeautiful daughters.

As a successful entrepreneur and proud business owner, I am an active participant in the commUll1ty. In 2013Governor Rick Snyder appointment me to the State Transportation Commission and I was appointed by formerGovernor Jennifer Granbolm to the Children's Trust Fund Board. I have served previously on the Michigan StrategicFund Board, the Advisory Council on Arab & Chaldean American Affairs, and on the Michigan Center for Innovationand Reinvention Board Locally I have selVed on the Michigan Chamber of Commerce Board, Lansing RegionalChamber ofCommerce Board and the YMCA ofMetropolltan LansIng.

I am writing this letter on behalf of Happy Asker, who has been convicted ofa white collar crime. Happy has beenmy very dear friend for the past 10 years. Ihave known him to be a loving husband and doting father. As a dedicatedfamily man. Happy also cares for his elderly father who recentiy undeIWent a lung transplant In addition to caringdiligently for his family, Happy is also a successful entrepreneur. Due to a strong work ethic, Happy has estabIlsheda successful business that bas grown In size and value. Thanks to his faithful commitment to excellent customerservice, Happy has been able to promote growth within his organization, thus creating job opportunities andcharitable contributions to give back to his community.

I am reaching out to you In the hope that you will see the good In my dear friend and take into consideration all ofthe positive accomplishments In his life. He has a beautiful family who do not deselVe to lose their husband, fatherand sou. I am confident that Happy feels true remorse for his actions and accepts full respoUSlbllity for the resultingconsequences. Given a second chance, Happy would not repeat the same mistakes. Through his legal ordea~ he haslearned the value ofmanaglng his business In a way that Is honest and lawful.

Respect:fully, Your Honor, I request your sincere consideration of a very good man who has made some very poorchoices. I pray you will grant mercy to this gentleman who greatly deselVes lenIency on the terms ofhls sentencing.

Thank you kindly for your careful consideration In this matter.

Sincerely,

~~Ron Boll

" .. .. ...q '1'1' : .


Documents

Eric Jonathan Brewer - mlivemedia.mlive.com/news/detroit_impact/other/happy letters.pdf · 2016. 11. 16. · Eric Jonathan Brewer Email: [email protected] Tel: 2.l6-MMch J9, 2015 The HonorIbleDenise