Know how to Stay Positive in the Face of Adversity

I am writing to you in support of Gregory Reyes, My name is Diane and I am an executive with GE, working out of New York, NY. I have been with GE for more than 18 years and am currently a Managing Director in GE Corporate Financial Services, Inc. I work closely with a group of private equity clients, providing primarily debt and equity financing for their acquisition and investing activities. I am married to R. Mark Burton and we live in Fairfield Connecticut with our three children. We are active in our community, supporting the public school system through the PTA and other volunteer programs, coaching youth sports and contributing our time and charitable donations to several local organizations.

I came to know Greg more than 18 Years ago when he was dating his now wife, Penny, who is my closest friend. Penny and 1 have known each other since third grade and have remained very close through the years, despite living on opposite coasts these last 12+ years. Our friendship has always been very important to us and we've managed to see each other at least once a year. We've shared our families with each other and have also spent many hours alone talking about our lives and our relationships.

Given my friendship with Penny, I have had many opportunities to spend time with Greg over the years and know him to be a very honest and good man. He is generous and gracious and a devoted and loving husband to Penny and father to Greg Jr. and Rebecca. I know that nothing has been more important to Greg than spending time with Penny and the kids, at their home in Saratoga California or at a vacation property.

He's also been a loving and generous son-in-law to Penny's parents, Dick and Joan Bradley. Several years ago Greg arranged and paid for Penny's parents to move from Florida to a community close to his and Penny's home in Saratoga, CA. He knew, not only how much Penny missed them, but also how important it was for his kids to have their grandparents participate in a meaningful way in their lives. I know that having her parents nearby has been very special for Penny and also a source of great comfort and support for the family with all that has gone on in recent years.

The last couple of years have been nightmarish for Greg, Penny and their kids. They are very private people, living a normal life, driving their kids to school, staying in on Saturday night to watch movies and spending time with family and friends. It’s been impossible for them to go about their lives with any sort of normalcy, as the indictment and court proceedings have been so public. Penny and the kids, in particular, have been deeply affected. The constant fear of what might happen to Greg has made life almost unbearable.

I have so admired how Penny and Greg have conducted themselves throughout this ordeal. They have managed to stay positive in the face of adversity, as they've had complete conviction in Greg's innocence. They've also had confidence in their legal representation but, more than anything, they’ve had faith in our country’s justice system. As difficult as it's been thus far, it will be completely devastating for Penny and the kids if Greg is separated from them through incarceration. The children are at very delicate aged and need the loving support of both parents at home.

On behalf of Greg and his family, I ask that as you consider your sentencing options, you show compassion toward Greg.

Greg Reyes