My name is Nicole Warren, I am 43 years old and I am currently serving a 94-month sentence for bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to commit access device fraud, mail theft, access device fraud, and Identity theft. Before I came to prison I was at my lowest low. Most of my family had passed away, my support system was nil. I was a victim of domestic violence and I had found myself addicted to drugs and committing crimes to support my drug habit, myself, and my children. I was arrested on April 13, 2019, and as scared as I was there was also a sigh of relief. I knew I had dug a deep hole for myself and I was aware that the feds who were investigating me had no mercy or kindness where I was concerned. I was running for my problems, my fears, and myself. The Jig was up and it was time to be a big girl and accept what I had done. While I was awaiting sentencing I was determined to make this time count. I had a fire inside of me to never disappoint myself or my family again.
I started my sentence at FCI Aliceville, Alabama. As soon as I touched down in the federal prison system I was active. I signed up for everything they had to offer. After a short while, I was working at UNICOR and taking FSA classes, Drug Education, Trauma in Life, etc. Aliceville had many programs and was constantly rotating available classes. I immediately asked to be put on the list for RDAP. Unfortunately, RDAP is not available in Aliceville and I had to be transferred. In December of 2022, I was transferred to SFF Hazelton, West Virginia. It has taken some time but I am currently participating in RDAP and just moved into the second phase of treatment here. I am also taking criminal thinking, financial literacy, and anger management and I was just hired to be one of the GED tutors in Education. I am still on the waiting list for everything that can be available, however, classes are not so accessible here in Hazelton. There is an extreme lack of staffing on this compound and it hinders us to the fullest. But, I don’t intend to allow that to stop me from learning and growing during this time.
This entire experience has opened my eyes to more than just the mistakes and bad choices I have made in my life. I am a smart and determined woman with many goals and attributes I can contribute to society. I see the injustices and the holes in the federal prison system, on the front lines. I had no idea how awful and dysfunctional the FBOP is. Worst of all, we have no voice here. It’s imperative that inmates have groups and organizations full of people willing to focus on the hardships that are detrimental in these prisons. Prison is supposed to be rehabilitative and prepare offenders for release and I can tell you, they are failing epically in that department. I want to be a part of the movement of people who are fighting for what is right and what matters. I want to make it my purpose to make a difference.Nicole Warren
