On August 31, 1996 my ex-wife died. Before she died of cancer she willed our daughter Monica to her Aunt & Uncle, Richard and Linda Phelps. On September 3, 1996 I arrived to take my daughter home.

The Phelp's hid my daughter in North Carolina for two weeks and filed a petition alleging dependency based on abandonment. Judge Holder gave them temporary custody.

Despite paying child support, talking to her on the phone 3-5 times a month, numerous letters and gifts, Judge Holder put my wife and I through 14 months of proving we were ok, thirteen trips to Florida, an investigation by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, a complete psychological examination of my wife and myself, four visits of our daughter in Illinois totaling over 2 months, and then rendered the attached decision.

This judge has managed to accomplish taking our 5 year old daughter, whose mother had died, keeping her separated from her father for 14 months in the home of her Great-Aunt & Uncle, who have been seeking permanent custody all along, to where she now doesn't even want to talk to me on the phone.

The Judge found her dependent saying because I did not physically see my daughter during the time I was in Illinois and because I do not like (putting it mildly) my ex-in-laws he gave the aunt and uncle custody and ordered us to pay child support retroactive to the day my ex-wife died. This is in a juvenile court.

I am a Mason, shriner, vice president of a printing company, have no criminal record, drug problem. This insanity needs to be exposed. We will appeal in Federal Court and it will be overturned but in the meantime our daughter is being mentally, emotionally and psychologically damaged and God knows how long it will take to undo the damage these people have done.

We don't want anyone to lose their child because money and influence instead of what's right and legal prevails. Thank you for letting me vent and for your time. Any additional questions or documentation you may need I will be glad to supply.

Sincerely yours,

Mark & Nancy Stuart
354 North Aurora
Collinsville, Illinois 62234
618-398-4190 - work
618-346-1737 - home

P.S. A prayer for Monica's emergence through this tug-of-war intact and whole in mind and spirit would truly be a blessing. God bless you.