Benefit planned for Arlington man detained in Mexican jail
Published on Thu, Mar 12, 2009 by Beckye RandallRead More Local News
On March 3, the Chrisman family in Arlington got the word that 88-year-old Ed Chrisman would be released from a Mexican prison where he had been held, along with his grandson, Gary Chrisman Jr., since January 8.
The family isn't celebrating yet, though, because they've been told at least six times the men's release was imminent and it hasn't materialized. As of March 8, there was no word yet that either of the Chrisman men had been released.
Larry Stickney, a neighbor of the Chrisman family in Arlington, was shocked when he heard about the elder Chrisman's ordeal.
"I thought, that's my next door neighbor. How could this happen?" Stickney asked rhetorically.
To assist the family, Stickney and fellow Arlington Heights resident and county councilman John Koster have organized a community breakfast to help raise funds for the family's rising legal and travel costs. The benefit is planned for Saturday, March 14, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Arlington Heights Improvement Club, 12221-228th St. NE. The meal will be a continental breakfast with pastries, fruit, juice and Starbucks coffee.
Ed Chrisman is a respected figure in the Arlington community and an active member of the Assembly of God Church.
"Much of the Chrisman family will be attending the breakfast," said Stickney. "The family has spent more than $12,000 in legal and travel costs and we're sure the community will want to help with their ordeal."
To reserve a spot at the breakfast table, e-mail stickneyfamily@comcast.net, or phone Larry Stickney at (360) 631-1894.
Those unable to attend can also donate to the Ed Chrisman Litigation Fund at any Key Bank location.
Ed Chrisman and Gary Chrisman Jr. had crossed the border from Yuma, Arizona, on a quick trip in early January and had been taking photos representing Mexican culture, according to the family. At a small store, the younger Chrisman asked two teenage girls if he could photograph them and paid the girls' mother $25 for the fully clothed shot. The mother started demanding more money, according to news accounts, and the men were eventually arrested on charges of pornography. They have steadfastly claimed their innocence.
The family isn't celebrating yet, though, because they've been told at least six times the men's release was imminent and it hasn't materialized. As of March 8, there was no word yet that either of the Chrisman men had been released.
Larry Stickney, a neighbor of the Chrisman family in Arlington, was shocked when he heard about the elder Chrisman's ordeal.
"I thought, that's my next door neighbor. How could this happen?" Stickney asked rhetorically.
To assist the family, Stickney and fellow Arlington Heights resident and county councilman John Koster have organized a community breakfast to help raise funds for the family's rising legal and travel costs. The benefit is planned for Saturday, March 14, from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the Arlington Heights Improvement Club, 12221-228th St. NE. The meal will be a continental breakfast with pastries, fruit, juice and Starbucks coffee.
Ed Chrisman is a respected figure in the Arlington community and an active member of the Assembly of God Church.
"Much of the Chrisman family will be attending the breakfast," said Stickney. "The family has spent more than $12,000 in legal and travel costs and we're sure the community will want to help with their ordeal."
To reserve a spot at the breakfast table, e-mail stickneyfamily@comcast.net, or phone Larry Stickney at (360) 631-1894.
Those unable to attend can also donate to the Ed Chrisman Litigation Fund at any Key Bank location.
Ed Chrisman and Gary Chrisman Jr. had crossed the border from Yuma, Arizona, on a quick trip in early January and had been taking photos representing Mexican culture, according to the family. At a small store, the younger Chrisman asked two teenage girls if he could photograph them and paid the girls' mother $25 for the fully clothed shot. The mother started demanding more money, according to news accounts, and the men were eventually arrested on charges of pornography. They have steadfastly claimed their innocence.
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