Letters from the Virginia Switched Babies Case

The infamous switched babies case from Central Virginia is heating up again, with numerous lawsuits and custody and adoption proceedings pending.

This case has just been the subject of a feature article in the Washington Post.

In summary, two babies were born at about the same time in the University of Virginia Hospital. One baby weighed nine pounds, the other weighted seven pounds. Somehow the babies were switched. The mother of the nine pound baby noticed that her baby had lost two pounds, but the hospital staff told her not to be concerned about it.
Paula Johnson holding a baby which is not hers

Three years later, the mother of the nine pound baby sued the presumed father for child support. The father denied paternity, so the court ordered a DNA test. The results of the test showed that neither the man nor the woman was the parent of the child.

Hospital and legal staff spent a few days trying to decide what to do, knowing that there would be lawsuits and perhaps criminal charges once the switch was discovered. A few days later, they decided to contact the real parents of the switched baby, only to discover that they had all died in a terrible car accident just a few hours earlier.

In civilized states of the United States, the outcome of this situation would be clear. However, in a criminal outlaw state like Virginia, nobody can guess or anticipate what might happen.

When I learned about this case, I immediately became interested because the issues are somewhat related to my own case where my daughter was kidnapped by non-relatives and taken to Virginia, where the corrupt legal authorities of that state have provided sanctuary to the kidnappers.

When I first learned of this case, I called a friend of mine in Stanardsville, which is near to where the parents of one of the switched babies live, and he told me that Paula Johnson, the mother of the nine pound baby, could not dare to go to court, because she has a bad record before the courts of her county. If she tried to get both babies (which under the law she would have a good chance of getting since the parent of one of the babies are both dead) she could lose both babies.

Because of my web site, both sides in the switched baby case have been sending me emails. Here are some of the e-mails. Meanwhile, the case is very actively before the courts.


Date: Tue, 01 Feb 2000 08:05:20 -0500
From: South Riding
Organization: South Riding
To: ChrstinaD@webtv.net
Subject: Everyone is affected

Chritinia,

I am the middle of all this stuff. I am the person you refer to as greedy in all of this and selfish. I am Paula Johnson and I really don't think you should say stuff about me when you do not know me nor have you ever meet me you only have the story for one side and there are 4 here. I can appreciate all the support you and the community have given to this family in their time of need but they are not the only ones having to go through emotions and to put out money. you not only don't know me but you do not know my finical situation for all you know I could be paying my attorneys 5.00 per week or they could be doing this for free to see my rights protected. you have no idea and it really saddens me to think all this progress we are making at the doctors is just a big lie when this is really how they feel and they tell people like you things like this for you to put out here in the public to make me look bad. well it really does not matter what you or any one else thinks I am doing what I think is in the best interest of these two children who no matter what need love and support and no matter what happens I will always be their mother and I will always be there for them as with all my children. and you nor the Chittum or the courts in the highest land can take that away from me no matter what you say or do to me. And to set the record straight I have said I will keep going to court to have my god given right as a mother and for other mothers who carry a child for 9 months and give birth to only to have other people feel they have the right to take it from you and if that makes me so wrong then I am sorry but things are the way things are for a reason and GOD made this happen for a reason and we may never no what the reason is but he keeps guiding me to do the things I do and until I feel different about things I will keep on going the way I am.

Paula Johnson

Mother of 6


From: ChrstinaD@webtv.net (Christina Dameron)
Date: Tue, 1 Feb 2000 13:32:57 -0500 (EST)
To: southriding@erols.com (South Riding)
Subject: Re: Everyone is affected

I did not say that you are not affected. My goal in this has absolutely nothing to do with you. It has to do with the well fare and well-being of those children and my opinion of what that might be. I never said that you were greedy I only said that it was a rumor. Again this is not about you or what you perceive as your rights but about the children and their rights. So don't attack me for doing something good for good people. I only spoke the truth and my opinion as I am entitled by my first amendment rights to do so. You are not the only one with rights. Last, I do not know about anything that goes on in the doctors office nor do I ask. Believe it or not, everything is not about you. You say that I only have one side you are wrong as you have on many occasions made your side public knowledge by the many interviews you have given to reporters.


Date: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 12:54:09 EST
Subject: RE: YOUR WEB PAGE REGARDING THE BABY SWITCH
To: ChrstinaD@webtv.net

Can you please tell me who you are and who asked you to put this garbage on the Internet? I am Marianne Holmes, I live in Manassas, Virginia and I am a very good friend of Paula Johnson's. I was there when she found out about her baby being switched back in July of 1998, there to witness the anguish and heartache of a mother than is totally devastated by finding out that the child she raised for 3 years was not, in fact, her child. Were you there? Do you even know Paula Johnson? Don't you think that she would have preferred for this to not have happened? Paula is one of the kindest people on Earth and she didn't deserve to have something like this happen. She is a wonderful mother, sister, daughter and friend. Back in July of 1998 she was busy raising her children and enjoying a happy life. That happy life was irreconcilably shattered when she was told about the baby switch. She has been through many tortuous events since that day, all of it beyond her control and no!
!
!
t at all the way she would have wished it to be. Obviously you're not a mother, or you would understand what she's been through. For someone to put such trash on the Internet about someone they don't even know is shameful. How can you live with yourself? Are you proud of the lies you told? I can't imagine that the Chittum family asked you to put that garbage on there - they seem like too nice a family to attack Paula that way. Paula and the other two families were all victims in this situation. It is heartbreaking what they've all been through - and then someone like you comes along and tries to hurt them even more. None of the statements you made were true. I sincerely hope that somehow our Justice system can punish people like you. If I were you, I would delete that page as fast as you can - and send Paula Johnson a heartfelt apology for any additional hurt you might have caused. You should be ashamed of yourself.


From: ChrstinaD@webtv.net (Christina Dameron)
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2000 16:11:39 -0500 (EST)
To: Mlh226@aol.com
Subject: RE: YOUR WEB PAGE REGARDING THE BABY SWITCH

Would you please explain what exactly you think was a mis-statement on my part. I don't have any supposed friends. They are my friends. Furthermore, you were not here during any of this to accuse me of making false statements. I have not attacked Paula or anyone else through my website and I would have to ask why you are so concerned with the truth coming out? Why do you think the other families should not tell their side? If it were my intention to attack her there would be a lot of other things on that site. However, that has never been my intention. Why do people have friends that attack good people that are now deceased. Referring to the letter to the editor of the Cville weekly. This is my last response to you as I do not wish to play this petty game with you. And yes you are harassing me and I do believe that is a legal violation.


Date: Thu, 3 Feb 2000 13:59:38 EST
Subject: RE: YOUR WEB PAGE REGARDING THE BABY SWITCH
To: ChrstinaD@webtv.net

I wasn't harassing you - are you harassing Paula or just trying to help your "supposed" friends? If you're just trying to help them, then why do you have to attack Paula to do so? Obviously there's nothing I can say to make you correct your "mis-statements" on that web page. It doesn't really matter, anyway. You are certainly entitled to your opinions, however farfetched and erroneous they are. Good luck to you.


Date: Wed, 9 Feb 2000 11:16:28 EST
Subject: why must there be continual fighting
To: ChrstinaD@webtv.net

DEAR MS DAMERONI

I'M SURE IF YOU ARE SUCH A FRIEND OF THE FAMILY THAT YOU ARE AWARE THAT ROSA AND LARRY ARE NOT IN ANY WAY IN FINANCIAL STRAITS. THEY HAVE BOUGHT NEW LIVING ROOM FURNITURE, A 2000 OLDSMOBILE BRAVDO 4X4 GOTTEN PERSONALIZED TAGS, SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ON XMAS PRESENTS, REMODELED THEIR BATHROOM AND ARE EVEN TALKING ABOUT THE SECOND STORY ON THEIR HOUSE. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO DO SOME REAL SERVICE AND GIVE HELP PUT YOU MONEY TO GOOD USE INSTEAD OF KEEPING A BATTLE GOING ON. THERE HAS BEEN ENOUGH FIGHTING AND BICKERING BETWEEN THESE FAMILYS TO WASTE MONEY ON FIGHTING FOR A GRANDDAUGHTER THAT'S NOT THEIRS. REBECCA BELONGS WITH HER MOTHER PAULA JOHNSON AND IF YOU BIBLE THUMPING BUENA VISTAN'S WOULD REACH INTO YOU SOUL AND HEARTS, YOU KNOW THAT BECCA NEEDS HER MOM AND NO ONE CAN TAKE THE PLACE OF A MOM. DO YOU HAVE CHILDREN? UNLESS YOU CAN WALK IN PAULA'S SHOES AND BARE WHAT SHE HAS GONE THROUGH, SHE HAS LOST THE BOND THAT ALL MOTHERS HAVE AFTER GIVING BIRTH SHE WAS ROBBED OF THAT BECAUSE OF UVA NOT THROUGH ANY FAULT OF HERS. I FEEL SORRY FOR ROSE. SHE CANNOT REPLACE HER CHILDREN BUT WHY DENY PAULA'S HERS. ITS TIME FOR ALL OF YOU TO WAKE UP AND SEE THAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE BENEFICIAL TO BE ABLE TO SHARE THESE 2 LITTLE GIRLS. DUH ? GUESS MAYBE NO ONE THOUGHT OF THAT. REBECCA HAS 3 BROTHERS AS WELL . IS IT FAIR THAT SHE ISN'T WITH THEM OR THAT CALLIE CANT BE WITH HER BIOLOGICAL SISTER LINDSAY. THERE IS ONLY ONE MOTHER NOW AND TWO GIRLS. KEEP THAT IN MIND. AS TO ROSE AND LINDA AND MYSELF WE ARE THE GRANDMOTHERS AND SHOULD BE HELPING EACH OTHER . SINCE YOU ARE TRYING TO BE SO GENEROUS IN SETTING UP A MONEY FUND HOW ABOUT OUR LEGAL EXPENSE TRYING TO FIGHT FOR WHATS OURS. PAULA HAS HAD TO UPROOT HER CHILDREN CHANGE JOBS FIND A NEW HOME AND LIVE EACH DAY WITH THE HELL THAT U.VA. HAS GIVEN HER. THE CHITTUMS ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES THAT HAVE LOST.

SINCERELY,

REBECCA GRACE aka CALLIE JEWEL CONLEY,
REAL GRANDMOTHER JEWEL CONDREY


From: ChrstinaD@webtv.net (Christina Dameron)
Date: Sat, 26 Feb 2000 01:56:34 -0500 (EST)
To: sloan@ishipress.com
Subject: Who I am
X-Rcpt-To: sloan@ishipress.com

I have been a friend and confidante of the Chittum family for approximately 15 years. I have met Paula Johnson. She just doesn't remember. Marrianne Holmes makes claims that she witnessed Paula's grief but I don't believe her. This woman did not ever shed a tear unless there was a reporter nearby. Don't be fooled by their statements about her and by her own statements. She has become very rehearsed as to what sounds good as far as her being a concerned , loving and devoted mother. DON'T be fooled. She is an actress. These emails were an attempt to sway my opinion of her. This is the way that she relates to people and this is the way she manipulated those families. I know everyone is not convinced that she is anything but a good mother. She says all the right things in interviews and that is what reporters want. The distraught mother wanting her child desperately is what sells their newspapers. Now that she doesn't have a case against the state she will go after Callies' money (something she said she would not do) and you can bet that she will refile for custody of Rebecca. They are her only chance at becoming a millionaire. I bet she will drop the adoption of Callie if she can gain legal guardianship of the child. There was a hearing in Stafford J&D court last summer. The motion was for a change of venue. Paula lost that motion and became irate. Screaming at the Chittums' and Rogers' families, "youre f-----g children are f-----g dead. you f-----g got that. you're f-----g children are f-----g dead f-----g get over it." She screamed this over and over and over again. that is the true Paula Johnson and that is the Paula Johnson that these families have had to deal with. They tried hard to compromise with her, but it was always her way or no way. She had no compassion for these families who just lost six very young family members. When the whole truth about her starts coming out people are going to be shocked and appalled. About the question you asked me...I have personally read a document which states that Ms. Johnson refused to take a polygraph test when there were other family members offering to take one because they didn't have anything to hide.


From: ChrstinaD@webtv.net (Christina Dameron)
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2000 20:42:29 -0500 (EST)
To: sloan@ishipress.com
Subject: emails
X-Rcpt-To: sloan@ishipress.com

Mr. Sloan, did you receive those emails I sent to you? When you load them to your site will you send me an email so that I will know. Also, I wanted to know if it is possible for you to link to my site or to http://www.angelfire.com/va2/the2girls If you can and will let me know. I am very interested in my site becoming accessible to anyone who has an interest in this case. It appears that negotiations between the Chittums' and Paula regarding the April adoption hearing is not going very well. Meaning that the hearing will most likely take place (in Stafford circuit court) also Paula has stated that she appealed Judge Bass' ruling on the Chittums' visitation of Callie. I have so much information about this I want desperately to tell.

http://community.webtv.net/ChrstinaD/SWITCHEDATBIRTHthe


To: Sloan@ishipress.com
Date: Mon, 6 Mar 2000 08:36:15 -0500
From: Todd D Guiney ( tguiney23@juno.com )

WHO ARE YOU TO SAY ALL THIS STUFF? DO YOU EVEN CARE THAT A LITTLE GIRL JUST LOST THE ONLY PARENTS SHE EVER KNEW? THAT COUPLE DID NOTHING AT ALL TO DESERVE ANYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED. IT WASN'T THERE FAULT THAT THE BABIES WERE SWITCHED ACCIDENTALLY. I'M SURE THAT IF THEY WERE ALIVE YOU WOULD BE ROOTING FOR THEM. THEY WERE THE ONES THAT WERE STABLE IN MANY WAYS. I'M VERY SORRY ABOUT WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR CHILD. I JUST DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW YOU COULD BE SAY SUCH THINGS LIKE HE WAS A RAPIST AND SO AND SO.

YES THEY MADE A BIG MISTAKE. IT'S BEEN DONE. AT LEAST THEY TOOK CARE OF THEIR RESPONSIBILITY. IS IT REALLY RIGHT TO BRING UP THEIR MISTAKES TO MAKE SOMEONE ELSE HAPPY. IT'S NOT LIKE THEY HAD SEXUAL RELATIONS, HAD THE BABY AND FORGOT TO TAKE CARE OF IT. NO, THAT'S NOT HOW IT HAPPENED AND I KNOW YOU KNOW THAT. THEY WERE A MOTHER AND A FATHER TO THAT GIRL. YOU HAVE TO KNOW WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A PARENT. IT TAKES MORE THAN SEX. SO HOW DARE YOU THROW THE FACT THAT THEY HAD SEX AT A YOUNG AGE A REASON TO TAKE THE GIRL AND MAKE IT LEGAL. WHO ARE YOU? I'M SORRY BUT IT TAKES MORE THAN A GO IN THE SACK. RESPONSIBILITY IS THE WORD FOR THIS. I COMMEND THEM FOR TAKING IT TOO. THERE ARE A LOT OF WOMEN WHO HAVE BABIES AT A YOUNG AGE. BELIEVE ME THEY CERTAINLY WEREN'T THE ONLY ONES. IT HAPPENS MORE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO REALIZE.

IT'S HOW YOU HANDLE YOUR RESPONSIBILITY THAT MAKES YOU WHAT YOU ARE. IT'S DEFINITELY NOT HOW YOU DID IT OR WHERE OR ANYTHING LIKE THAT. THEY DID NOT KIDNAP THAT BABY. THEY DIDN'T KNOW AND THEY WILL NEVER KNOW. THEY LOVED HER AND CHERISHED HER I'M SURE. JUST BECAUSE A STATE SAYS THAT THEY ARE DEAD SO GIVE THE KID BACK, DOESN'T MAKE IT RIGHT. HOW CRUEL CAN YOU BE? IT'S NOT LIKE THIS COUPLE DID HORRIFIC THINGS TO THIS BEAUTIFUL LITTLE GIRL. THERE WHOLE FAMILY HAS HELPED RAISE HER. SHE HAS BEEN IN A GOOD HOME. JUST BECAUSE YOU ARE BLOOD DOES NOT MAKE IT OKAY. I WAS A FOSTER CHILD ALL MY LIFE. I WAS TAKEN CARE OF BY FAMILIES WHO WERE NOT BLOOD. I FELT ALL THE LOVE I COULD POSSIBLY GET. SO WHO ARE YOU TO SEND THESE THINGS ABOUT A DECEASED COUPLE WHO JUST LIVED THEIR LIVES NORMALLY, WHO TOOK CARE OF HER AND LOVED HER. THEY ARE NOT THE ONE'S WHO MADE THIS HAPPEN. THEY ARE THE ONES WHO LOVED THIS CHILD MORE THAN LIFE ITSELF FROM THE START. SHOULDN'T THAT BE ENOUGH? DO YOU REALLY HAVE TO BE CRUEL AND HEARTLESS TO THOSE WHO HAVE DONE NOTHING? ALL THEY DID WAS MAKE A FAMILY AND LOVE THAT FAMILY UNCONDITIONALLY. IS THAT REALLY A CRIME FOR A YOUNG COUPLE. AT LEAST THEY FACED THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES HEAD ON. I GUESS WITH THE THINGS YOU WROTE, IT DOESN'T TAKE MUCH FOR YOU TO PUT DOWN SOMEONE. ESPECIALLY SINCE THEY AREN'T EVEN ALIVE!!! I DON'T MEAN TO UPSET YOU. I KNOW THAT I MAY HAVE AND I APOLOGIZE. WHO IS GOING TO SPEAK FOR THEM THOUGH? DON'T YOU UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS WAY MORE THAN HER GETTING CUSTODY JUST BECAUSE OF THE DEATH OF A LOVING MOTHER? THIS IS ABOUT TWO GIRLS. ONE WHO WILL NEVER GET TO KNOW HER MOTHER AND FATHER, AND ONE WHO WILL FOREVER BE CHANGED BECAUSE SHE LOST THE ONLY MOM AND DAD THAT SHE HAS KNOWN. IT WAS NOT BY TITLE THAT SHE KNEW THEM, BUT IT WAS THERE LOVE. A LOVE SO STRONG THAT GIVING HER BACK DOESN'T JUST HEAL IT. SO THE NEXT TIME YOU WANT TO RIP INTO A DEAD LOVING COUPLE REMEMBER THAT THEY TOO HAD A DAUGHTER WHO THEY LOVED. THEY WERE APART OF HER LIFE AND NOTHING CAN EVER CHANGE THAT.


From: Dj
To: bonniemf@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2000 8:25 PM
Subject: your comments

Bonnie:

You make comments about the Rogers' and Chittums that they are buying new cars and building additions on their homes. Well, is it your business? I don’t think so! You need to keep your comments to yourself. You are no relation to any of these families however, I have more of a right to make my comments as I am kin to these families.

Did your child break her leg two years ago? and who paid for that? Who's insurance paid for that?

If Paula is such a wonderful mother, why did she have to complete a parent class? Oh Oh I know, because child services was going to take her child if she didn’t. Oh, and why did her child have to go to a foster home? Because Paula wasn’t a good mother to her child. She has beaten this child with a belt and bit this child. What kind of mother is that? And you said you would let her keep your child, No way in this world I would.

Oh and if Paula is such a good person then why did she pull a Gun on Teresa (her Step-Mother)? You think, you might get some of that money Paula thinks she will get? Is that why your on her side?

Its time people know how Paula is. and I think it should be done now.

dj


From: Dj
To: bonniemf@yahoo.com
Sent: Sunday, March 05, 2000 6:20 PM
Subject: your guestbook comments

Bonnie:

First of all, I do not know the Chittums or Rogers’, therefore, you are wrong as to accusing me of doing this web site for them. I chose to do this web site on my own. However, if the Chittums and/or Rogers' would like to add their opinions then that is their choice.

I have written what I have seen on the television and in the papers. All you have to do is read the magazine that had Paula on the front page, and it tells exactly what kind of mother she really is. As for you saying she should get both the girls, that should not happen, as she is not a very good example of a mother according to the paper today.

And as for you commenting that people should mind their own business, well then why are you putting your two cents in when you have nothing to do with this case either. So, if you feel that people should keep their comments to themselves, well, dear, keep your mouth closed.

thank you for signing my guestbook.

djstorms



From: Bonnie Frazier [mailto:bonniemf@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2000 3:27 PM
To: Dj
Subject: Re: your comments

You are exactly right that it is none of my business if they are buying new things. However I was commenting on that fact that they are asking the public for money to pay their legal bills BUT yet they are buying new items. In your previous e-mail you stated that you are not related to them and now all of the sudden you are? Which is it? If you are not related then you only get your information second hand just as the press does which does not necessarily make the information true and accurate.

As for who pays my bills.. that is none of YOUR business. My insurance is paid for out of my pocket not yours or anyone else’s. As for my daughter breaking her ankle, although it is none of your business once again, she did and her medical records prove it. My question is what in the world does this have to do with Paula's case.

To answer your question about whether or not I would wish for Paula to have custody of my child if anything were to happen to me...the answer is a resounding YES! I have seen her mothering skills first hand when no one else has. There is more to mothering than just being the disciplinarian, there is also the comforter, the friend, and the loving arms. She is definitely that. And I am not going to even respond to the accusations that everyone is making about her child being taken away from her because she was abusive and put into foster care because it holds no truth. Evidently the private investigator in your "clique" needs to do a little more investigating. Why not try talking to the supposed foster care "mom" whose home the child was placed in and see if she can tell you why the child was put there in the first place. As for parenting classes... those were done of her own free will and I think that everyone needs to attend at least one parenting class in their lifetime whether or not they have children.

Everyone seems to want to blame Paula for something. I have not quite figured out what this is but the only person to blame here is UVA. She has done nothing wrong. And as for me stating that I thought that she should have both children I did not write that.

And what in the hell is this about her step mother Teresa (who is the same age as Paula)? She has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with anything. And if Paula pulled a gun on her then why were there no charges filed?

As for her money... I have been her friend for going on 15 years. Why in the world would money make a difference now? I have my own money and certainly do not need hers or anyone else’s. I am only here for her and the kids for emotional support. Money has absolutely nothing to do with it. As for why I am on her side... Evidently you have never been there for a friend that was in a time of need. Thank goodness for people like Paula and myself because we are always there for one another and our children. Always have been and always will be.

So in conclusion if you truly are related to the Chittums as you state that you are then that explains a lot of the emotion that you put into the replies that you sent to me. I think that you need to go to counseling with them and Dr. Kuley to try and figure out where all of this anger is coming from.


From: Bonnie Frazier [mailto:bonniemf@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, March 08, 2000 9:41 PM
To: Dj
Subject: Re: what you wrote in the guestbook.

You are correct that I put that. What I stated earlier is true as well. I have not publicly stated this meaning the press.

And I do believe that Paula should eventually have custody of both girls. Not for monetary reasons either. I believe that the girls should be raised together. There is comfort in numbers and what they are going to have to face from the school kids etc. as they grow up is going to be easier if they are together. I believe that Paula's is the best place for them to be raised together. And as you stated I am not going to have anyone change my mind.

Have you ever seen Paula be a mother your self or are you just going off the false accusations of Teresa? I have now figured out who you are and I can see why you believe things the way that you do. All of the animosity between Teresa and Paula started a very long time ago and I'd be willing to bet that neither one of them remember why. And I was around then so I do remember.

As for you stating that you did not send me a previous e-mail stating that you are not related I will forward to you (as you did for me) to refresh your memory. Your information that you are getting is not first hand when it comes to Paula. You are only getting the view of someone who has a vendetta for some reason or another when it comes to Paula and I feel that it is biased.

As for my children it is none of yours or Teresa's business but when Connie broke her ankle Paula took care of the bill not me. My daughter fell and broke her ankle as well before Connie did and it was taken care of by my insurance company. So once again your sources have no idea what they are talking about. But you are correct in one thing you stated... Paula and I ARE the same kinds of people. That is why I defend and stand by her in what ever decision she makes because I know that she would do the same for me.

Paula has wonderful mothering skills off the camera as well. And coming from Teresa who has never witnessed her being a mother to any of her children I can see why she made all of these things up. I have been a roommate of Paula's, and spend 2-3 weekends a month at her house so I have had plenty of time to see what kind of mother she really is behind closed doors. Statements like this would be like me stating that Teresa is a bad mother because she scolds her son when he does not do well at a baseball game. I feel that is emotional abuse. But I have never stated anything like that because I have no idea what kind of mother she is behind closed doors. ( But I have seen her scold her son at a baseball game.) Teresa better be real careful about who she is pointing fingers at as far as abuse goes....

Paula's child was not taken away from her. Her and the father were given joint custody with primary residence being with the father. And the judge did state (I heard it with my own ears) that the primary reason for this was because of the child’s emotional problems to begin with he did not need the stress of all the publicity with the baby switch. He felt that being out of the public eye would help him progress. And I am sure that Teresa knows what good that did. His Grandmother told the National Inquirer (for profit) that her grandson was illiterate and uncontrollable. Now even if it was true not only would I NOT say it publicly but definitely not for profit.

As for the media.. Paula is daily and almost hourly hounded by the press on the phone, in person, her front gate of her community etc.. She occasionally gives them a statement so that they will leave her alone for a while. Now as for the anonymous sources I know for a fact that Teresa, Roxanne, Pam, Carol Ortmyer and numerous others are to blame for those leaks. There is no other way that they could get the information. And they hide behind their anonymity in the press and the press sites confidential sources.

I have talked extensively to Kevin about the supposed gun pulling incident and I will tell you exactly what he tells us.. He has nothing to do with Teresa and Paula not getting along and he does not want to get in the middle of it. Now why would Teresa want to pull her own step son in to this when he wants to stay out of it is beyond me. I would not drag my children in to something if they did not want to be involved.

Paula does not put Callie in front of the newspapers and television. If you will notice there are no new pictures that have been out since the beginning. And you can call the Washington Post Magazine to verify that the pictures in Sunday's posting were older by 6-8 months. Callie is definitely a child and it is only because Paula has sheltered her that her case has not been publicized more. We met Kimberly Mays from Florida who was herself a switched baby and her parents did everything they could to keep her face off the press. But it did no good, you see because there are many parties involved in this anyone can sell a picture to the press and make a profit. Just as Carlton's family did. So it is not only Paula.. Paula has only done what the psychologist has instructed her is best for Callie and what she feels that she can handle.

Has anyone ever stopped to think what they themselves would do if a hospital was responsible for switching your child and then they only offered 200K and no apology? I know I would have rejected their settlement as well. Not for the money but for the fact that they are not even willing to own up to the fact that they are at fault. That was part of the settlement, that they admit no fault. I can not speak for Paula as to why she rejected the settlement you will have to ask that of her yourself. I can only speak for what I feel and know.

You are right that this is really sad that these 2 girls have to go through all of this. But once again, Paula is not to blame. Some Doctor or Nurse at UVA is responsible for all of this hence the lawsuit.


From: Bonnie Frazier
Subject: As you saw them unfold?
To: chrstinaD@webtv.net

While I think that it is great that you are trying to raise money to help out a family in need I think that you need to think again about the allegations and false statements that you are publishing on your website. The information that you are gathering is definitely one sided and you need to do your research a little deeper before immediately jumping into such a farce.

If this is really about helping out the 2 girls that this atrocious thing has happened to.. how about raising money for them instead of the family? They are the ones that are going to need counseling for the rest of their lives after this ordeal. This is not about the Chittums or the Rogers'(who you neglected to mention on your website) or the Johnson's. The girls are the ones that are going to have to face the school kids taunting and teasing and when they are adults having to deal with everyday pressures on top of the notoriety of being "one of those babies that got switched" as I so oft! ! en hear around the streets.

You are entitled to your opinion as required by the Constitution but it does not give you the right to publicly demean or give false statements for everyone who has a computer to see. This is grounds for a slander suit. Especially the false statements that you have made. As you stated your self. "It has been described to me" and "it has been rumored". Your statements have not been checked out on both sides of the fence. Any newspaper or television reporter will tell you that they can not publish anything until the facts have been checked and triple checked for accuracy. This way they do not get sued.

I know exactly what happened from both sides because I was there from the moment Paula found out that Callie was not biologically hers up to this day of finding your website. And while the pain and anguish that the Chittums have been through with the loss of their family members and close friends is too much for any one to have to go through in life, I feel that every other statement on your website is false.

Please make sure that you are checking your facts from every source possible before printing any other allegations or falsehoods on your website.


Name: Bonnie
Email Address: bonniemf@yahoo.com

Date: Mar 5 2000 14:49 Website Title:

What is your view on the UVA Baby Switch?

I think that people that are not involved in the switch should really mind their own business and keep their opinions to themselves.

What is your view on Paula Johnson?

She is the most wonderful mother in the world and should be given custody of both girls to raise. With the grandparents having visitation once a month.

What is your view on the Chittums?

I feel very sorry for their losses. However I feel that they need to move on and stop asking people to post nonsense like this on the Internet and they need to be more honest with EVERYONE and stop hiding behind the fact that their children were killed. Be honest for once.

What is your view on the Rogers'?

I think that they are the only honest ones out of the grandparents involved.


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