Press · Character references
These excerpts are reproduced from character reference and employer letters submitted to the U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado (U.S. v. Collins, Case No. 21-cr-00053-RM). They are third-party voices — family, employers, clergy, disaster-relief partners, and licensed professionals — describing years of service, integrity, and community involvement.
Letters are quoted as filed. Minor OCR punctuation normalized for readability. This page does not constitute legal advice.
Rocco Del Priore (bishop & scout leader) · October 10, 2021
“I have known Ethan his entire life… For 25 years, he never missed a Sunday.” He volunteered in Georgia for flood victims, worked with Aerobridge on food drops, earned Eagle Scout after building a community park with a picnic shelter and hiking trail, and served a two-year church mission in England at his own expense. “Ethan really knows how to give service to his church and his community… He would be a great asset to us all.”
Walter E. Martin, Jr. · Aerobridge state field director, South Carolina · October 12, 2021
“Ethan participated enthusiastically and at his own expense” in National Disaster Medical System exercises and, in October 2015, flew relief supplies to flooded low-country counties. “Based upon my experience with Ethan, he was a valuable asset that made our tasks more achievable.”
C. Trent Collins · Welfare & Self-Reliance Services, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Recalls Ethan’s Civil Air Patrol service and 2015 Aerobridge flood-relief flying. “These interests show his charitable and patriotic nature… It seems to me that he recognizes the error of the path he was on and will not return to it… I think he will still give much service to his community and the nation.”
Manike Pipkin · sister · November 17, 2021
“I've admired Ethan's fun, happy, and outgoing personality… He's visited often and has always been welcome.” Describes building the Young Eagles program in rural Utah and Ethan refusing to certify students who had not met standards: “He stood his ground and wouldn't allow his students to cheat. This is just one of the times he's made me proud.”
Esther Y. Collins · aunt · September 29, 2021
“Over the years, Ethan has demonstrated his love and devotion for his family and especially for his Grandmother Collins.” Witnessed community service as a Boy Scout, church leader, and mission in England, and compassionate care in his father’s chiropractic practice.
Jaimie Rudder · aunt
“He was always a dear sweet, mild natured boy… He was so very patient and kind” with her young granddaughter. “Complete disbelief” at his situation: “Given the opportunity I know he would have made better choices.”
Janson Finkbeiner · South Carolina Avionics Services · November 15, 2018
“Ethan was very timely and dedicated to all the work he performed… as well as excellent integrity and comradery around the work place. We would employ Ethan in the future if he so chose.”
Gary Shull · Shull Heating & Air, LLC · December 13, 2021
“Should he decide to accept our job offer when released, he has a position awaiting him in West Columbia, South Carolina.”
Jesse Sturgess · Sturgess Customs LLC, Lexington, SC
“I would be willing to hire Ethan Collins upon his release to work for my company.”
Ralph R. Corduan · Honey Do Company, LLC · December 10, 2021
“If he is in fact able to go to classes to qualify for and then pass the electrician's licensing exam, I would be proud to hire him as a full time employee.” Also describes years of firewood and service work for neighbors in need.
Maya Rake, MSW, LISW-CP · December 27, 2021
“I am willing to take Ethan Collins as a client for assessment and therapy.”
Laura L. Truesdale, LISW-CP, LAC, MAC · December 21, 2021
Willing to treat Ethan upon release; experienced with court-ordered clients and trauma, depression, and anxiety.
William G. (Greg) Stidom · retired U.S. Navy officer & SC State Guard colonel · September 18, 2021
“Ethan epitomized the standards and expectations of an Eagle Scout.” Helped Ethan toward private and commercial certificates. “It is inconceivable to me that the young man I have known his entire life could be a threat to our country.”
Lyle E. Shamo · former England London South Mission president · 2009–2012
Knew Ethan as a “kind, sober, and soft-spoken young man” who passed extensive mission screening. “The Ethan Collins I knew would not seek to harm anyone.”
The full PDF includes additional letters from Cory Jones, Dr. and Mrs. Robert D. Hutchins, Michael Ketcham, Kevin Jones, Andrew Thornal, Austin Rubinson DO, Jon Bradley Pipkin, Chris Powers, Cristiaan Mestler, Duriya Dalal, Eric and LaneAnn Vanderlinden, Sally Vieira, Trevor Harris, Viv Young, Debra Lewis, and others.