May 29, 2009

Treaty Transfer Approved

Dear Friend,

I have the most exciting news I want to share with you and an experience that allowed me to feel what I would call the happiest day of my life.

The US Department of Justice has approved my application allowing me to transfer to a prison in the United Kingdom to serve my sentence close to my family.

When I was told this wonderful news by my attorney's words escaped me, but the tears of complete happiness came forth abundantly.

I am still waking up each morning and pinching myself to make sure I am not dreaming. The reality is that I will soon be seeing my loved one's again after so many years of separation and will be meeting all of my new nieces and nephews, which thrills me.

There are still a few steps that must be taken prior to my transfer.
One is to go before a magistrate Judge to sign my transfer papers. I am expecting to be back in the UK within a couple of months.

People are asking me, when am I leaving ? How long will the process take ? I don't know the answers and I am not worrying myself searching for the answers, because I know it will happen and for the first time in 11 years I am feeling inner peace.

I am taking the advice of a very dear friend. She told me to draw on every inch and moment of happiness into my being and let it wash away the years of anguish. I am and it feels so good.

I want to thank the official's at the Department of Justice for approving my transfer, the attorney's in the USA and UK who believed in me enough to help me from the goodness of their hearts, the UK government official's who have supported my return to the UK and to all of my family and friends who have fought for this day and continued to pray for my safe return. I could not feel this way without each and every one of you.

Thank you, Chantal

December 7, 2008

The holiday season is in full swing around the world and Chantal is busy working, training, and decking the halls of Carswell Federal Prison in Ft. Worth, Texas, USA. As we've come to learn, Chantal is determined to bloom where she is planted, turn lemons into lemonade, and drink from a cup that is half full!

The much anticipated news regarding her potential presidential pardon, which would allow Chantal to return to her home country of England, came on October 30. Chantal's DC-based attorney received a letter from the US Department of Justice Pardon Attorney's office, penned August 27. Here is an excerpt from the correspondence:

The application for commutation of sentence of your client, Chantal McCorkle, was carefully considered in this Department and the White House, and the decision was reached that favorable action is not warranted. Her application was therefore denied on August 28, 2008.

This was a very difficult letter to receive, as one can imagine. Nonetheless, she may try again next year in August when the opportunity is available. In the meantime, our prayers, hopes, and energies are focused on Chantal's Treaty Transfer application, filed this summer, two years after her previous application was denied due to the "seriousness of the offense." It has been more than four months since the current application was filed. We learned of her previous denial in less time.

This fall, Chantal severed a significant tie with her ex-husband, William McCorkle, and officially became Ms. Chantal Watts. Although the US government does not recognize the name change, Chantal will return home to England with her maiden name and is quite happy about this!

Lastly, thanks to family and other generous supporters, Chantal was able to become a student this year and complete two very important courses that have secured her ability to support herself when she is no longer incarcerated. She is now a fully certified Personal Trainer and Nutrition Specialist. This month, Chantal will tackle a Certified Endurance Specialist course and undoubtedly pass this exam with flying colors, as she did the previous two exams. Way to Go, Chantal!

Please feel free to write to Chantal and keep the encouragement flowing. Cards and letters brighten her day like nothing else can.

Chantal McCorkle 23033-018
FMC Carswell
P.O. Box 27137
Ft. Worth, TX 76127

Chantal and the entire Free Chantal network would like to thank you for visiting her site and for the amazing encouragement so many provide. May your holiday season overflow with peace, love, and happiness.

Cheers!
The Free Chantal Team

December 17, 2008 - Note from Chantal

Hello, today in the mail I received my certificate pronouncing me as a Certified Advanced Sports Nutrition Specialist. :-) I was so happy and passed with 92%! I could not believe my score and was shocked as I am not book smart and had to study hard, but it was well worth it.

I am hoping to start the next course as soon as it arrives. It is to become a Certified Endurance Specialist. It will entail knowledge in the aerobic and endurance fields of exercise.

Thanks for all of your support, C x x