Carl Brizzi for Prosecutor

I hope this finds you well. The past several days have certainly been challenging for me. As a supporter, I wanted to reach out to you and address the issues that have recently been raised in the local media.

I've received dozens and dozens of media questions over the last two weeks and though I've tried to address them, I believe it is important that you hear from me in an unedited fashion.

The FBI is investigating an Ohio-based company called Fair Financial which is operated by Tim Durham. Tim is someone I have called a friend for several years. He has been a supporter and generous contributor to many political candidates, Party committees, and charitable organizations.

He has served on various boards and committees and he served as the Finance Chairman for my 2006 campaign. As Finance Chairman, he worked with other members of our finance team and solicited contributions, hosted a few events, and contributed financially. While his contributions were significant, I've raised over 4 million dollars from thousands of contributors since the beginning of my first campaign.

Over the course of the 4 years leading up to my re-election, Durham contributed nearly $140,000 and in-kinded event costs and transportation with a total valued at roughly $30,000. In the last 3 years, he has contributed $2500 and in-kinded event costs valued at roughly $17,000.

All of these details have been reported over the years in accordance with campaign finance laws. I also reported transportation in-kinds from Durham, which includes airfare to the 2007 Super Bowl, on my personal financial disclosure statements which are filed annually with the state.

This summer, Durham asked me if I wanted to fill a recent vacancy on the board of one of his companies, Ohio-based Fair Financial. I joined the board in September of 2009 and upon learning of an Indianapolis Business Journal article questioning the business practices of Fair Financial in late October, I communicated with Tim and indicated that I was no longer interested in serving on the board.

In the limited time I served on the board, I never attended a meeting and was never compensated for serving as a board member. I never borrowed money or received contributions from Fair Financial or Fair Holdings. Most importantly, I am unaware of any illegal business practices associated with Fair Financial or Fair Holdings.

Recent media reports also indicate that the Securities and Exchange Commission is investigating Durham's role in a company called CellStar or CLST Holdings. I began buying stock in Cellstar, a publicly-traded company, in 2005 after discussing the investment, as well as other companies, with friends and financial advisors as part of my overall investment planning.

I have no knowledge of the SEC investigation. I have disclosed my investment in this stock, in addition to others which have no connection to Durham, on my annual financial disclosure reports with the state. The current value of my stock in CLST Holdings is approximately $7,500.

Over the past 12-15 years, I've made a variety of investments in securities, rental properties, and businesses. To the best of my knowledge there are no other businesses, stocks, or investments in which Durham and I both have an interest.

As a public official, I am, understandably and appropriately, held to a higher standard - and any association or action is subject to greater scrutiny. As Prosecutor, I manage an office of approximately 400 full-time employees and an annual operating budget in excess of 28 million dollars. In hindsight, I should have conducted greater due diligence with regard to Fair Financial before agreeing to serve on the board.

It has been my honor to serve as the Marion County Prosecutor. Over the last seven years, with the hard work of a great team of attorneys and professionals, we have accomplished great results and brought justice for thousands of victims. I deeply regret any degree to which the recent events have been a distraction from the noble work and recent successes of our office.

Again, I want to thank you for your past support. I appreciate you taking the time to read this message and I hope that it gives you a better understanding of the issues at hand. I will work with our team in the Prosecutor's office to focus on our mission and will continue to with work with our public safety partners to make our community safer.

Sincerely,

Carl Brizzi