My name is Jarrod Copeland and I am determined to prove that I am not beyond redemption. First and foremost I am a sinner and I am far from being perfect. I am still learning to be human. I made a mistake and I am fully committed to making amends to God, my family, and my Country. I grew up in a small town in Kentucky called Mayfield, in the Bible Belt. I was raised to respect the military and law enforcement. I took an oath to protect this Country and growing up I always saw myself as the “good guy” or the “Hero” of my own story. I have never been in trouble before and I’ve always prided myself on my integrity. Unfortunately I made a mistake and and now I’m currently in Federal Prison for allowing my thoughts to be polluted by political rhetoric. My charge of conspiracy to firebomb a building led a Judge to sentence me to 54 months. I have spent the last 2 years incarcerated and have 22 months left. Before the Judge sentenced me he told me that he didn’t believe that I would go through with the conspiracy but that a punishment was needed. I can honestly say that I had no intention what so ever of doing anything to that building or any other building for that matter, but I understand that I placed fear in people and for that I am deeply sorry. All I can ask for is forgiveness and to prove that I am no threat to anyone. I lost sight of my faith in God and placed it in American politics despite what my heart was telling me.
After being incarcerated for a few months I began to focus on my inner struggle. I knew that I had to use this time to work on my personal growth and not let my thoughts hold me prisoner. A paradigm shift was needed. I was angry, bitter, and suffocated with shame and guilt. If I had any chance of succeeding in my future I would have to let my past stay behind me. I had to take the rearview mirror, so to speak, off so I only see in front of me. I began to take classes that were available to me and read books that would increase my mental and spiritual growth. I owe my strength to my amazing wife Sheila, who has never left my side. I am truly blessed to be her husband. She has encouraged and supported me through this entire situation. I have been using this time to “restructure” myself from the inside out. As I tell my wife, this is Jarrod 5.0 and the best is yet to come.
