Here is a copy of the support letter and photos sent to the board from Deborah's daughter, Sarah. Her other daughter, Angel, is unable to write a letter since passing away in 2014. Deborah needs to be home with her only surviving child and grandchildren! 

Letter of Support 

Honorable members of the parole board,

I am writing to express my support for parole of Deborah Mosby. She has been an inspiration to me not only as my mother but as a spiritual advocate. Deborah has been an active part of my life and the life of her two grandchildren despite the physical separation of her imprisonment. Her oldest granddaughter, Leah, just turned 4 years old and enjoys playing games with her "Gammie" over the phone. She has learned when Gammie calls that she has to wait and then press 0 unlike the other phone calls on mommy's phone. She knows Gammie's calls are special. Leah hasn't physically seen her grandmother since February 2020 due to the pandemic but she certainly remembers her and wonders why she can't see Gammie. I recall going through this exact line of questioning when I was 4 years old when my mother was imprisoned initially. It's confusing and painful to a child. I recall not understanding the sudden restrictions and strict rules surrounding seeing and speaking to my mother. I recall having clinical depression at 5 years old and crying for 2 years straight because I missed my mommy. And of course, I recall my entire childhood being disrupted due to her imprisonment. My mother was and always has been my hero despite our physical distance. Now that Leah is the same age I was when my mother went to prison, the wounds are re-opened again. In fact, they are re-opened each time there is a parole hearing because we have to re-visit the pain for hearings instead of continuing to focus on healing and growing as a family as we do normally. I get to go back through the endless questions of "will we think of everything the board wants to know?" Each denial is another devastation to our entire family. 

I normally write these letters to try to outline Deborah's character but this time I choose to appeal to the board's humanity by expressing my personal feelings through my journey with my mother. Her character witness is evident from the numerous letters that you've undoubtedly received along with the phone calls and personal visits from those that have worked with her in the prison. 

Since the last visit with her in February 2020, I became pregnant again and had a little girl, Hannah, in December 2020. Deborah has not been able to see or hold her new granddaughter, yet MDOC is allowing strangers to visit within the facilities on the basis of being "volunteers". As if there is not enough pain in our family from the physical separation, it hurts more to hear word from these wonderful volunteers and staff talk about how close they are with my mother. To me, they have a privilege that I could only wish for... 

I appeal to the board to please give Deborah an opportunity to transition into parole so she can serve the remainder or her sentence within society and within access of her family who loves her dearly. 

As a Vocational Rehabilitation counselor, I am more than equipped and willing to assist where possible for her transition. Her support system is able to face the dynamic events that may arise as she transitions in order to help her maintain healthy adaptation to the world in 2021 as it is very different from the 1990s. As a senior patrolman, my husband is also able to utilize resources within his profession to ensure Deborah has access to proper support. And aside from her family support, Deborah has many friends throughout the state that are more than willing and able to assist her with long-term independent living arrangements.

I plead with the board to seriously reconsider Deborah Mosby for immediate parole in 2021. I also plead for transparency from the board regarding a parole decision. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Please don't hesitate to call if needed! I am also more than willing to meet with the board either in person or zoom. I have not done so due to my pregnancy and COVID, but now that I have had the baby, I am able to do that.  Thanks again!

Sarah Hagwood