HOUSTON – Sandy Phan-Gillis, a Houston woman in custody in China, is accused of stealing national security secrets or spying.
Today her husband, Jeff, received correspondence from her directly for the first time since her capture at a border checkpoint near Hong Kong in March.
"I mean it's the first time my wife has really had an opportunity to say anything at all about the case," said Jeff Gillis.
U.S. Consulate officials met with Sandy this morning in China and then she was able to send her husband information and tell him how much she loves him.
"Jeff, I love you, too. Every day I call out your name in my heart. I apologize again and again and again to you and the family that I caused so much problems. I hope the Chinese authorities can release me someday. I know you are working so hard. Please don't give up helping me."
What she did say in the letter was that this is not a criminal case, but is a political case and she actually hopes he can lobby for the exchange of political prisoners.
Meanwhile, city leaders like the mayor are speaking out about the arrest and what needs to happen next.
"We hope there's a quick resolution," said Mayor Annise Parker. "Her family, her husband, who lives here deserves to know what's going to happen and she deserves access to lawyers and an opportunity to have a day in court, which may or may not happen."
There's no indication on if or when Sandy will be released.