Judge Gary Giguere: A hero, indeed!

It’s no secret that an action film inspired by the story of Doug Tjapkes helping a wrongly convicted prisoner named Maurice Carter is in the works. I became Maurice’s partner in the late 1990s under some providential circumstances, and that decision changed my life. I fought at his side for nearly a decade, hoping to clear his name and gain his freedom. 

The story became a book, then a stage play, and now a movie, and the names of numerous heroes are listed. However, there was a critical player in this story whose name was seldom mentioned. As my Maurice Carter memories get rekindled during the making of this movie, I’m compelled to set the record straight. 

The person I’m talking about is Hon. Gary C. Giguere, Jr., Kalamazoo County Chief Judge Circuit/Probate Court. At that time, we knew him as Gary Giguere, a young criminal defense attorney with the prestigious Kalamazoo law firm of Levine and Levine. 

The powerful legal forces that we were able to mobilize behind the Carter case became well-known: The University of Wisconsin Innocence Project; the Medill School of Journalism Innocence Project; Northwestern University’s Center on Wrongful Convictions; and, the Toronto-based Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted. But you will note: None of these programs were based in Michigan. Someone either had to be cleared to practice law in Michigan, or we needed a Michigan attorney to represent Maurice in the Michigan judicial system. Enter the name Gary Giguere. 

It was around the turn of the century when Gary joined our team. Quietly, and with little fanfare, he and his firm started formatting briefs and pleadings. When necessary, Gary appeared in court with Professor Keith Findley, University of Wisconsin IP Director who was coordinating our battle. Being close to Berrien County, Gary also did PR-type stuff for the team, and provided legal updates for our little Citizens Committee for the Release of Maurice Carter. 

It's important to note, though, that Gary really earned his keep by using his exceptional political connections when we needed a compassionate release for Maurice due to his health problems. His personal influence was no insignificant matter as the case progressed through the Parole Board to the Michigan Governor. 

One can only imagine how this years-long emotional ride aboard the Berrien County injustice roller-coaster helped to create an outstanding and understanding judge for Kalamazoo County! 

Gary received no pay, and little or no recognition for his services on behalf of Maurice Carter. Today, speaking for all of us who worked on this case, a very belated but much deserved THANK YOU! 

“I think in heaven, the greatest heroes will be those we never knew existed during our time on earth. The quiet parents who gave everything for their children. The unknown martyrs who gave their lives to Jesus. The faithful men and women who gave up reputations, raises, fame and glory to follow the narrow way.”

― Jessica Glasner

Comments

MaryMargaret said…
As usual, well done Doug. Beautiful addition to the story. It reminds me of the parable about planting seeds. We do not always know how they are doing and if they will grow. Sometimes we are gifted with looking back and seeing something remarkable. You planted the seeds along the way and in looking back can see how each of those seeds had an impact on this journey. It is a gift to you now and what a gift it was to Mr Carter. Well done good and faithful servant.
August 10, 2023 at 5:04 PM
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