James Macchio

Release Plan for James Macchio

Prepared by James Macchio
BOP Registration Number: 16502-511
Surrender Date: June 26, 2025
Designation Facility: Ft. Dix

Introduction 

Dear Unit Team:

I appreciate this opportunity to share a release plan. I began writing this plan soon after I learned that the Court would require me to surrender to serve a prison term. I never anticipated I’d leave my family behind to surrender to federal prison, so I had to begin making a plan. 

Making plans is something that I’ve been doing my entire life, and I’m hopeful it will help me make the most productive use of my time inside. Prior to surrendering to serve my sentence, I was evaluating and planning for my future. 

I strategically managed my financial affairs to ensure my financial obligations would be met during my time away. Making sure my children are cared for and have what they need is important. Also of importance is ensuring I have a home to return to, a job and resources to sustain. Beyond that, I recognize my responsibility to pay restitution. By managing my financial affairs to ensure my assets are secure, I can focus on paying restitution using those assets upon my release. Without proper planning, the threat of losing assets meant being ill-prepared or unable to pay the restitution I owe. 

This document shows my commitment to live responsibly and productively while serving my sentence, and while I rebuild after returning to my family and community. To prepare the plan, I took the following methodical steps:

• Spent time reviewing the BOP’s website to better understand the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Read through the Federal Court’s website to learn more about the goals of a prison sentence.
• Researched the best practices to overcome the collateral consequences that follow for people who’ve been convicted of a crime.

That research has opened my eyes, giving me a better understanding of what to expect while serving my sentence, and once I get out. I’ll use this plan to stay on track. I’m also sharing it with my loved ones, so they have a good idea of what I intend to accomplish during this time that I’m going to spend away from my family and community.

This experience has taught me profound lessons. Throughout my case, I’ve lived with authenticity and integrity. While incarcerated, I will live by the same principles. I know that I must live responsibly, focusing on what I can control. Although I cannot control what others do, I am more aware of what to expect, and will adhere to the key objectives I’ve detailed below while I move forward:

Key Objectives 

• Follow any guidance from my Unit Team.
• Comply fully with institutional policies and demonstrate exemplary behavior.
• Learn about every opportunity to reduce my sentence obligation through Good Conduct Time (GCT) and First Step Act (FSA) credits. Additionally, I hope to be accepted into the RDAP program to address my history of prescription drug abuse.
• Participate in programs that foster personal growth, remove areas of vulnerability, and make the best use of my time to rebuild and prepare for higher levels of success after I return to society. 
• Share the knowledge I’ve gained with others, either by teaching or actively participating in classes, programs and work.
• Show others what I’ve learned about building release plans and building a record that will accelerate pathways to success after release.
• Maintain the highest transparency and accountability with prison officials, my family and society. 
• Prepare for reintegration by creating systems for long-term compliance with laws and professional ethics. 

Timeline 

1. June 26, 2025 

• I will surrender directly to FCI Ft. Dix to begin serving a 42-month sentence.
  

2. 30-Day Initial Classification Period 

• Complete all assignments, as directed by the Unit Team.
• Complete the risk and needs assessment under the PATTERN system as soon as I obtain computer access with my personal access code and can access the surveys. I anticipate being classified as minimum risk of recidivism, based on lessons I learned about the PATTERN system by studying the Bureau of Prisons’ website. 
• Participate in assigned programs, workshops, and classes based on priorities identified by the Unit Team. Since my first Unit Team meeting will not take place for 28-30 days after my arrival, I will participate in programs I believe will be most helpful until my Unit Team has had a chance to review my individual needs and make program recommendations.
  

3. Ongoing During Sentence 

• Maintain exemplary behavior to reduce my sentence through Good Conduct Time by up to 15% (189 days, which equals slightly more than 6 months).
• Actively participate in educational programs and self-improvement workshops to earn additional time off through Earned Time Credits (ETC) under the FSA. 
• Adhere to any guidance from my Unit Team, or other staff members in the camp.

4. Projected Release: Based on what I learned about Good Conduct Time and Earned Time Credits, and community confinement, I hope my Unit Team will find me a suitable candidate for transition to community confinement at the soonest possible time. It’s my understanding that the Unit Team has discretion, and that to qualify for the earliest possible transition to home confinement, I must abide by all rules and participate in all programs that my Unit Team recommends. Based on what I learned from studying policy statements on the BOP website, I will begin earning Earned Time Credits according to the First Step Act at 10 days per month (after I have completed the required surveys I previously mentioned). Within the first 30 days of my surrender, my Unit Team will meet with me to make specific FSA program recommendations. Six months after that meeting, my Unit Team will meet with me again and conduct a program review. After that meeting, I should begin earning 15 days per month of Earned Time Credits. I may earn up to a year off my sentence by earning ETC. Any additional Earned Time Credits I earn beyond that will be applied to additional community confinement time at the end of my BOP obligation. That said, I used the following calculations to estimate the best possible scenario:
   
   1. Sentence length: 42 months
      1. Potential Reductions:
         1. Good Conduct Time: Approximately 6 months (189 days)
         2. Earned Time Credits earned during year 1: Approximately 5 months 
         3. Earned Time Credits earned during year 2: 6 months

Total Reductions for GCT and ETC = Approximately 17 months

2. Owe to BOP: 42-month sentence, less potential cumulative total of 17 months of GCT and ETC results in 25 months owed to BOP.
   
3. Placement in halfway house/home confinement, approximately 12 months
   1. It’s my understanding that I would receive up to 1 year of community confinement placement in either halfway house, home confinement or some combination of the two.

4. RDAP program acceptance and full completion of 9-month program may result in an additional sentence reduction of up to 12 months. If I am successful in completing the program and earning that reduction, I understand that the my total ETC earnings estimated above will not be as much due to earlier release.
   
5. I certainly realize that the Unit Team will make the decision. I simply used these projections as a guideline to prepare my release plan in the most effective way possible. I want to work toward the best possible outcomes.

5. Post-Release:
   1. It’s my understanding that if my Unit Team authorizes me to transition from prison to a halfway house and/or home confinement, I will remain under the authority of the Bureau of Prisons until the completion of my BOP sentencing obligation. I will need to fully comply with the halfway house rules and instructions from my case manager during that time. Violations may result in immediate return to prison for the remainder of my sentence.
   2. After I complete my obligation to the Bureau of Prisons, I will transition to Supervised Release and must comply with the requirements enforced by a federal probation officer assigned to my case. My judge imposed a supervised release term of 3 years.
   3. This preliminary release plan, together with the updates I intend to write while I work through the sentence, will prepare me for that post-release transition.
   4. I intend to keep my Unit Team updated with the progress I make while I serve my sentence, building a record that will apprise administrators in the halfway house, and my probation officer, of the commitment I’ve made to resume my life as a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen. The record I build will be methodical, memorializing all that I am doing to prepare for the journey ahead.

Understanding My Background and Goals

Before my judge sentenced me to 42 months, I participated in a presentence investigation interview with a federal probation officer. I presume the Bureau of Prisons will rely on the information provided in that report, though I’d like to offer more context. 

I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on the decisions that led me into this situation. The more I reflected on the charging instruments that read: “United States of America vs. James Macchio,” I’ve tried to come to terms with where I am at this stage in my life. I am ashamed to be in this position and have become determined to make things right. For that reason, I began studying what the system expects of a person who goes into prison. From the federal court’s website, I learned a lot about four concepts:

1. Punishment 

I came to understand that punishment is a fundamental aspect of sentencing, intended to hold individuals like me accountable for their actions. It’s society’s way of formally acknowledging guilt and expressing disapproval of the offense. Punishment often involves imprisonment, fines, and/or probation, and its purpose is to ensure that unlawful behavior is met with appropriate consequences. Reflecting on this, I realized the Court’s intent. 

2. Deterrence 

I learned that deterrence is about preventing future crimes, both for me and for others. Specific deterrence is meant to discourage me from reoffending, while general deterrence sends a message to society that criminal behavior has serious consequences. This concept made me think deeply about the importance of accountability and how my actions could serve as a cautionary example for others. It certainly helped me appreciate the importance of learning more, so that I will never be in this position again.

3. Incapacitation 

I learned that the goal of incapacitation in the sentencing process is to protect the community by limiting a person’s ability to commit further offenses. By removing a convicted person from society, the Court wanted to create a safer environment for others. It has been difficult for me to accept that anyone would feel the need to remove me from my family, my work, or my community. 

4. Rehabilitation 

The fourth concept I learned through my research was Rehabilitation. I understood that I wouldn’t have any influence on the Court’s decision regarding the need for punishment, deterrence, or incapacitation in my case. Yet with regard to rehabilitation, the responsibility would be mine. I would have to think about ways to use the time inside to show my commitment to live the rest of my life as a law-abiding citizen. That insight drove me to dive deeper into understanding the influences that got me here and then identifying ways to work toward the best possible outcome.

I began working to build this release plan, going over it numerous times to ensure that I’d have a guide to get me through the troubling times ahead.

Following all that I learned from the Federal Court’s website, I continued my research, learning about “reentry initiatives” that the Bureau of Prisons emphasized. The BOP’s website even featured a story about Reentry Success, profiling other people who’d gone through the federal prison system, and how they used their time inside to overcome the many challenges that complicate life for people who have a felony conviction.

I reached out to a nonprofit profiled on the website and learned a valuable amount about stumbling, resilience and building a better future. Through that proactive initiative, I learned about the importance of:

1. Defining Success as the Best Possible Outcome 

I realized that success is a deeply personal concept, one that I needed to define, especially given the changed circumstances of my life. For me, success isn’t about chasing perfection but focusing on the best possible outcomes I can achieve in my circumstances. Having a clear vision of what “success” looks like has given me a sense of purpose and a target to work toward every day. 

2. Creating a Plan to Guide My Decisions and Keep Me on Track 

Without a plan, I knew it would be easy to lose focus or make impulsive decisions. Truthfully, impulsive decisions are part of what led me to trouble. Making informed, well-reasoned decisions is crucial to living the life I want. I’ve taken the time to map out a strategic plan that details not only my goals, but also the steps I must take to achieve them. This plan is my roadmap, keeping me grounded and ensuring I make progress in the right direction.

3. Putting Priorities in Place 

Time and energy are limited resources, and I have learned the importance of focusing on what truly matters. By setting clear priorities, I’ve focused my efforts on tasks and objectives that create the greatest impact on my success. Before surrendering, I devoted time to crafting this plan and sharing it. Drafting and following a plan has helped me remain focused. It’s helped me overcome minor setbacks. I intend to use this plan throughout my incarceration and long after I’ve been released. This plan is a personal asset; a resource I use to show all stakeholders that I am committed to making the most of a challenging chapter of my life.

D.  Developing Tools, Tactics and Resources to Influence the Journey Ahead 

I can’t rely on motivation alone to keep moving forward — having a strategy is key. As I developed this plan, I identified the tools, tactics and resources designed to help me stay productive and overcome obstacles. Besides participating in all programs that my Unit Team directs, I developed a self-directed plan that guides me through my time in prison. I intend to stay productive, always working to develop opportunities for the next phase of my life.

E.  Creating Personal Accountability Logs to Show Daily Progress 

To stay consistent, I began tracking my accomplishments each day. Seeing my progress has been both motivating and informative. I began to keep a journal, recording all that I was doing to prepare. It became a useful tool to keep me on track. I’ll continue to develop the journal while serving my term, sending home routine updates so my loved ones feel connected and know how I’m spending my time. Additionally, I’m open to sharing what I’ve done with decision makers such as my case manager, administrators in the halfway house, and my probation officer. I want each of them to know that I’m serious about my commitment to resume my life as a law-abiding, contributing citizen.

F.  Adjusting as I Learn More 

Progress is rarely a straight line, and I quickly realized the importance of adaptability. I am open-minded and ready to adjust my plans as I gain more insights, encounter new challenges, or refine my goals. Flexibility has become a strength, allowing me to stay resilient even when things don’t go as planned.

G.  Volunteering

For nearly a decade, I’ve been actively volunteering in various capacities. Despite my crime and the resulting circumstances that I’m now in I’ve always been committed to giving and helping others. Whether it’s been serving holiday meals at churches or facilitating a turkey drive through my company, helping those less fortunate is important to me. For several years, I worked with an organization called Roofs for Troops helping to renovate homes for military members in need. I’ve also coached my son’s soccer team for almost seven years. This has involved managing and organizing events far beyond the standard team coach. Helping kids build skills that serve them well on the soccer field is one thing, but I know the skills they’re learning translate into everyday life.

My Background

I don’t make any excuses for my life, and I am grateful for the blessings I’ve had along the way. The Presentence Investigation Report does not offer much information about who I really am or important context. Although I was born in Brooklyn, New York, I grew up in a small blue-collar suburban town in Plainville, Connecticut. My dad worked as a computer consultant and my mom stayed home with me and my younger brothers, Anthony and Robert. My brother Anthony is 18 months younger than me. He’s married, has two children and lives in Florida. My youngest brother Robert is 8 years younger than me. Prior to my surrender to prison, he lived with me and has for the past several years. Although he’s had times in his life where he’s lived independently, he’s lived with me off and on throughout his adult life. Truthfully, he’s depended on me throughout his life. Planning for incarceration involved creating a plan for him as well. Knowing that it’s necessary for me to rent out my home while I’m away, I’ve arranged for Robert to live in another property that I own.

After graduating from high school, I went to Florida State University. I graduated in 2004 and became a Real Estate agent. I was always driven to be successful, and I wasn’t afraid of working hard. Around 23-years old, I purchased my first house. As a 4-year relationship I’d had throughout college was ending she got pregnant. We knew the relationship was over, so I moved out and let her keep the house. And in March 2005, I became a father to my daughter Madison. Interestingly, a few months later I on a first date, heading to a Yankee’s game with my future wife Anna, explaining that I had a 3-month-old daughter. After chasing Anna for a few years and moving to Miami to be closer to her, I convinced her to move to Connecticut. She agreed, we moved and in February 2011, we had our son Lucca. 

While managing my career and young family, my parents’ divorce in my mid-20s led me to financially support my mom and brother Robert. For years I’d known that my mom had a gambling addiction. As my brothers and I got older I suspect she lacked purpose and began gambling as an outlet. She spent everything she had access to. She even pawned her wedding ring. That was the final straw for my dad, and he ended the marriage. My mom had never worked. Without my dad’s income to support her, she depended on my brother Anthony and I to financially support her. And we did. Ultimately, my mom got cancer and passed away in 2014. My dad is still living. We are close.

Despite our divorce in 2021, Anna and I maintain a very good relationship living only minutes apart. She is a friend and a wonderful mother to our son. For the past three years I’ve been dating a woman, Corinne Graham, who lives in Tampa, Florida. We’ve maintained a wonderful long-distance relationship. I want to continue the relationship and have hopes of starting a life together when I’m released; a life that includes marriage and children. Professionally, I’m no longer able to hold a Real Estate license or serve as a fiduciary in any capacity. To continue making a living prior to surrendering, I maintained strong business partnerships that have provided investment opportunities in rental property as well as real estate flips.

In addition to my brother Robert living with me, my son Lucca lives with me as does my daughter Madison when she is home from college. She has been extremely supportive as I’ve travelled through this criminal justice journey. Although she is only 20 years old and a full-time college student, she has taken on responsibility far beyond what’s expected. She and my brother Anthony will manage my affairs while I’m away. Anthony is my best friend; I trust him implicitly. I know both will take care of things in my absence. 

I worry about how my son Lucca will manage without seeing me for so long. We are close. He is my mini-me. We have an amazing relationship. He often reminds me that I am his role model. In fact, this past Father’s Day he gave me a card that was quite emotional. Of all my jobs, interests and responsibilities in my life, there is only one that ranks above all – being a father. 

Personal Development and Growth Plan 

The time I spend in custody will serve as an opportunity for significant personal and professional transformation. Below is my framework for achieving these goals:

1. Rehabilitation Through Structured Programs 

Although I am not clear what classes the federal prison will offer, I hope to participate in classes that will make me a more effective employer. I am particularly interested in developing more skills in the following areas: 

• Substance Abuse: I am recovering from years of abusing prescription medications. Although I’d not previously thought of myself as a drug addict because I wasn’t using illegal street drugs, I’ve come to realize and acknowledge that I am a drug addict. For more than a decade, I relied upon stimulants and sleeping aids as a coping method. Although prescribed by my physician, I abused what I was given and persuaded him to provide increased doses and quantities. At the time I rationalized and justified it. In the months leading to my sentencing, I got honest with myself. Prior to surrendering, I talked with my family and loved ones honestly and openly about my drug use. They weren’t aware of my drug use, but once I shared it with them, things began to make sense. It explained behaviors they’d had concerns about in the past. Through our candid conversations I agreed that discontinuing my medications was best. I have no doubt that it has impaired my decision making in negative ways. I am hopeful that I will be allowed to participate in drug abuse programs that may be offered by the BOP.
• Cognitive Behavioral Programs: I’ve read that the BOP offers courses to help people develop better coping skills and emotional intelligence. If they’re available to me, I intend to enroll. 

2. Contribution 

My approach to rehabilitation also includes helping others. During my sentence, I will leverage my experience to guide others in developing their own release plans. I will create a framework that allows individuals to focus on self-improvement, accountability and successful reentry into society. By contributing to the prison community, I hope to leave a positive legacy within the system.

3. Accountability and Measurement of Progress 

I will consistently measure my progress during incarceration by aligning milestones to weekly and monthly goals. 

1. Milestone Markers: Successful enrollment and completion of assigned programs, working toward receiving Earned Time Credits, and retaining the Good Conduct Time credits I am awarded in advance.
2. Self-Reflection: Weekly journaling to track lessons learned, challenges encountered, and steps toward improvement. 
3. Self-Care: I’m athletic and physically active. Prior to surrendering, I worked out daily and played pickleball regularly. While incarcerated, I plan to continue exercising and develop a daily routine. Additionally, I plan to devote time to mindfulness and meditation activities that will help keep me grounded. I plan to read with the additional time I will have.
4. Book Reports: Each time I read a book, I intend to write a book review that memorializes the reason I chose to read the book, what I learned from reading the book, and why I think the lessons I learned from reading the book will influence my prospects for success upon release.
5. Feedback Loop: Regular check-ins with my loved ones will keep them informed of what I’m doing and show them that I’m following the plan for which I want to them to hold me accountable.

Reintegration Plan 

As I mentioned, my reintegration plan began before I even surrendered to begin serving my sentence. My desire to understand where things went wrong led me down a path of self-reflection. I began thinking about the future, determining what I would do differently moving forward and creating a plan for my life post-incarceration. 

1. Family and Community Support 

My family is the foundation of my life. I will maintain consistent communication with them through permitted calls, emails and visits to preserve our strong relationships. Beyond my immediate family, I have a supportive extended family and a close-knit community, which includes business partners, mentors and my remarkable girlfriend, Corinne. 

Upon release, I plan to resume my role as a leader within my family and business, setting an example of integrity and accountability. 

2. Professional Reintegration 

Prior to surrender, a former colleague who owns a construction company offered me a position as a Project Manager when I release. He has provided a letter confirming his intent and desire to hire me when I am available.

3. Community Contribution 

Through charitable initiatives and mentorship efforts, I will continue my commitment to giving back. I plan to remain deeply involved in disaster relief efforts, food bank donations, and partnerships with local organizations that promote societal well-being. 

Transparency and Commitment 

I recognize that the success of this release plan depends on full and earnest participation in the outlined initiatives. Prison officials, the courts, and my family can count on my ongoing transparency and diligence in every aspect of this process.

Final Thoughts 

While this chapter of my life presents immense challenges, it also represents a crucial opportunity for growth, reflection and contribution. My goal is to learn everything possible from this experience and return home with a strong mindset and a renewed commitment to live as a law-abiding, contributing citizen. I will contribute meaningfully during my time in custody by sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their own strategies for success. 

Thank you for considering my plan. I look forward to working in full cooperation with your direction and expertise during this process. 

Respectfully,
James Macchio