Hello, my name is Rick. As some of you may already know, I was headed on a trip with a friend to New York from Seattle. Our trip was cut short abruptly and very unexpectedly by the Montana State Highway Patrol. After obtaining a search warrant and searching my car, they put both of us into jail and unfairly charged us with a slew of felonies and gross misdemeanors. I am so grateful that my family and friends were able to scrape together enogh to make the $50,000 bond and get me out. My friend is still in jail.

We do not have money for a legal defense and right now are putting all of our hopes on the public defender's office. With a max sentence of 30 to 40 years in prison looming over, I'm praying for a miracle because that seems to be the only thing that's going to lift us out of this. Please, I'm asking everybody to help out with whatever you can. 30 to 40 years is a terrifying prospect and so completely disproportionate to the reality of what actually happened on the ground. Anything you can do will be a blessing and we'll never forget it.

If you've read this far, I appreciate that in itself. I hope to one day complete this trip, and even more so, not to be 75 when I'm doing it . You've all been wonderful to me with all of your support and well wishes. I want you to know that I wish you all the best. Thanks for taking the time.