The individuals listed below have signed this petition in order to ask the court to consider alternative sentencing (home monitoring, counseling etc) in lieu of incarceration for the case against BJ Eastman. We recognize that BJ was convicted of breaking the law, but also know that mitigating factors such as the horrific murder of his son and the long and drawn-out legal process for the murderers created an emotional state that would only deteriorate with incarceration. Give this man and his family an opportunity to heal and rehabilitate with alternative sentencing, not incarceration.

Dear Honorable Judge and Prosecutor,

I am writing in regards to, Benjamin Eastman, Case# 19-1-00086-21.

I would like to ask the courts to look into SB 5293. (Mental Health Alternative Sentencing). I ask this because I feel it would be detrimental on Mr. Eastman’s family and the community should he serve 1 year incarcerated in the DOC.

Mr. Eastman is a vital member of his family, community and society.

He currently pays child support for his lovely daughter. She enjoys her time with her father and as most girls, she needs her dad close. She is going to need those talks, hugs and laughs with her dad. Sending him to custody in DOC would only have many negative impacts on her mental health.

He is the primary head of house hold, he provides almost all the income to the house hold. He has held the same job for 13 YEARS. He supports his wife, their young daughter and his step daughter and step sons. Without his income, his wife will not be able to pay the mortgage, utilities, and will struggle with daily household items, groceries, school supplies, and will most likely be force to rely on social services.

He has been a mentor for his step children. They rely on him to be there in all aspects of their lives. He has also been a mentor to several other kids in the community. He volunteers and donates personally and with the Blessing From Ben Foundation. If Mr.Eastman is convicted of a felony and sentenced to incarceration, The Foundation and the community could be gravely impacted. The Foundation and Mr. Eastman are a crucial component in getting kids the sportswear, gear, shoes, money for sign ups, rides to practice, etc. without this help, most of these kids will not have the opportunity to experience youth sports.

Mr. Eastman has already acknowledge that he needed counseling. He has attended counseling and would continue to do so. He is not a threat to society. He is worth trying to help in a positive way. Incarceration of any kind is not going to help Mr. Eastman, the community, society, his children, his foundation, his family, or the judicial system. Our DOC’s are full of people that need help. They need guidance, they need a support system.

Sending him to a year of incarceration within the DOC will not be beneficial to anyone. It will only hurt his family financially and mentally, kids in the community will suffer without means to play sports, and strain an already full DOC.

Please reconsider your suggested 1 year of incarceration. Please look for a better option to use counseling and therapy.  He has complied with all the court requests and without question will continue to do so.

Thank you for your consideration,