Chrismans’ Mexican prison plight inspires benefit
Published 11:14 pm Thursday, March 12, 2009
ARLINGTON — The friends and neighbors of an 88-year-old Arlington man stuck in a Mexican prison want to do something to help.
A breakfast is planned Saturday morning to raise money for the legal defense fund of Edward Chrisman.
Everyone is welcome to attend the Neighbors Helping Neighbors breakfast, 8:30 a.m. tomorrow at the Arlington Heights Improvement Club, 12221 228th St. NE, Arlington.
Chrisman was wintering in Yuma, Ariz., when he decided on Jan. 8 to take a quick trip across the border with his grandson, Gary Chrisman Jr. Police arrested both men, alleging the pair tried to pay young girls to pose nude for photos.
They’ve been in prison ever since.
A Mexican judge has approved the release of the elder Chrisman. As of Thursday, he is still behind bars waiting for the paperwork to wend its way through the Mexican judicial system.
Chrisman’s grandson will remain in custody awaiting a trial.
The family maintains both men are innocent.
The family said the pair were arrested after Gary Chrisman Jr. stopped at a convenience store for a soda. While there, the younger Chrisman asked a woman if he could take photos of her daughters. He’d been taking photos of Mexican culture all day with a new camera. The mother granted permission and he gave her $25. He snapped head shots of the two fully clothed girls and left the store. The woman and the girls called police soon after, alleging that he’d asked to photograph the girls in more explicit poses.
Edward Chrisman never went into the store.
Regardless of whether the elder Chrisman is released, the breakfast will go on, said organizer Larry Stickney.
The Chrisman family has paid an estimated $12,000 dealing with the imprisonment, Stickney said.
Edward Chrisman and his extended family are well-known in the Arlington community. His imprisonment has frustrated the tight-knit community, he said.
“We’re just excited to put something together,” he said. “We want everybody who’s interested to come.”
Those who wish to attend can reserve a seat in advance by calling Stickney at 360-631-1894.
The family also is accepting donations at any Key Bank under The Ed Chrisman Litigation Fund.
Debra Smith: 425-339-3197, dsmith@heraldnet.com.
