Update

Many people have been asking about the battle to see my son, so I wanted to update those following the saga.

I have repeatedly begged my son's mother to let me see our son and to provide information regarding his health, well being, and development, and my requests have been met with no response. (I may post a recent email I sent her)

It is apparent my son's mother, Julia Ricketts, has serious problems, as few rational and loving mothers would subject their children to such future heartache. I'm sure Julia has her reasons...but she will not tell me. Don't get me wrong...I know she loves our son and takes good care of him -- I just don't understand why she has cut him out of my life. She knows he's our son, she knows I'm his father, she knows I love him, she knows I miss him terribly....so why is she keeping him and I apart?

She has made this about her, because of her husband's insecurities. When it should be about our son.

Needless to say...everything has come to a stop...for now. But I will never stop loving my son, nor will I ever stop fighting to be in his life and for him to know the truth. It is important to teach children the value of truth.

Team Vinny & Kentucky Juvenile Diabetes Walk

Join Team Vinny at Churchill Downs in Louisville, as we try to raise money to find a cure for juvenile diabetes. The walk starts tomorrow at 10a.m. (September 12, 2009), so wear comfy shoes. The day will be fun for all!

My son's mother, Julia Ricketts, is the team captain, and surely welcomes all walkers.

If you can't make the event but still would like to help, you can make a pledge at Anthony Ricketts Team Vinny, as Julian Anthony will be walking.

All of us and Vinny thank you in advance!!

(9/13/09: Although I couldn't make the walk, it was great being a part of TEAM VINNY! It's great being able to work with Julia to help our son's big brother in his fight with juvenile diabetes. Julia thank you for organizing TEAM VINNY for the 3rd year in a row!! Bravo!!)

"Justice For Sale" Kentucky, U.S.A.

Much to the chagrin of the infamous Ricketts family (Louisville's own Charlie/Charles, Janice, Jon, & Julia Ricketts), I haven't fallen off the face of the earth. I'm still alive and well. I'm still Julian Anthony's father. I'll continue to search for a way to overcome their evilness.

What the Ricketts don't realize, truth is not for sale. They might be able to buy judges but they can't buy a new set of facts. They nor the Kentucky Supreme Court will ever be able to change the fact that I'm Julian Anthony's father and that he's my son.

People will always remember Charlie and Jon Ricketts as men void of morals. Their names will always be associated with dishonesty. People will never forget how the Ricketts sought to deceive the courts and a child.

My son will always know I love him, especially when he discovers the truth and realizes his daddy never gave up. One day my son and I will be reunited and have the relationship every son and father deserves.

Happiest Day of My Life

Exactly 3 years ago I discovered the wonder & joy of life, as my little boy entered the world.

Happy Birthday Julian Anthony!!! I'll always love and be proud of you.

All my love,
Your Real Daddy

All Kentucky Children Deserve Rights

There's no doubt finding out a spouse has been unfaithful is devastating, but such a revelation pales in comparrison to being unjustly kept from one's child, especially when you're talking about for years. However, the impact on an innocent child/children is always more important than the hurt and pain experienced by adults. The former is a truth easily forgotten. Unfortunately, there is no handbook on how to navigate through these events gracefully or successfully.

Anyway, I'll be adding to this post in the coming days. I wanted to update readers on current events, as mentioned in the newest email. I also wanted to add a picture of myself, so everyone can see what my son may look like in another year. Of course those who know my son already know he looks just like me. Regardless, I'll be posting a picture of me at 3 years old shortly (my mother is sending it to me).
As promised here's another picture of me and Julian Anthony's aunt, anyone who knows my son will recognize how he's a carbon copy of me -- his real daddy.

A Father's Plea to Louisville Nuss Family

Please think of mine & Julia's son, your grandson, your nephew, and your cousin, as Julia Ricketts' mother, father, sisters, brothers, nephews and nieces I implore you to ask Julia to think of the negative long term effects facing on our son if she maintains her current stance. There's no question Julian Anthony will discover the truth and no question he will be devasted by his mother's actions. Nuss family don't make him also endure the devastation of discovering his maternal family endorsed his mother's actions by remaining silent.

Julian Anthony will learn the truth, and it will happen sooner then Julia would like to imagine. Our son will be 10 years old in seven years, and when he's 10 his brothers will be 14 and 16. Does anyone really think Vincent and James will remain silent? Does anyone really think Julian won't want to know why his mother kept him from his father? Does anyone really think Julian won't want to know who knew about the truth?

Julia is setting up herself and our son for enormous heartache. It's bad enough our son 'may' have to discover his mother did everything possible to keep him from his daddy. It will be even worst 'if' he has to find out everyone in his mother's family endorsed her actions and kept the truth from him.

Notice I say 'may' and 'if', since I believe Julia and I still have time to find a resolution to this terrible situation. However, time is not on our side, for the longer Julia waits the more likely the 'may' and 'if' will become a reality. See I'm not going away nor am I giving up on being reunited with my son. If Julia continues refusing to let me see our son, we'll be back in court, i.e. in Julia's very own federal court, and we'll be back in Frankfort.

I've reached out to Julia from the very beginning, since my son was 3 months old. I asked and begged her to be honest with the courts and with her husband. She's always known all I've ever wanted is to participate in our son's life. I can't believe she could want our son to learn about her actions, especially considering all my written visitation requests. More importantly, I can't believe Julia, despite being angry with me, would want to make our son experience any heartache. I wish someone could get through to her. It's not my desire, but she will be held accountable if there's no resolution. Julia I'm begging you to search your soul, for you'll be responsible for your actions and inaction. We can end this nightmare and spare our son and his brothers of any heartache.

Immoral Mindset of Louisville, Kentucky Ricketts Family

I received the following, anonymous instant message, on April 19, 2009:

[18:24] meeboguest775980: YOU could not be more delusional. You are never going to be with Julia again - period. She does not want YOU! Yes, someday you may get to see your son again, but it is OVER (OVER) between you and Julia. You live in a fantasy world where you think you are going to live with her and Tony someday. And, by the way, your son is so not cute like the other two, hate to burst your bubble.

I hope my son's mother realizes how her 2nd husband's family views our son. I hope she realizes they're not just satisfied with keeping our son and I apart, but they also think our son has NO right to be loved and adored. I believe this was the intention of the last sentence in the message. The sentiment is truly disturbing, as it indicates the Ricketts will never think my son is as good as his half-brothers.
I have to admit, being fully aware of the Ricketts lack of character, I'm not surprised by their comment. I believe like his family, Jonathan will never treat my son like he treats Vincent and James. He'll always think they are better than Julian Anthony. Jon has already proven this with his actions.

I really hope Julia has the courage to find out which one of them wrote the message, as our son should not be around such a person. I find it interesting the author was too afraid to take ownership of the comment.

And for the record, I've always believed Julia is very blessed to have 3 very handsome and lovable sons. Moreover, I've always been very fond of my son's half-brothers. I always enjoyed spending time and bonding with them, something I look forward to doing again. I look forward to the four of us spending time together in the future. But no matter how fond I am of Vinny and James, I'll always love and adore the youngest the most, as he's my son.

In response to the rest of the instant message. Don't be confused by the documents on my blog, as Julia and I mutually broke things off some weeks before she revealed the affair to Jonathan in late 2006. At which time, I promised Julia I'd never tell her I love her again. A promise I intend on always keeping. The stuff on the blog is to demonstrate there was in fact a relationship, which Julia was less than forthright with Jonathan about. Regardless, the only relationship Julia and I will ever have is being the mother and father of the sweetest little boy in the world. Julia knows I wish her no ill will and hope she finds happiness in life. She also knows these are decisions we made together a very long time ago.

Where's Louisville Mother Julia Ricketts' Head At?

(Click to enlarge)How do you get through to someone who's delusional? How do you get through to someone who's irrational? How do you get through to someone who's incredibily self-centered? More importantly, how do I convince Julia Ricketts to consider the importance of us avoiding the enormous heartache our actions could inflict on our son? Isn't it time for everyone to think of the innocent children in this situation? It's time for Julia and I to sit down and find a workable solution.

(Click image to see text) Julia is having a difficult time understanding she can't pick and choose who's the father after our son was already conceived; it's too late at that point. Don't get me wrong, I completely understand why her 2nd husband is pretending to be something he's not. Who wouldn't want to be the father of mine and Julia's son? Our son is as adorable as they come! He's beautiful! He's gentle! He's unbelievably precious! He's my son!

I don't have a problem with Julia's 2nd husband being my son's step-dad, at least while they are married. I don't even mind Charlie & Janice Ricketts being my son's step-grandparents, as long as they're kind to my son.

Heck, I want everyone to enjoy the love and joy my son provides. Julian Anthony is a very special little boy who was conceived by two people who loved each other very much. He's a love child, and there couldn't be a sweeter child. He's the best of me and his mother, see that's how it works. He'll always look & act like me and Julia because we're his mother and father. Jonathan needs to just concentrate on being the best step-dad he can be and stop pretending to be something he's not.

What totally puzzles me is why Julia doesn't think our son deserves to see and enjoy the love of his paternal grandparents? Or is Julia still trying to trick and convince Jon, Charlie, and Janice (and anyone else who will listen) they are Jul's paternal relatives?

I wonder how many people tell Jon how much Julian Anthony looks like him? Everyone knows the answer...ZERO!!! Let's end this madness for Julian Anthony.

A Letmeseemyson Reader's Justification For Keeping A Child From His Father

Yesterday I received an Instant Message from a reader describing "what kind of people" think a Kentucky child should not have a right to know and love his father.

[17:21] meeboguest158638: What kind of people? Ones that think people that actually want to see their alleged children should take custody when it's offered. Ones that have a problem with stalkers that first have sex with a married woman and then insult and belittle her husband. You're the cheating scum here. Why in the world would someone allow his child to be alone with a clearly untrustworthy person that publicly insults and humiliates him? And in any case, you have no idea whether the child is being deceived or not. All you know is that you're not getting your way, so you're throwing a public temper tantrum that is beneath the maturity level of the child you allegedly want to parent. Grow up and shut up!

Because I wasn't given an opportunity by the reader to reply and since every question deserves an answer, I'd like to now briefly respond to the message.

I didn't accept the custody agreement because Julia Ricketts' demand for 'sole custody' without a visitation schedule was unacceptable. She believed her admission to the fact that our son was my son was reason enough for me to accept her terms. Of course her offer came after keeping our son and I apart for months and months absent of any information on his well being and development. This was despite my weekly requests. Let's just say very few would have accepted her agreement.

Regarding the readers next claim, i.e. how the Ricketts have repeatedly construed my efforts to participate in the life of mine and Julia's son as stalking, Julia & Jonathan Ricketts made this allegation immediately after Julia revealed the affair to her husband. They sent an email (Click to view email)on September 25, 2006, only a week after Julia repeatedly told me how much she loved me. This is why their claim was so daft, since Julia always knew my goal was to participate in our son's life and to ensure his safety and well being.

I believe through this whole ordeal the Ricketts have attempted to belittle, marginalize, and insult the relationship between me and my son.

In response to the next claim, there's no doubt two consenting adults having an extended love affair, when one is married, is wrong. Julia and I are both equally responsible for our actions. I think it's clear now why she cheated on Jonathan. Regardless, I would not refer to either of us as 'cheating scum' rather two people who fell in love & had a loving relationship, which resulted in the birth of our beautiful child.

Regarding the next statement, the reader is clearly confused, as they try to assign paternity to a man that is a step-dad. This has been a constant problem, i.e. Jon Ricketts thinking and NOT understanding he's NOT my son's father (Click to view DNA resultsor Julia's sworn testimony). Decisions made concerning mine and Julia's son should be made by Julia and I, NOT by someone who has no interest or relation to our child. This is another demonstration of Jonathan's inability to deal with the truth, reality, and his role. Simply put, visitation decisions should be between the mother and father of a child, i.e. Julia and myself.

I think it's clear that the Ricketts intend on deceiving Julian Anthony, which has been clearly demonstrated by their actions and statements.

Regarding the publicity, when dealing with such an important issue and such a highly corrupt judicial system, which is notorious for political favors, practicing transparency is a good thing. It's very sad that 4 Kentucky Supreme Court Justices ignored reality, facts, and the truth, in an attempt to strip a child of the right to know and love his father. The decision was very political and demands exposure. This is especially relevant since 85% of those responding to a poll done by Louisville ABC's WHAS11 News believe a father in my situation should have parental rights (Click to view January 2009 Poll or WHAS 2009 Story). Louisville NBC's WAVE3 did a similar 2009 poll indicating 82% thought the Kentucky Supreme Court made the wrong decision in the Ricketts v Rhoades case.

The 'grow up and shut up' statement demonstrates the reader really doesn't understand the issue or the Ricketts actions.

People are entitled to their own opinion BUT they aren't entitled to their own facts. I wish the reader would of had the courage to identify themself. Talk is cheap when hiding behind anonymity.

The above issues and many more concernig the case will be examined in an upcoming book. All proceeds earned from book and movie rights will be deposited in a trust fund for my son.

All Kentucky Children Deserve Equal Rights To Know & Love Their Fathers

What kind of people believe some Kentucky children should have NO rights to know and enjoy the love of their fathers? What kind of people believe it's okay to trick and deceive KY children about the identity of their father? What kind of people believe it's fine to cut a KY child's father and grandparents out of their life for no reason? What kind of people? (Click image to see article)

Very unscrupulous people who aren't considering the welfare of children!

I recently sent Julia Ricketts another letter begging her to begin a conversation with me, in order to minimize any future heartache or confusion our son might experience. It's my hope that she also wants our son to grow up happy. I'm hoping she wants him to love both me and her. I also hope she doesn't want our son to dwell on the past but enjoy a future knowing his mother and his father, i.e. me, did everything possible to do what was in his best interest. (Click image for letter)

I believe there's still a window of opportunity for Julia and I to come together and do what's right for our son. However, I believe that window gets smaller as each day passes. I've never wanted my son to hate his mother for keeping us apart, but fear this will be the result if she continues ignoring the situation. Our son, nor his half-brothers Vinny or James, will understand "WHY" Julia fought to keep him and I apart. If she continues down the current path nothing she tells our son will justify her actions. Julian Anthony will not understand. Our son should be able to enjoy having both of us share in his future. If you know Julia ask her why she's doing what she's doing, as I sure would like to know? And one day so will my son.

Julia Ricketts Finds Requests to see Our Son Annoying

In a recent letter from her attorney, my son's mother and her 2nd husband say they find my requests to see my son as "a source of annoyance." They say they find my pleas to resolve this difficult situation "as unwelcome." They also say they find my declaration and promise to do everything possible to participate in my son's life "alarming." They see nothing wrong with shutting me out of my son's life for over 2 years, despite knowing I'm his father and despite the relationship him and I had established before Julia told her husband about our 18 month affair.(Click image to see request)

What is wrong with these people? Why wouldn't a father take every legal and socially acceptable action necessary to see his child? Why wouldn't a father do everything he could to see his child?

This is what happens when a judicial system strays from truth and justice. The Ricketts and Kentucky Courts have a right to their own opinion BUT they do NOT have a right to their own facts.

No matter what they say or do, I'll always be Julian Anthony's father and he'll always be my son. Unlike the Ricketts priest, I believe a father AND mother should always have the right to participate in their child's life. Unlike the Kentucky Supreme Court, I believe a child does have a fundamental right to know and love his mother AND father. Unlike Charlie & Janice Ricketts, I believe NO child should be denied access to his parents nor should a child have to wait until they are 18 to enjoy their mother AND father's love.

Why do Julia & Jonathan Ricketts refuse to accept Jon's role as my son's step-father? Do they enjoy deceiving children or just desire to exact revenge on me? I wish Jon would stop fooling himself, for Julian Anthony is his step-child NOT his child. I wish the Ricketts would quit being so selfish and come to the table so we can do what's best for my son and his half-brothers. It's so very sad that they consider my son's welfare an annoyance.

Safety Matters Transporting Children

Today Charlie Ricketts will be in Jefferson District Court defending his son, lawyer Jonathan Ricketts, for going 21 mph over the speed limit. This is the second ticket Jonathan Ricketts has received over the past year, as he was ticketed going 19 mph over the limit in early 2008 (see June post "Silver Spoon Mentality"). Like her 2nd husband, Julia Ricketts will also be in Court today fighting her own speeding ticket for going 18 mph over the speed limit. Hope the Ricketts know Kentucky license holders risk having their driving privileges suspended when they get 2 speeding tickets for 18 mph or over.

More important than one losing their license, I hope the Ricketts would consider the safety of others, specifically the little guy that looks just like me, as their putting my son in jeopardy when not obeying speeding limits is unacceptable. I only pray my son was not in the vehicles when the Ricketts were ticketed.

I want to encourage Jon and Julia Ricketts to please think of others and slow down, as accidents occur more frequently when traveling at high speeds. Please think about the safety of yourselves, Vinny, James, and my son. Just SLOW DOWN!!!

Sparks Fly as Page One & Family Foundation Debate HB 28

If you want to know what's happening with the 2009 Kentucky Paternity Legislation (a.k.a. HB 28), then check out the following hard hitting posts at Page One and KY Family Foundation. These guys have taken the gloves off.

Seems the House Speaker, bill sponsor, nor the Ricketts were left unscathed.

How does Julia Nuss Ricketts Sleep At Night?

There is no job more rewarding nor more demanding than being a mother, for a mother shares in both the joy and heartache of her child. It's a job that dictates a mother put aside her own joy and her own heartache in order to necessitate the development of the child. It's a job that includes the fundamental responsibility of ensuring the child has access to his father. It's a job where protecting the child's right to know and love his father is not only a duty but a mandate.

Rational individuals will agree there's an intrinsic bond to the parents from whom a child is created. A bond no other bond can replace.

Time and time again, it has been demonstrated the connection a child has with his mother and with his father is the only bond that can never be broken. Marriage vows can be broken and contracts dissolved, but a child will always be a part of the mother and father who conceived him. Their child will always be a part of them, as they will always be a part of their child.

Julia Ricketts it's time for you to live up to your responsibility as the mother of our son and his half-brother's Vincent and James. It's difficult being a mother but it's also difficult being a father. Nothing will ever change the fact that you and I are the mother and father of our son. It does nothing for anyone when you try to change that reality. Think of Julian Anthony for once and end this madness.

Oh what a tangled web you weave...

On a side note, please see Page One's recent analysison Paternity Legislation House Bill 28.

Kentucky Catholic Bishops Oppose Fathers Rights Bill HB 28

The Catholic Conference of Kentucky is actively pushing to kill House Bill 28 (see Page One Update
. They argue providing fathers access to courts, which might lead to visitation of their children, will weaken marriages. The Conference's decision to lobby lawmakers implies Kentucky's Bishops believe marriage is more important than children or truth.

Seems Bishops in KY have parental rights and marriage crossed.

This father thinks it's doubtful the more than 400,000 Catholics in Kentucky will agree with them. As most people believe children and truth always deserves more protection than spouses who are unfaithful to a marriage. We need to protect individuals before institutions.

A Catholic Priest’s View on the Rights of a Father

On Wednesday afternoon, February 18, 2009, Louisville Holy Spirit’s Catholic Parish Rev. Smith was kind enough to sit down and speak with me about my rights as a father and the rights of my son. Rev. Smith and I spoke at length about the effects on children being kept from their fathers. During the conversation, Rev. Smith said, in his opinion, fathers do not have an inherent right to participate in the lives of their children. He explained that 'father' is a relative term assigned to the man whom resides with the child's mother. He said many individuals operate in the role of father and mother, and the paternal or maternal connection is not significant.

Needless to say, I'm very disappointed with his views, as my son's mother and her 2nd husband are members of Rev. Smith's church. I also find it very troubling that Rev. Smith ignores and endorses Jonathan Ricketts refusal to be honest and accept the fact he’s my son’s step-father not my son’s father. I find marginalizing the role of a child's paternal heritage and paternal relationship extremely disturbing. I also find it very sad that a man of Rev. Smith’s intellect totally ignores that my son's mother and her 2nd husband are perpetuating untold heartache.

What would Rev. Smith say if a child were born to a single woman and a married man? Would he claim the mother had no inherent right to participate in the life of her child? Think about it.

It's absurd to think a mother holds more or less rights than a father, just as it's foolish to think a father may have more or less rights.

Rev. Smith was right about one thing, children are a gift from God. However, he neglects that a child is a gift to the man and woman who conceived the child not whomever the woman decides to be the father.

Everyone has a right to their opinion but no one has a right to create their own facts. Marriage does not trump a child's right to know and love their father or mother. I would never tell my son anyone other than his mother was his mother, so why is she doing it with me?

Here's NBC's WAVE3 coverage of February 18, 2009 Kentucky House Judiciary Hearing on fathers' rights, which took place just hours before my meeting with Rev. Smith.

Fathers Tell Kentucky Legislators All KY Children Should Share Same Rights

Fathers will once again be in Frankfort on Wednesday February 18, 2009 requesting that the Kentucky House Judiciary Committee move House Bill 28, a.k.a. BR57, to the House floor for a vote. The Bill's passage will ensure that all children in Kentucky share the same access to their fathers and grandparents. The Bill gives fathers with evidence of paternity the ability to petition KY Family Courts for custody and visitation. You can watch the action live at KET Legislative Coverage at noon or see watch the archived copy the next day.

The Bill addresses the April 2008 4 to 3 Kentucky Supreme Court ruling that states fathers, despite proving they are the father and had a relationship with their children, have NO right to petition KY Family Courts for legal rights when the mother is married to another man. Discriminating against thousands of KY children, the ruling denies innocent children access to their fathers and paternal grandparents.

The KY Supreme Court case was brought by Julia & Jonathan Ricketts of Louisville to deny me access to my son, despite DNA tests and their acknowledgement of my paternity. The Ricketts continue to claim my son has NO Constitutional or Fundamental right to have me or his grandparents participate in his life. Instead of accepting his role as a step-parent, Jonathan Ricketts continues to assert that my son and I should not have a relationship. Jon Ricketts, following the direction of his father Louisville attorney Charlie Ricketts, believes there is nothing wrong with deceiving children or denying children access to their parents. I believe Jonathan Ricketts is absolutely WRONG, as all children have a fundamental right to know and love their parents and deceiving children will always be WRONG!!!

Call your KY legislator and support childrens' rights. 1-800-372-7181.

Louisville NBC WAVE3 Covers Fight for Childrens' Rights at Kentucky Capitol

As fathers and grandfathers asked Kentucky lawmakers to support House Bill 28 (aka BR57), a bill when passed that will give ALL Kentucky children the same right to know and love their fathers and grandparents, NBC WAVE3 reported on the importance of passing HB28.

As reported, it is fundamentally wrong for a mother to have the power to arbitrarily keep her child from his or her father. It is also fundamentally wrong to not allow a father the opportunity to have a Family Court evaluate his petition for visitation. However, in April 2008, the Kentucky Supreme Court committed both wrongs when it took away the Family Courts ability to do its job, as it denied me and my son, Julian Anthony, the right to continue our meaningful father/son relationship. (2007-SC-175-MR. The Court committed this wrong having full knowledge that I'm the father of my son. House Bill 28 seeks to restore justice by returning jurisdiction to KY Family Courts and give all fathers the opportunity to go before the Court to seek custody and visitation. Passing HB28 will give my son and other children like him the right to love and know their fathers.

Isn't it time for adults to act like adults by putting the best interest of children first? Deceiving children like the four KY Supreme Court Justices endorsed will always be wrong, as we'll never be able to teach our children anything if we don't teach them the value of honesty.

The KY Supreme Court enabled bitter mothers to take out their hatred on both their children and children's fathers. There's no other reason a mother would lie to her child and keep him/her from their father than pure hatred. Rather than marginalizing fathers the KY Supreme Court should punish and hold mothers accountable when they willingly seek to psychologically scar their kids. And these mothers know what they're doing!

It's time for mercy and truth to rule in Kentucky. Tell the courts we'll no longer support the selfishness of one parent over the welfare of children. Please support House Bill 28.

Fathers Take Fight for Children's Rights to Chambers of Kentucky Legislature

Fathers and grandparents of Kentucky children will let their voices be heard in the chambers of Kentucky's Capitol on Thursday February 5, 2009. We will ask Legislators to ensure every child in Kentucky shares the same right to know and love their father and grandparents.

While we fight for the rights of our children at the Kentucky Legislature, anti-child rights advocate Charlie Ricketts will be at the Kentucky Bar Association's February 6, 2009 "Rule of Law" Symposium held across town at Frankfort's Kentucky State University. Strangely, the KBA event is billed to celebrate Abraham Lincoln's impact upon freedom and law, which is ironic since one of its organizers, Louisville Attorney Charles Ricketts, is such a staunch opponent of children's rights. Abraham Lincoln would be appalled if he were alive.

Ricketts, his wife Janice, and their son, attorney Jonathan Ricketts, have declared that children should have no connection or contact with their real fathers or real paternal grandparents, as they have fought to keep my son and I apart for over 2 years. The Ricketts believe the selfish desires of adults trump the welfare and healthy development of children. They see no harm in lying to children, in particular my son.

Join me and others in declaring that all Kentucky children should share the same rights. If you can't join us in Frankfort, then please call the Kentucky Legislative LIne at 1-800-372-7181 between 8a.m.-4:30p.m. eastern. Ask the operators to give the whole legislative body the message to support and pass BR57, aka HB28. Isn't it time to tell the Kentucky judiciary that "Kids need their dads too!"?

Louisville's NBC WAVE 3 Covers Fight to Pass BR57

Last night, on the day honoring Martin Luther King, Louisville WAVE 3's Connie Leonard shined a spotlight on a grave injustice recently imposed upon thousands of Kentucky children. She highlighted current legislation BR57to correct a recent unjust KY Supreme Court decision. The 4 to 3 SCOKY ruling declared children do not need their fathers.

Join me and others by telling lawmakers in Frankfort that "Kids need their dads too!"

Please contact the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 between 8a.m.-4:30p.m. and ask that the whole legislature be given the message to support BR57, which is now HB28. Our kids deserve to know the truth, their mothers and their fathers.

Louisville's ABC WHAS Channel 11 Story on BR57 and Childrens Rights

On Thursday the second "Kids Need Dads Too!" billboard was put up in Louisville. If you haven't already, please take time to call the Kentucky Legislative Message Line (1-800-372-7181 between 8a.m.-4:30p.m. eastern time) and ask that the whole legislative body be given the message to support BR57. Let Kentucky lawmakers know kids need their dads too, and it doesn't matter if you're not from Kentucky. My son, and many other KY sons and daughters, will be eternally grateful for your kindness.

If you're not from Louisville, check out the recent ABC WHAS Channel 11 (click here)top story on the legislature bill BR57. You can even voice your opinion by participating in a Channel 11 poll started after the story broke on Tuesday January 13, 2009.

Support the Fundamental Rights of All Kentucky Children

The first billboard, of a series of billboards, went up in Louisville this afternoon. If you haven't already, please take time and call the Kentucky Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181 (between 8a.m.-4:30p.m.) and ask the whole KY Legislature to support BR57. Let's tell lawmakers in Kentucky "Kids need their dads too!" Thanks for taking the time to declare children should have the fundamental right to know and love their dads.

Please Help Protect Childrens and Fathers' Rights in Kentucky

As you look through your mail and find this postcard, please take a moment and consider the difficulty of being seperated from someone you love. Consider how hard it is to be seperated from your children. Now consider how an April 2008 Kentucky Supreme Court ruling may force thousands of fathers and children to endure long seperations from one another.

My son and I, and many other children and their fathers, ask you, the good people of Kentucky, to encourage the whole Kentucky Legislature to correct the absurd 4 to 3 opinion handed down in my Louisville parental rights case, i.e. the Julia & Jonathan Ricketts v. James Rhoades case recently featured on 84 WHAS's Francene Show ( 2007-SC-175-MR ). No one should have to endure the heartache inflicted on my son, my parents, and myself, as being cut off and denied visitation from your child or grandchild for 21 months and having all reports of your child's health and development withheld is unacceptable no matter where you live.

Please support the sponsor of Bill BR57, Kentucky State Representative Darryl Owens, in declaring "Kids need their dads too!" Join prominent KY leaders, like KY chapter of the American Academy of Trial Attorneys President Diana Skaggs and KY Supreme Court Justice Lisabeth Abramson, by telling the General Assembly the KY Supreme Court's opinion defied "common sense" and "accomplishes nothing for families." Let's tell them we are appalled by the Court opinion that prompted this legislation, as described in Andy Wolfson's April 25, 2008 Courier-Journal front page story, "What's a Father? KY Supreme Court has its say."

Isn't it time, send a message to those, like infamous Louisville attorney Charlie Ricketts, who declare each child should NOT have the same right to know and love their father? Stand up against the warped thinking of Charlie Ricketts by telling KY legislators children shouldn't have to wait until they're 18 to know and enjoy the love of their fathers.

Please help me, my son, and thousands of other KY children and fathers, by calling the legislative message line and asking the whole legislature to support BR57. Let's NOT let the Kentucky Supreme Court strip anyone of the fundamental right to participate in their child's life. Please help reunite children with their fathers by calling: 1-800-372-7181

Merry Christmas Son

Julian Anthony I miss you more and more as each day passes. My heart breaks thinking your mother is so callous and unloving that she thinks our father son relationship doesn't matter. I'll never understand how she can think keeping us apart for 21 months is justifiable. Maybe one day your mother will realize the great pain she has inflicted on you, me, Vinny, James, and your real grandparents. I hope she knows, we all forgive her.

In the mean time, your real daddy will never stop seeking a way to be in your life. I will continue to encourage the great people of Kentucky to put the truth and best interest of children before the selfish desires of a few.

Daddy loves and misses you more than you'll ever know, and hopes to see you soon.

Support BR57 & Equal Parental Rights by calling Kentucky Legislative Line 1-800-372-7181

Louisville's St. Matthews, Crescent Hills, & Highlands Respond to Upcoming Kentucky Parental Rights Legislation BR57

Thank you St. Matthews, Crescent Hills, & Highlands for the remarkable response to the December 10, 2008 Courier-Journal ad supporting Kentucky legislative Bill BR57 & parental rights. I'm confident hundreds of children and fathers throughout Kentucky, especially those being kept from one another, deeply appreciate your calls to the Legislative Message Line (1-800-372-7181).

In the weeks to come, there will be an effort to reach every neighborhood in Louisville with the message, "Kids Need Their Dads Too!" Let's blanket Kentucky and the Kentucky Legislature with the message each child in Kentucky should share the same right to know and love their daddy. Please don't let your participation end with your call, rather encourage your friends and family to ask the whole Kentucky Legislature to support BR57.

Send a message, to people like infamous Louisville attorney Charlie Ricketts, that the U.S. Constitution was also intended to protect children's rights! Tell people like the Ricketts, our children need to be taught the value and importance of honesty.

Our children need to know we won't stand by while people like the Ricketts endorse deception and dishonesty. Recently the Ricketts moved from deceiving children to deceiving Louisville's beloved Francene, host of WHAS 84's "Francene Show." The Ricketts told her there was a Gag Order regarding my case. Take a look at how they lied thru their teeth to her, as the Kentucky Supreme Court denied their motion to a gag order in May 2007. 1. Ricketts Motion for Gag Order, 2.
Rhoades Response to Gag Motion, 3. Kentucky Supreme Court Denial of Gag Motion

Ask Kentucky Lawmakers to cast a vote for children

No matter where you live in Kentucky or America, as you're looking at today's paper for holiday sales, please take a moment and consider the difficulty of being seperated from someone you love. Consider how hard it is to be seperated from your children. Now consider how a recent Kentucky Supreme Court ruling forces thousands of fathers and children to endure long seperations away from one another.

It's time for the good people of Kentucky and America to encourage Kentucky Legislators to correct the absurd 4 to 3 opinion handed down on April 24, 2008 in a Louisville parental rights case, i.e. the Julia & Jonathan Ricketts v. James Rhoades case recently featured on 84 WHAS's Francene Show ( 2007-SC-175-MR ).

Support the sponsor of Bill BR57, Kentucky State Representative Darryl Owens, in declaring "Kids need their dads too!" Join prominent KY leaders, like president of the KY chapter of the American Academy of Trial Attorneys Louisville family law attorney Diana Skaggs and KY Supreme Court Justice Lisabeth Abramson, by telling the whole Kentucky legislative body that the KY Supreme Court's opinion defied "common sense" and "accomplishes nothing for families." Tell them we are appalled by the Court opinion that prompted this legislation, as described in Andy Wolfson's April 25, 2008 Courier-Journal front page story, "What's a Father? KY Supreme Court has its say."

Finally, send a message to those, like infamous Louisville attorney Charlie Ricketts, who declare each child should NOT have the same right to know and love their father.Stand up against Charlie Ricketts' warped thinking, and tell KY legislators children shouldn't have to wait until they're 18 to know and enjoy the love of their fathers.

Please help me and my son, and thousands of other KY children and fathers, by calling the legislative message line and asking the whole legislature to support BR57. Let's NOT let the Kentucky Supreme Court strip us and our children of the fundamental right to participate in each other's lives. Please help reunite children with their fathers by calling: 1-800-372-7181

Julia Ricketts & 2nd Husband Louisville Attorney Jon Ricketts File Contempt Motion

This website exists because I believe truth is an unshakable foundation when built upon proof.

Please know I have nothing to hide, as I just want to participate in the life of mine and Julia’s son. Just like Julia, I love and adore our son Julian Anthony. This is why I’m asking anyone who can to call the Kentucky Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. Ask the whole Legislative body to vote yes on Bill BR57. This way we can ensure that all children, no matter how they were conceived, share the same rights. Kids need their dads too!

Here's an update on the Family Court proceedings:

The Ricketts have asked the Jefferson County Family Court, i.e. the Court they begged the Kentucky Supreme Court to say had NO jurisdiction, to hold me in contempt for loving and fighting to be in my son’s life. The Ricketts believe the public has no right to know the truth.

The Ricketts are turning our case, which deals with the rights of children, fathers, and women, into a legal circus. Julia and Jon Ricketts want their cake and want to eat it too. They want the Family Court to have jurisdiction when it suites them. Oddly just days after filing the contempt motion, the Ricketts on December 1, 2008 told the Jefferson County Family Court I should have no right to amend my petition for custody and visitation, which is in accordance with the KY Supreme Court decision. I believe the Family Court should always have jurisdiction over custody and visitation.

The Ricketts again assert I’m trying to deceive the court. They say I’m creating fantasies to gain Court and public attention. They question the validity of my affidavit where Julia stated throughout the affair that her and Jon were NOT having sex and that Julia believed Jon was confused about his sexuality. The Ricketts claim I should of brought up Julia’s statements at the beginning of the case. Julia neglects to realize the case is about our son, NOT the affair. Nor do Julia or Jon recall they asked the KY Supreme Court to place the emphasis on the affair.

Regardless, the Ricketts have once again questioned my credibility, which is something they began at the very beginning of the case in September 2006. Yet, it is their credibility that should be questioned. At the start they had Charlie Ricketts claim the initial DNA test was a fake. Then Jon Ricketts claimed there was no affair only a one night stand. Then Julia claimed I did NOT have multiple visitations with our son. Then Charlie, Jon, & Julia claimed they didn’t know Jon wasn’t the father, despite their own DNA test stating there was 0% chance he was the father. Then Charlie Ricketts claimed Julia was so promiscuous they could never know the identity of the father, which was another of Charlie's despicable lies. And so it goes on and on.

Out of love for Julian Anthony and his half-brothers Vincent & James, let's just end this madness. I understand Julia is in an impossible situation, but it doesn't justify her actions.

Kentucky Legislative Bill BR 57 on Louisville's WHAS 84 "The Francene Show"

Monday December 1st at 9:10a.m. I'll be on the air live with WHAS 84's Francene. We'll be discussing the current legal proceedings and the 2009 Kentucky Legislative Bill BR 57. Please turn on the radio or listen live over the web!

Those new to the story can get caught up by reading the April 29, 2008 TIME article by Michael Lindenberger entitled, "Despite DNA, Dad's Paternity Denied".

Tell Kentucky Legislature Truth Still Matters

Those who still believe truth matters and children need their fathers, my son and I need your HELP! In January the Kentucky Legislature will decide whether fathers are as important to their children as their mothers. Please tell KY lawmakers kids need their dads and help reunite me and my son by supporting BR57. You can call and leave a message for the whole Legislative body by dialing the Legislative Message Line at 1-800-372-7181. And it doesn't matter if you don't live in Kentucky. Every call is IMPORTANT!!!

And don't worry, for I'm taking the campaign to the streets of Kentucky, beginning with Louisville! The Ricketts think the Kentucky Senate will give them a gift and ignore the bill. Let's prove them wrong!!!

The Nuss family & Ricketts should remember the message line takes each caller's name & address, which my son will have access to when he grows older. This means Julian Anthony will find out who supported his rights and who didn't. He will be able to see how many of his mother's relatives and how many of the Ricketts s0ought to keep him from his daddy. My son will get to see how the Nuss family & Ricketts put their own interests above a childs.

Ricketts v Rhoades Parenting Case Back In Kentucky's Jefferson County Family Court

After a very long difficult wait, I'm back at Jefferson County family court battling to participate in my son's life. I've amended my petition by including the necessary elements, as laid out in the 4 to 3 absurd April 2008 majority opinion by Kentucky Supreme Court Chief Justice John Minton. Finally, I'll now be able to have my petition heard and be reunited with my son.

Along with my amended motions, I've included the very important motion to appoint an Guardian Ad Litem to represent my son's best interest. This way Julian Anthony will have his own lawyer!

So please read my affidavit, and please remember I'll gladly take a polygraph to verify my statements. Do you think Julia Ricketts would do the same? Her 2nd husband, Louisville attorney Jonathan Ricketts, should really consider giving Julia a polygraph. I suppose he wouldn't like nor accept the results though! Click on the following images to read the documents.

The Hope of a Father

I hope Julia will always love and adore our son. I hope she never grows weary of telling him how much he's loved. I hope she always finds time to give him flurries of hugs and kisses. I hope she never stops speaking to him in her most gentle voice. I hope she always finds time to pull him close. I hope she never tires of telling him that she'll always be proud of him. Above all else, I hope she will always make him feel special.

Please never ever stop loving and adoring our son. And always remember how much I'll always love our son.

Jul, daddy forgives your mommy, because she's your mommy. I know your mommy loves you as much as I do. Please always love and adore your mother, as she deserves nothing less.

Sainthood unlikely for Charlie, Janice, or Jonathan Ricketts of Louisville Kentucky

Lying to children is something to be abhorred not emulated. Just as bamboozling judges and hoodwinking judicial proceedings to deceive children and courts is morally repugnant.

Why have the Ricketts fought to hide the truth? Why are they so afraid of the truth?

For instance, why have the Ricketts tried to hide the fact that Julia was married before marrying Jon Ricketts? Are they afraid someone might do the math and figure out Julia was still married when her and Jon's relationship began? Isn't it a bit late to worry about the very tarnished Ricketts name?

Once againg Charlie and Janice Ricketts stuck their noses into something that did not concern them. My son Julian Anthony isn't nor ever will be related to them. The Ricketts have proven by their actions that they're only concerned with Jonathan and my son's half-brothers, James and Vincent Ricketts, who might or might not be Jonathan's children.

Consider how Charlie Ricketts, on September 12, 2007 in front of new's cameras, had the nerve to lie and claim he was my son's grandparent, as Julian Anthony's real grandparents listened in utter disbelief. Why did Charlie do that to my parents and Julian Anthony's grandparents? Luckily the media knew Charlie Ricketts was delusional and lying through his teeth, which is why they never ran that part of the clip.

Just because Julia Nuss Ricketts and the Ricketts chose to lie to anyone who will listen it doesn't make what they say true, as my son Julian Anthony will always have one mother and one father and one set of paternal and maternal grandparents. Julian Anthony is a Rhoades and a Nuss, for NONE of his genes come from the Ricketts deceitful gene pool.

Don't get me wrong, having an affair was wrong. However, wanting to participate in the life of one's child will never be wrong. And wanting your child to have a relationship with his REAL grandparents will never be wrong.

What's wrong is lying to children, to courts, and to everyone else around you! I suppose for Julia and the second family she married into, lying and deceiving others is just a daily occurence and way of life.

Chief Justice Minton’s Supreme Court of Kentucky tenure begins by sanctioning dishonesty & deceit among Kentucky’s youngest

Today the Kentucky Supreme Court denied this biological father’s petition for re-hearing, in the absurd 4 to 3 decision issued in April 2008. The Justices ignored an opportunity to correct the idiotic and politically driven majority opinion, which declared a married woman can not be declared to have had an “out of wedlock” child even though the child’s father is NOT her husband The Chief Justice, who authored the 4 to 3 majority opinion, ruled against me despite knowing the truth of my paternity. Minton claimed I didn't prove the marital relation ended between my son's mother and her 2nd husband, despite him and his colleagues seeing 3 DNA tests to the contrary.

The Court declared, with their denial to rehear, the truth NOR the rights of biological fathers and their biological children matter in Kentucky. The Justices who supported the majority opinion confirmed deceiving children about their father’s identity is more important than truth or justice. Today’s decision tells Kentuckians that their highest court promotes and endorses lying to children and infidelity among promiscuous wives.

The Kentucky Supreme Court has had its say, NOW it’s time for the Kentucky Legislature to have its say!

On October 8, 2008 bill BR57 was pre-filed in an effort to ensure children have the right to know and love their biological fathers. With passage of the bill, the Kentucky Legislature will send a loud message to the Kentucky Supreme Court that TRUTH, fathers, and father’s children matter!

The Ricketts and their allies should be assured this father has not given up on his son by a long shot! My son will know the TRUTH!

Missing My Son

Is it so wrong for a father to long and desire to be in his son's life?



I hope someone in Kentucky will please let me get what I want.

Jul your real daddy loves and misses you terribily. And never forget your real daddy will never ever give up fighting to be in your life! I love you son.

Dishonesty or Fuzzy Memories?

Right after our son was born, I requested Julia tell her family the truth about our son’s paternity. She resisted until we received the DNA results, which turned out to be a blessing. It was a blessing since everything changed once she revealed the truth to her mother and sister. As they immediately and aggressively encouraged her to be dishonest and cut me out of our son’s life. Julia’s earlier warnings had become a reality, for she revealed her family would never accept me as our son’s father.

Despite the suggestions of her family, I still hadn’t lost faith in Julia. I believed there was nothing more important to her than our son and his half-brothers. The false hope that she would be honest and tell her 2nd husband the truth quickly faded. As she told her 2nd husband something, it’s just not clear what she told him. It seemed she followed the advice of her mother and sister.

After revealing something to her husband, everything was flipped upside down. Julia suddenly claimed I was no longer our son’s father and conveniently forgot our lengthy love affair. With the help of her in-laws Charlie and Janice Ricketts, Julia’s 2nd husband began floating the rumor that I was a one night stand and had took advantage of his wife. Apparently, my hopes she would be honest and tell the truth vanished.

Strangely, her 2nd husband Jon Ricketts, who just happens to be a Louisville attorney, didn’t conduct his own DNA testing until seeing my Kentucky Court of Appeals brief. See I thought it was important to include a small sample of evidence with my COA affidavit, e.g. emails, letters, pictures. As Jonathan Ricketts thought the initial DNA testing Julia and I had done, i.e. the one my attorney provided him with 3 months earlier, was NOT as believable as his wife. Perry Mason he’s not!

The Ricketts and Nuss families may have fuzzy memories about the truth, but many others have a much sharper memory. On October 12, 2008 the Louisville Courier-Journal ran an editorial endorsing the candidacy of the incumbent Kentucky Supreme Court Justice. The same Justice that dissented against the absurd decision in our case. In their endorsement the editors displayed a keen memory of our case, for out of hundreds of cases the Justice has voted on they decided to highlight the Justice’s decision in our case. A case that is still before the Kentucky Supreme Court.

Louisville's Presentation Academy Class of 1988 20 Year Reunion

This weekend, October 10-12, 2008, Julia Nuss Ricketts, wife of Louisville attorney Jonathan Ricketts, will be attending her twenty year high school reunion at Presentation Academy (all girl Catholic high school). It's sure to be a time for Julia and her classmates to reminisce about their high school days and talk about their current lives.

I wonder what Julia will tell former classmates about her current life?

Will she mention that her current husband is her 2nd husband? Probably not, which is no big deal. Will she mention how she was so dissatisfied with her 2nd husband that she had a lengthy extramarital affair? Probably not, which is also no big deal. Will she mention that her 2nd husband is the father of 2 or 3 of her children? Probably the latter, as she refuses to be honest about my paternity. Will she mention how she chose to fight all the way to the Kentucky Supreme Court to keep her youngest son from his real father? Probably not, as she probably finds her actions embarrassing.

At first glance, it may seem odd for her to attend a reunion when she'll have to intentionally deceive all of her classmates, yet we must remember she cares very little about what's right or the truth.

I truly hope her classmates will read Andy Wolfson's April 25, 2008 Courier-Journal article about her, me, and our son. And I hope they'll read Michael Lindenberger's April 29, 2008 TIME.COM article, which was on both CNN and TIME.

Consider how Webster dictionary defines reunion, for it considers a reunion as a reuniting of persons after separation. Isn't that exactly what I want to do with my son? I suppose Julia thinks it's okay to have some drinks with old friends but totally unacceptable for a father to want to participate in his son's life. Seems like really screwed up values? Don't get me wrong, I'm glad she found out about her reunion and that she's attending. I'm only asking that while she's reuniting with these girls from twenty years ago that I be allowed to reunite with my son. I wonder who will be watching my son while she attends? It should be me!

Regardless, I hope Julia remembers she promised to always protect our son, which is a promise I expect her to keep. I also hope she realizes, if I find out she's ever allowed her 2nd husband to lay a finger on our son a blog will be the least of his worries. Jonathan Ricketts can continue disciplining Julia's other two sons by spanking and whipping them. However, Julia better think long and hard before allowing her 2nd husband to spank, whip, or harm our son in any way. My son's safety is paramount to me, as it should be to Julia.

Louisville, KY Mother Julia Ricketts Not A Kind Hearted Woman

Julia Ricketts has claimed to be a kind hearted woman for almost 20 years. She so strongly believed this to be true she started using the hobo/tramp symbol as a moniker. Convinced that she truly was a kind hearted woman, she even later had the symbol tattooed above her right ankle.

What Julia fails/failed to understand is that just because one claims to be something doesn’t make it true. For instance, her having a tattoo doesn’t make her a kind hearted woman anymore than her 2nd husband lying about being a child’s father makes him that child’s father.

Does she think keeping our son and I apart, for over 2 years, is indicative of a kind hearted woman?

It may be a worthy investment to have the KHW tattoo removed from her ankle, so our son and his two half-brothers James and Vincent Ricketts aren’t confused. It’s not fair to them that their mother represents to be something she’s not. Just as it’s not fair to them for her 2nd husband, Jonathan Ricketts, to claim to be something he’s not. Don’t they realize only disgusting people seek to deceive children?

I find it amazing that Jon Ricketts still foolishly believes he’s the father of my son. It becomes harder and harder to believe he’s a lawyer. And just so there's no confusion with this video I shot, two items in it are clearly mine and NOT Jonathan Ricketts (i.e. the boxers & child). Doesn’t Jonathan realize every time he looks at Julian Anthony he’s looking at me? And that he’s not just torturing me and my son, rather torturing himself as there’s nothing he can do to change the truth. Everyday my son will look and act more and more like me, and everyday the Ricketts keep us apart my son will hate them more and more. Julia, Jon, Charlie and Janice Ricketts are playing a fools game, but they’re to foolish to realize their own folly.

Broken Promises & Broken Hearts

Julia and I have both broken promises we made to one another. I promised to never reveal pictures, letters, email and video documenting our affair. Julia promised to never keep our son and I apart. She also promised to tell her 2nd husband the truth about our son.

Rather than honor her promises, Julia refused to tell her 2nd husband and the Courts the truth. More importantly, she decided to cut me out of our son's life. She decided she would be the judge, jury, and executioner of my rights as our son's father.

Regretibly, Julia's inability to keep her promises forced me to break my promise.

I know why I broke my promise, but I'm not sure why Julia broke her promises. I broke my promise because Julia decided that neither I nor our son deserve to be in each other's life. This is why I petitioned to establish the legal rights most parents desire. I sought/seek custody and visitation with our son. Yet, Julia so strongly believed our son didn't deserve to have me in his life she fought me all the way to Kentucky's highest Court. Not because I did anything wrong but because I want to be in our son's life. Julia foolishly thought I should trust her and her 2nd husband to let me see my son without legal proceedings.

I'll let those who visit this site decide. Was I wrong not to trust Julia and her 2nd husband? Please remember, the Ricketts wanted full custody, wanted control of all visitation, and wanted me to destroy all pictures, video, email, & letters, and only then would they admit that I was my son's father.

People like the Ricketts can NOT be trusted, which everyone in Louisville already knew! I'm sure we've all run across people like them?

I regret breaking my promise to Julia, but it was the only way I could combat her and her 2nd husband's lies. Again, I wonder why Julia has fought so hard to lie to our son and to keep our son and I apart? Why?

Julia Nuss Ricketts & Jon Ricketts Procrustean Mindset

It's been 2 long years, as of this weekend, since Julia Ricketts and her 2nd husband, Louisville lawyer Jonathan Ricketts, began their campaign of deceit and revenge against me and my son. Despite Julia knowing, even before our son's birth, I was our son's father, she set down the path of deceit knowing I wanted to continue participating in our son's life. Instead of considering the best interest of mine and Julia's son, the Ricketts decided manipulating the facts would be in their best interest. They began telling an onslaught of lies to their families, their friends, and the Courts; trying every way possible to discredit me.

The Ricketts, knowing there was no need for the world to discover the sordid details of mine and Julia's lengthy affair, continued their efforts to deceive the Courts. They chose to tell anyone who would listen they believed I was a liar and a jilted lover. Their lies continued while disregarding the fact that I love my son and want to be in his life. Remarkably, Julia convinced her damaged 2nd husband that she would always consider him my son's father. So Jon Ricketts continued to pretend he was my son's father. Something that was easy for him, since deep uncertainty surrounds the paternity of Julia's other sons.

The only problem in the Ricketts web of lies was me, i.e. a father whose love for his son is unflinching and undying.

The Ricketts foolishly believed I'd roll over, disappear, or give up. They have no comprehension how a real father loves his child, for they probably never experienced love from their fathers. They do not understand true fatherly love never waivers regarding his child. A real father would gladly give up his money, his possessions, and his life for his child.

The Ricketts are fighting out of a deep selfish love for themselves, whereas I'm fighting out of love for my son. And although it's been 2 years, I'm just as resilient as when I began the struggle to combat the lies and deception of the Ricketts. As I believe, despite Charlie Ricketts foolish declaration, that my son has constitutional and God given rights to have me in his life. Both my son and I have a right to be in each other's lives. I'd encourage the Ricketts to try honesty for once! As only disgusting despicable individuals fight to deceive children!

Louisville Bar Association Hosts Kentucky Supreme Court Reception

Please see the following TIME article summing up my case, and then read the Ricketts pleading (linked below)and the April 24, 2008 4 to 3 majority opinioin as both absolutely defy common sense! Both claim a woman who has a child by a man other than her husband can not be considered to have had an "out of wedlock" child.

On September 10th, almost a year after my Kentucky Supreme Court Oral Arguments, the Louisville Bar Association hosted a reception to honor the Supreme Court Justices.

I wonder if Charlie Ricketts and Jon Ricketts will attend the LBA reception? I wonder what type of interaction the Ricketts will have with the Justices? I suppose it would be a perfect opportunity for the Ricketts to thank Justices Minton, Scott, & Cunningham for voting in their favor. A chance for the Ricketts to show their deep appreciation, as they don't care if the case is still in front of the Justices. Here is my KY Supreme Court Petition for Rehearing, which was followed by Julia Ricketts Response to Petition for Rehearing. These demonstrate the case is still open, since no decision has been handed down on the petition.

**(Just as I suspected Charlie Ricketts attended and rubbed shoulders with the justices as seen in this picture of Ricketts and one of the current SCOKY Justices. It's very troubling to see Ricketts socialize with the Court's 7 Justices, especially since our case is still before them. I wouldn't be surprised if he's tried convincing them to endorse his most wicked lie, as he lacks any shred of decency or honor.)**

On a side note, all of my YouTube videos have now been restored. The Ricketts realize if a picture is worth a thousand words, then these video clips are priceless. This is why Julia falsely accused me of copyright infringement, in an attempt to hide the truth. Just in case you were wondering, the videos were a few where Julia freely admits my paternity and promises to let my parents participate in our son's life. Of course Julia lied and cut off my parents just like she cut me off. She has refused to provide my mother with any information concerning our son for well over a year. Click the above video to hear one of the messages yourself.

It seems Julia is keeping our son from me and my parents because she has some type of mental disorder. Why else would she inflict such trauma upon her child, her child's father, and her child's grandparents? I think her actions indicate deep psychological problems. Consider the above YouTube video where Julia admits she just wanted me for my sperm. Is it innocent flirtation or insight into her true intentions? At this point I'm not sure?

In the end, I just wish I could see our son, so we could all focus on his healthy development. I love my son dearly and miss him terribly. I just wish Julia would stop using our son as a way to torture me.

Julia Ricketts Actions Remain an Enigma

Why?

Why does Julia Ricketts continue to keep our son and I apart? Why has she denied all contact between our son and I for almost 17 months. Why has she never allowed my mother and father to meet our son and their grandson. Why does she continue to deceive our 26 month old son into thinking her 2nd husband is his father? Why has she fought to keep our son and I apart since the day I made her reveal the truth to her 2nd husband.?

What?

What kind of person lies to a child? What kind of person lies to their family? What kind of person lies to the Courts? What kind of person keeps their son from his father and grandparents? What kind of person?

Choice!

Julia Ricketts has had the ability to let our son and I see each other this whole time. She is directly responsible for lying to our son, lying to her family, and lying to the Courts. Even more importantly she is directly responsible for keeping our son and I apart. And she's done all this knowing I've always been our son's father.

Ultimate Selfishness & Selflessness!

I can only hope Julia Ricketts loves our son as much as she loves herself, for there's no one more important to Julia than Julia!

Unlike Julia, I've chosen to make sure our son will always love his mother, despite her actions. As I know how important it is for our son to love both of his parents. And how important it is that our son be proud of both his mother and his father.

(Just so Jonathan Ricketts isn't confused, as he's kind of slow & prone to confusion, I'm NOT referring to him when I say "our son's father" or "our son's parents." Julian Anthony only has one father and one mother, who happen to be ME & Julia!!!)

What do Julia Ricketts United States District Court Co-workers Think?

I hope the co-workers of Julia Ricketts recognize the heartache she is perpetuating while they all laugh, joke & have a good time with her.

(At the request of one of Julia Ricketts co-workers, I have replaced the previous picture and have posted the dialogue I just had with her co-worker, September 3, 2008)




[12:19] meeboguest730530: Do they think Julia is right in lying to the Courts? NOPE
Do they think Julia is right in lying to our child? NOPE
Do they think Julia is right in denying access to our child? NOPE
Do they think Julia is right in hiding the truth? NOPE
Do they think Julia is able to be honest with them? NOPE
[12:19] letmeseemyson: do you work with her
[12:19] letmeseemyson: I wish things were different
[12:20] meeboguest730530: Just an FYI sir, you've very much offended and hurt those people in the picture, none of them agree with what she's done and it's not fair to them to drag them into this fight.
[12:20] meeboguest730530: Funny thing is, we all agree with you
[12:20] letmeseemyson: I'll take it down this evening
[12:20] letmeseemyson: out of respect for you and your colleagues
[12:20] meeboguest730530: You do what you think you need, but I'd thank you for that
[12:20] letmeseemyson: I never meant to hurt you
[12:21] meeboguest730530: seems things won't change here to make the problem right
[12:21] letmeseemyson: I'm just trying to make Julia realize what's she's doing
[12:21] meeboguest730530: have to sign off now, good luck to you sir
[12:21] letmeseemyson: bye

Now we know how Julia Ricketts Louisville District Court Clerk of the Court co-workers feel about what Julia and her 2nd husband, attorney Jonathan Ricketts, are doing?

Do they think Julia is right in lying to the Courts?
Do they think Julia is right in lying to our child?
Do they think Julia is right in denying access to our child?
Do they think Julia is right in hiding the truth?
Do they think Julia is able to be honest with them?

It seems Julia's co-workers think she's NOT totally justified in her actions! Nor do they think she's totally blameless! Nor do they think it's okay to lie to children! And they do really care if she lies to my son, the courts, and to them! Hope Julia is listening to what they have said?

I hope everyone knows that for 2 years I've tried and tried to understand the actions of my son's mother, yet I still don't understand how she could lie to our son and deny him access to me?

Doesn't Julia think I love and adore our son? She's kept our son and I apart since she told her husband about our affair and my paternity. BUT WHY? For months and months I sent letters to her attorney begging her to let me see our son and to tell me he was okay. I begged her to tell the Courts the truth. BUT ALL letters went unanswered. Finally after months and months, I was told I could see our son for 15 minutes if I'd let her husband continue pretending he was our son's father.

As a parent, I ask anyone aquainted with her, what would you do if someone kept you from your child? What would you do if you were in my position? Asking a father or mother who loves their child to just walk away and abandon their child is barbaric and disgusting! I'd never ask Julia to do that so why did she ask that of me? Julia Ricketts keeps our son from me for no other reason than her 2nd husband's, Louisville Lawyer Jon Ricketts, inability to get past his ego, pride, and hate. Jon no matter what you say or do, Anthony will always be mine and Julia's son. Just accept reality and try to be a good step-dad and swallow your pride, so we can do what's best for mine & Julia's son & his half-brothers.

Kentucky Supreme Court Sends Mixed Message Regarding DNA Evidence

In April 2008 the Kentucky Supreme Court decided I have NO right to seek custody and visitation with my son, despite 3 DNA tests and the sworn testimony of my son’s mother. The SCOKY ruling asserted the relationship I had already established with my young son meant nothing. The Court in its 4 to 3 decision said they would NOT consider determinative evidence in my Family Court case. The ruling majority refused to recognize me as my son's legal father, again despite knowing full well I'm my son's father. The majority asserted TRUTH has nothing to do with JUSTICE by refusing to consider and include key evidence.

Ironically, the Supreme Court of Kentucky just released an opinion reversing a Court of Appeals decision based on DNA evidence. In this recent case, the Court opined DNA evidence is critical in determing the TRUTH. Deputy Chief Justice Will T. Scott, writing the opinion, based the Court’s ruling on RCr 10.02 and CR 60.02. The former states the Court can grant a new trial under warranted circumstances when the defendant was somehow prevented from having a FAIR trial, or IF otherwise in the interest of JUSTICE. Whereas the latter states the Court can relieve a final judgement upon the following grounds:

(a) mistake, inadvertence, surprise or excusable neglect; (b) newly discovered evidence which by due diligence could not have been discovered in time to move for a new trial under Rule 59.02; [ten days after judgment] (c) perjury or falsified evidence; (d) fraud affecting the proceedings, other than perjury or falsified evidence; (e) the judgment is void, or has been satisfied, released, or discharged, or a prior judgment upon which it is based has been reversed or otherwise vacated, or it is no longer equitable that the judgment should have prospective application ; or (f) any other reason of an extraordinary nature justifying relief. The motion shall be made within a reasonable time, and on grounds (a), (b), and (c) not more than one year after the judgment, order, or proceeding was entered or taken. A motion under this rule does not affect the finality of a judgment or suspend its operation . (My son's mother committed fraud against the court for months!)

Interestingly, in my case, the majority did NOT care about the above rules, truth, or justice. Yet, Stan Billingsley claims in a recent legal post the Kentucky Supreme Court’s August ruling shows "There is a new sheriff in town. Our new Kentucky Supreme Court shows that they believe justice should trump procedure." What should be noted about the recent ruling is that the Kentucky Supreme Court, just 3 months ago, did NOT give the same weight to mine and my son’s DNA testing (3 DNA tests). It seems JUSTICE does not yet factor into the equation in Family Court cases where DNA clearly demonstrates the TRUTH.

Justice Scott writes in the recent ruling, “…we [SCOKY] are confronted with the stark reality that Appellant was convicted based, at least in part, on suppositions that we now know to be fundamentally false.” p.14. Scott claims a new trial must be granted based on DNA testing demonstrating the truth. Does Scott think this only applies to criminal cases and not family court cases?

I’m curious why the Kentucky Supreme Court discarded and ignored my DNA evidence? Why did they strike DNA evidence and sworn testimony in my case? Why did they think it was of no consequence in determining the TRUTH?

Each of the 4 Justices who voted against me and my son knew their decision was fundamentally false, as all the justices know I'm my son's father. Does keeping a child from his father seem FAIR? I disagree with Billingsley, I'm yet to be convinced that Kentucky's highest court cares about justice or the TRUTH. The Kentucky Supreme Court and my son's mother have now kept me and my son apart for 16 months and counting. There's definately something wrong when a father and his son are kept apart to cover the lies of a mother.

Louisville Legal Couple Julia & Jon Ricketts Again Seek to Erase History

Click direct link to CNN/TIME.com article explanation of case.

Once again Julia and her 2nd husband, Louisville Kentucky lawyer Jon Ricketts, have claimed copyright infringement violations regarding video posted on YouTube that I took of mine and Julia's son. It seems the Ricketts will stop at nothing to erase and distort the facts involving mine and Julia's son, Julian Anthony. I've never known people so dedicated to deceiving children and those around them. The disregard the Ricketts have shown towards the truth, law, and Kentucky Courts and Judges is unbelievable. But the disregard they've shown to my precious little son is so much more disgusting.

If Julia is so ashamed of our son's paternity, then why doesn't she just let our son come and live with me? My family and I love and cherish my son despite being temporarily and unjustly kept from him. I guarantee my son would get all the love and attention he needs and deserves in my household. Something Julia doesn't understand nor comprehend is that I can and will ensure our son is NEVER ashamed of his mother or his conception. As, unlike her, I understand how important it is for a child to be proud of both of his parents and of the truth. And as much as Julia's 2nd husband might like, he is only associated to my son, Julian Anthony, through his marriage to my son's mother (as demonstrated in the collages and article).

What Julia & Jon Ricketts fail to comprehend is that one day my son will learn the truth. That will be the day that Julia and Jon's lies catch up to them. I'm confident they will be held accountable for their actions, I just hope my son finds a way to forgive them.

Good parents know there is nothing more disgusting than lying to children in an effort to serve one's own selfish needs. Maybe one day Julia will consider our son and end the lies and deception. And maybe one day Jonathan Ricketts will find the courage to do DNA tests on my son's half-brothers, which he alleges are his sons. As Vincent and James deserve to know the truth too!

Julian Anthony Will Always Appreciate Your Support

On behalf of my son, I'd like to thank the thousands and thousands of people who have and continue to visit this blog. I'd also like to thank the hundreds who have sent emails and instant messages. Your prayers, kind words, and even concerns continue to move me and Julian Anthony's paternal family. I'm also very grateful that so many of you include my son's mother in your prayers, as she's having great difficulty coping with our situation and desperately needs our prayers.

I'd also like to thank all the good people of Louisville who have taken time to contact me after seeing my son and his mother out and about. My son is very fortunate that Louisville is made up of so many compassionate people; many who believe a father deserves to know the condition of his son.

Despite many positive reports, I'm very troubled about a recent report. Apparently Julia does not believe it's necessary to hold our son's hand when walking along very busy downtown streets. Anyone familiar with the intersection at S. Second and W. Chestnut Sts. would probably agree children should not be free to run to the family minivan, especially during rush hour. I realize parenting styles vary but repsonsible mothers always hold their child's hand, especially when one of the children is only 2 years old. I pray this was an isolated incident and that Julia won't let it happen again! As our son and his half-brothers' safety should be paramount. Julia please keep your promise and protect our son, please hold his hand.

Louisville KY Master of Deception Julia Ricketts

As I watch the Florida saga surrounding the mother of Caylee Anthony, I'm reminded of the ongoing deception presented by my son's mother and her 2nd husband Louisville attorney Jon Ricketts. As can be seen in the January 2007 Louisville Bar Association issue of "Bar Briefs" picture/add, which their attorney Charlie Ricketts purchased, the Ricketts pretend Jonathan Ricketts is the father of Julia's 3 sons. The Ricketts attempted to deceive the readers of the LBA publication despite receiving DNA results 2 weeks prior confirming there was a 0% chance of Jon Ricketts being the father of Julia's 3rd son Julian Anthony. Of course Jonathan and Charlie Ricketts already knew this despite the January 2007 DNA test, since they knew blood typing and an August 2006 DNA test provided at the end of September 2006 proved my paternity.

The Ricketts were so worried about their social standing and persona they requested I sign a confidentiality agreement, and later sent a letter demonstrating their displeasure that I wouldn't sign. My attorney explained to them why I would not sign a confidentiality agreement in the following letter, which happen to precede their letter in the middle of October 2006. This was a very early example of the deception that would follow.

Hung up on my refusual to sign the confidentiality agreement, the Ricketts decided to ignore my many requests for information and visitation regarding my son (see the following November 2006 handwritten requests: 1.November 6, 2006 & 2.November 14, 2006. It should be noted that our first motion in front of the Family Court judge did not take place until the middle of October 2006, as Julia avoided being served notice for 2 weeks. It was at that motion hour, after the Ricketts counsel slammed the confidentiality agreement down in front of me to be signed, that Charlie Ricketts claimed my DNA test was a fake. This is when the Ricketts fraud against the Kentucky judiciary began.

The Ricketts tried everything to have any and all evidence destroyed. They requested the Family Court to order me to turn over all pictures, video, etc. in this December 2006 linked motion. The Ricketts claimed the order was to protect the privacy of my son and his mother, but it was really only to protect Julia and her 2nd husband Jon. The Ricketts tried 2 more times to destroy and hide all the evidence seen on this blog, at the Family Court in May 2007 and then at the Kentucky Supreme Court in May 2007. The Ricketts emergency motions followed the KY Supremes May 3, 2007 order to stay our case, which prompted an immediate press release to media outlets. We also responded to the Ricketts gag motion. Kentucky's highest court had no choice but to reject the Ricketts motion as Julia had already spoken to the press herself in March 2007.

This all just demonstrates how the Ricketts want to control the situation and will lie unless they get their way. Here's a letter from their attorney to mine demonstrating exactly this point. Of course my lawyer fired back a letter turning down the settlement of one a hour per week visitation. The Ricketts are only interested in admitting the truth if they can control the evidence that proves the truth.

There's so much evidence to demonstrate the Ricketts intentions. For instance, I begged them to mediate, but they only wanted to mediate after they lost at the Court of Appeals. This last letter demonstrates Julia's selfishness, as her own attorney can't get them to cooperate.

Just like the mother of Caylee Anthony in Florida, Julia Ricketts is void of emotion and has habitually lied concerning the facts of our case. It's such ashame when mothers put their own interest above the interest of their own children!

Louisville Kentucky's Most Disgusting Court Ruling

Almost 3 months ago Andy Wolfson, in his provocative front page April 25, 2008 Louisville Courier-Journal article, reported one of the most absurd Family Law rulings in the history of the Supreme Court of Kentucky. Wolfson's story ran the day after the Kentucky Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that the truth does not matter regarding the relationship between a biological father and his 2 year son when the mother is married.

Wolfson quoted Julia and Jonathan Ricketts'lawyer Louis Waterman, whom the Ricketts referred all questions, who said his clients were "very, very relieved."

Waterman continued by telling Wolfson, "As we have said from the beginning, our sole interest was to protect the child," and "Family law is designed to do that, and I am grateful the Supreme Court did that today."

Okay, nobody ever asked so I will, "What the Hell do the Ricketts think my son needs protection from?"

Are the Ricketts talking about the truth? How does lying to my son actually protect him? How does cutting off access between me and my son protect him? What did my son and I do to deserve to be kept apart? All I've ever wanted was to continue the relationship my son and I enjoyed, before the September 22, 2006 day Julia Ricketts told her 2nd husband, Louisville lawyer Jonathan Ricketts, about our 1.5 year affair and the birth of our son, until we were alienated from one another.

Please ask yourself about the sole purpose of the Ricketts, has it been to really protect my son or themselves? And if it truly was to protect him, then from what? This is the question I wish Wolfson would of asked, as I really would like to hear the answer!

Please note that from my son's birth on June 20, 2006 up until September 22, 2006 I enjoyed a loving father and son relationship with my son Julian Anthony, for it was after that September day that Julia and Jon Ricketts began their fraud upon the Kentucky judiciary system. They've lied to all judges that our case has went before, however only the 4 Kentucky Supreme Court Justices bought into their deception. What makes this case so absurd is that those 4 Supreme Justices, despite the truth, tons of evidence, and 3 DNA tests all substantiating my petition, defied common sense by saying my son couldn't be shown to be my son. They said my son wasn't born "out of wedlock" since his mother was married regardless that he's my son and not her 2nd husbands.

Here's a quote from a September 13, 2006 email Julia Ricketts sent me just days before I convinced her to tell her 2nd husband, Jon Ricketts, the truth, Julia said: "You just want ‘credit’ for being Julian Anthony’s father. I think its fine, I’m accepting the fact that I must own up to my sins and tell my husband about our affair and of Julian. Julian shouldn’t live in a lie. But that’s not enough for you. See at that point, you’d be able to see Julian. But that’s not enough, you also want custody."

If anyone didn't figure it out yet, I petitioned the Kentucky Jefferson County Family Court so I would be ensured to see my son! I did this because I knew Julia Ricketts and her 2nd husband Jonathan Ricketts are disgusting liars!!! It's now been 15 months since I've seen my son. Julia (who is also known as Jules and Julie) is only relieved because she thinks she's getting away with Louisville's biggest cover-up, but in the end it's all going to blow up in her face as our son will know the truth!!!

Anyone who knows the Ricketts please clarify for them - decent people and children need to be protected from lies, deception, and dishonesty NOT from the TRUTH! Unfortunately, it seems the Ricketts have no conception or understanding of the importance and value surrounding the TRUTH?

Kentucky Legal News: Julia Nuss Ricketts Elevates Paternity Deception

Click following link to Time Magazine's explanation of case.

Unfortunately, as one reporting news to the public on the Ricketts v. Rhoades case, I must once again deliver troubling news. Julia Ricketts has decided to elevate her attempts to deceive our son and his half-brothers. While my Motion to Reconsider is being reviewed by the Kentucky Supreme Court, the case has taken a curious spin. It has now become a contest over the First Amendment and Internet law - in addition to being a landmark case regarding paternity rights.

Julia Ricketts is now trying to hide the truth by attempting to shut down this very website! She states I have violated copyright protected works of which she is claiming ownership.

In essence, Ricketts is claiming copyright infringement has been violated by the posting of court documents, including pleadings and orders from the Appellate proceedings. She also claims violations over the posting of her marriage counselor's sworn affidavit, the DNA tests, settlement offers and her own sworn deposition, which are all part of the Appellate court record. Julia Ricketts believes NO court pleadings, orders, or rulings should be posted on the website and she claims to be the copyright protector. Julia Ricketts also believes that all email and letters she wrote to me and my mother are copyright protected. Finally, Ricketts believes pictures and video taken by me are protected. It should be noted that her claims of ownership were made under penalty of perjury.

My website www.juliananthony.comwas taken down for a period of hours but was then restored by the internet provider.

It seems Julia Ricketts fails to comprehend the rules surrounding copyright, fair use, and perjury. However, it appears she will be learning a great deal more about each as she plans to take it to Federal District Court.

The Ricketts are truly testing the judiciary concept of "Truth and Justice," as they insist on trying to distort the facts and conceal the truth.

I'll never understand why they continue in their efforts to deceive my precious little son. They should be ashamed of themselves and stop lying! They still don't understand that teaching children about truth and honesty is the most important job of a parent. Lying to children will always be DISGUSTING!!!

Jonathan Ricketts "Oh what a tangled web you weave, when you first practice to deceive!"

***Click here if video won't load.***
(Please allow a few seconds to load newly released video of Julian Anthony's real mommy and daddy bonding with their precious son.)


After a recent comment by a Ricketts family member, I believe it's important to once again remind Julia and Jon Ricketts that I'm Julian Anthony's father. For some strange reason Jonathan Ricketts continues to believe that he is my son's father. Something I just can't figure out? Jon has his accomplices saying, "Why should Jonathan trust you with Julian? How does he know you won't take Julian to Florida and change his name?"

I guess I have to say it again to help Jon understand, "Dude Julian Anthony is NOT your son!" It's almost hard to believe Jon is a lawyer - especially considering I've substantiated all my claims and he still denies the truth. (Evidence=a means of ascertaining the truth of any alleged matter of fact) And just so Jon and his accomplices know, what I'm saying is NOT insincere nor grandiloquent language, but rather me trying to combat perpetual lies. One doesn't have to be a lawyer to recognize another's true intentions. You raise questions of trusting me with my own son when it should be me and others raising the question of trusting you! Why do you insist on lying to my son and denying him access to me? Why? As we see from the above video your wife wasn't denying me access. I hope everyone that knows Jon Ricketts will keep a close eye on him, for I do NOT trust him with my son.