There is new legislation being introduced in Albany, NY, that would allow inmates that are 55 years of age to be eligible for parole after serving 15 consecutive years, according to the Adirondack Daily Enterprise. This measure was introduced to the Senate by Brad Hoylman, a Democrat representing Manhattan. The measure however doesn’t mandate the release of the prisoner. Judith Clark is a 69-year- old who served more than 37 years for her role in a 1981 Rockland County armored truck robbery. During the commission of the robbery two … [Read more...] about New York considers elderly parole law inmates 55 and over may see relief
Parole and release
New York parolees renovated transition house
Ex prisoner working on renovation Parolees leaving New York’s prisons were having trouble finding housing, so they took matters into their own hands, with help from the New Beginnings program, which bought a vacant dilapidated dwelling for the formerly incarcerated men renovate. New Beginnings is a transitional housing program in New York and was created by Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison to deal with the reentry issue. “It was a huge leap...a magnificent leap of faith,” Damian Rossney, project manager for New … [Read more...] about New York parolees renovated transition house
Prison to Employment Connection prepares men for the workforce
PEC staff and inmate volunteers Prison to Employment Connection (PEC) at San Quentin graduated 44 men from its ninth session in June. The week before graduation, more than 40 business, career and education professionals attended Employer Day at the prison to do one-on-one interviews with the men. PEC’s 15-week program prepares men to be “job ready” before paroling. According to statistics from Diana Williams, PEC executive director, 210 men have graduated from the program since 2015. Of that number, 96 have paroled and only one has … [Read more...] about Prison to Employment Connection prepares men for the workforce
Jesse Vasquez, SQN former editor-in-chief paroled
JESSE VASQUEZ Jesse Vasquez, 36, former editor-in-chief of San Quentin News, paroled in late May from San Quentin State Prison after spending all of his adult years in prison and a little more than half his life. Vasquez paroled with a different state of mind from the one his 17-year-old younger self arrived with in 2001. “When I was a teenager, I knew I was already being formed for prison,” said Vasquez. “When I came to prison it wasn’t a surprise to me. I wasn’t bitter, angry or sad.” “My mother used to tell me if I continued … [Read more...] about Jesse Vasquez, SQN former editor-in-chief paroled
Program helps at risk youth through music
John Wallace at his studio John Wallace went to jail and prison19 times, starting at age 18. Then he was sent to San Quentin, where he served two terms and started writing rap lyrics on his last trip there in the prison’s West Block. An initial opening to a career in music happened by chance when Wallace and other inmates created what he described as a “radio show” called K-FU** Radio in the cell block where they would sing, rap and tell jokes at night. He said it was like comedy night in the cell block, and it inspired him to … [Read more...] about Program helps at risk youth through music
Inmate walks out of prison after 27 years of confinement
Ten days into the new year, Quentin Morris walked out of Folsom State Prison. Last August, Governor Brown commuted his sentence to 25 years to life, allowing Morris a chance for a parole date. When released, he had served 27 years for a crime he didn’t commit.. Morris was convicted of shooting at four teenagers in the Pacoima area of the San Fernando Valley in November of 1991, according to the Associated Press. At his trial, one teenager identified Morris as the gun- man despite the fact that the true shooter was masked during the … [Read more...] about Inmate walks out of prison after 27 years of confinement
More credits offered under Prop 57
“As of May 1, 2019 (under new emergency regulations), people can earn 10 days of (Rehabilitative Achievement) credit for every 52 hours of participation(in eligible self- help and volunteer public service activities), up to a maximum of 40 days credit per year.” The programming credits under Proposition 57 have been enhanced once again, and many inmates are happy to see these changes. Inmate David Hill said, “I think it’s a good thing; it’s going to make me more inclined to stay in my groups now that the credit hours roll over into the … [Read more...] about More credits offered under Prop 57
Charles Manson’s follower recommended for release
The California parole board recently recommended the release of one of Charles Manson’s followers, Bobby Beausoleil, who has served almost 50 years and been denied for parole 18 prior times. In 1969, Beausoleil was convicted of killing musician Gary Hinman. According to testimony, Hinman was tortured for three days. Beausoleil’s original death sentence was reduced to life in prison by an appeals court in 1973, The Associated Press reports. Beausoleil is now 71 years old and serving his time at California Medical Center. The California … [Read more...] about Charles Manson’s follower recommended for release
Some law enforcement and victim advocates oppose Proposition 57
Some police and victim advocates claim a recent court ruling could lead to the early release of many violent and sex offenders, reports the Times Herald. The case involves Gregory Gadlin, serving 35 years to life for assault with a deadly weapon. He was also convicted previously of forcible rape in 1984 and forcible child molestation in 1986. The 2nd District Court of Appeals ruled in January that Gadlin should be considered for early release under terms of Proposition 57, the voter- approved initiative aimed at reducing prison … [Read more...] about Some law enforcement and victim advocates oppose Proposition 57
Collateral consequences of incarceration still linger
Jay Jordan’s story is an example of the barriers the formerly incarcerated face when trying to make a new life outside of prison. He was paroled in 2011 following seven years in prison. He filled out 30 applications as a barber, a skill he learned while locked up. He remained unemployed. Everywhere he went, his past convictions stopped employers from even considering him, reports Kay Wicker for thinkprogress.org. These circumstances are anything but unusual. One in five Californians have convictions, according to a report published by … [Read more...] about Collateral consequences of incarceration still linger