Missive from Michigan -- Counsel for Convicted-Embezzler-Candidate Demands "Retraction"

I just received an e-mail from ERIC JAMES SHEPPARD, Michigan criminal defense counsel for the convicted embezzler who is running for the Democratic nomination to represent our Florida 4th Congressional District in the 117th Congress.

Here's my reply, and Mr. Sheppard's e-mail.  In response, I've deleted one word from my article -- "Felony."

I've asked CHRISTOPHER ALLAN EAGLE's Michigan criminal defense counsel for proof that stealing more than $22,000 from your employer is a "misdemeanor" in Michigan.

ERIC JAMES SHEPPARD

Michigan Bar Reg. # P71914 

(Admitted November 7, 2008)

Criminal defense lawyer for Florida Congressional candidate 

CHRISTOPHER ALLAN EAGLE, who is facing charges of violating the terms of his probation 

-----Original Message-----
From: Ed Slavin
To: ericsheppard16
Cc: chriseagle ; dbuscher ; 
Sent: Thu, Oct 17, 2019 1:38 pm
Subject: Re: Christopher Allan Eagle

Dear Mr. Sheppard:

Thank you for contacting me.
1. Please be so kind as to send me PDFs all of the public court documents on this case.  Unlike our state courts in St. Johns County, Florida, the Calhoun County, Michigan court system does not make actual court filings available on its website. 

2. Please share any documents or legal citations establishing your assertion that the criminal conviction to which Mr. Eagle pled guilty was for a "misdemeanor" to embezzle +$21,000. 

3. Where is Mr. Eagle today?

4. Has a bench warrant or capias been issued yet?

5. Accuracy is essential in a democracy,

6. Please call me to discuss. 

7. Christopher Allan Eagle is a public figure. See New York Times v. Sullivan, 376 U.S. 254 (1964).  

8. Mr. Eagle is  running for Congress in Florida's 4th Congressional District Democratic primary. He has filed no FEC reports.  

9. Mr. Eagle did not appear at his arraignment this morning. 

10. No more insults are desired or required.  Your angry attempt to chill, coerce or intimidate my First Amendment protected activity is, at best, facetious.  Please call me.

Thank you.

With kindest regards, I am,

Sincerely yours,

Ed Slavin

904-377-4998

www.cleanupcityofstaugustine.blogspot.com

www.edslavin.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Eric Sheppard
To: easlavin
Sent: Thu, Oct 17, 2019 12:44 pm
Subject: Christopher Eagle

You have published false and defamatory information about my client through your blog post. Christopher Eagle was not convicted of a felony in Calhoun County, Michigan. He was convicted of a misdemeanor. Simple due diligence and understanding of a court system leads one to that fact.

Please immediately remove this false information and issue a retraction. 

I have no further comment for you about this case.

Very truly yours, 

Eric J. Sheppard 

Attorney at Law

The Law Office of Eric J. Sheppard 

2109 Hamilton Road, Suite 206

Okemos MI 48864

Ph: 517-618-1580 (office)

Ph: 216-973-9996 (cell) 

Fax: 517-913-6321

http://www.ericsheppardlaw.com

ericsheppard16@gmail.com