My Name is Yong Choon Foo (Keith). I was born in Malaysia on October 13, 1955. My parents impressed upon my sisters, brothers, and me the importance of education. They did not have a formal education, but through hard work, they managed and supported us. Wanting a better life for me, my parents encouraged me to further my studies in the United States.
After graduation from high school, I immigrated to the United States for the purpose of working towards a university degree. My native language is Cantonese, but I learned to speak English in school. In the United States, I began as a student at Texas Tech University, studying Chemical Engineering.
After two years of study, I became a victim of a hit-and-run that led to my hospitalization. The accident left me with amnesia for several months. The misfortune resulted in the suspension of my studies and pursuit of a university degree. I had to recover from the injury and support myself with short-term jobs.
After 4 years of hiatus, I returned to Texas Tech to resume. In 1982, the university awarded my degree, and I began my career as a Chemical Engineer. I worked in Texas for a while, then Wyoming and Colorado. In Colorado, I met the love of my life, Doris. We married and began our family together. Doris had a daughter, and we brought another daughter into the world together.
When the opportunity opened with the Caltrans organization, I applied and moved our family to California. I began my career as an engineer with Caltrans in 1990. Through study, I became certified as a Professional Civil Engineer so that I could advance my career. I worked with Caltrans until my retirement in 2019.
My Crime:
I don’t have an excuse for the crime that I committed. But it may be helpful for those who sit in judgment of me to have some context. I offer the following:
Toward the end of my career, my beloved wife had a debilitating stroke. That medical complication changed her life, and it changed our lives because the stroke left her immobile. She needed help, and I wanted to do the best that I could to assist her. The exorbitant medical bills associated with her treatment put a strain on me financially.
A Caltrans employee with whom I had worked for several years understood my challenges. She approached me with an opportunity, asking if I wanted to earn extra money. Had she asked at an earlier phase of my career, I would not have had any interest. But given the financial complications at home, I became curious. When asked what she wanted me to do, she explained that if I were willing to provide information to a contractor for Caltrans, the contractor would show appreciation by paying for my services.
Since I managed all the maintenance facilities work for Caltrans in the Bay Area, I had access to information that the contractor wanted. Still, accepting anything of value from Caltrans contractors violated the law. I regretted that I participated in the scheme. My actions violated the law, leading to my charge, my conviction, and my 49 months sentence.
Making Amends:
Upon learning that authorities had launched an investigation, I immediately began working to make things right. I accepted responsibility, cooperated with law enforcement, and pleaded guilty for the crimes that I committed. I understand that I must do more, including working to restore my character.
As an immigrant, I understand the many opportunities this country opened for me. It opened an opportunity for me to earn an education and prepare for a career that provided for my wife and children.
I am deeply disappointed in myself for the way that I behaved in this instance. Up until the day that I learned of the investigation, I considered myself a good citizen. Once I began going through the criminal justice system, I realized how I failed my employer, my community, and my family.
I want to make things right.
While preparing before sentencing, I spent a lot of time studying websites that belong to the Department of Justice and the US Courts. I wanted to learn more about the goals of our nation’s judicial system. That research led me to learn the purpose of sentencing.
Judges impose a sentence to:
- Deter other people from committing crimes,
- Punish people for commuting crimes,
- Isolate people while they serve sentences, and
- Rehabilitate people who commit crimes.
As a defendant, I did not have any way of influencing deterrence, punishment, or isolation. Those goals would serve the interest of justice, but an Honorable Judge would impose the term that would accomplish such goals.
When it came to rehabilitation, however, I had to think. I had to consider how the fourth goal of sentencing applied to me as a retired engineer who is nearly 68 years old.
Then I realized that “rehabilitation” isn’t only about me. It’s about the entire system, the entire country. My judge sentenced me to 49 months. I would have to make the most of the term. Although I may have reached an age that renders me unemployable, I aspire to reconcile with society for my crimes and to live with meaning and relevance, and usefulness.
The charge against me read: United States of America v, Choon Yong. For that reason, I feel a duty to make amends to every citizen in this country. While awaiting my surrender, I devised a plan to reconcile and atone. During my term, I intend to work towards that end, and I will continue living in service upon release.
While incarcerated, with approval from my unit team, I hope to accomplish the following tasks:
- Tutor other people serving sentenced so that they may advance their education.
- Volunteer in ways that staff members recommend.
- Journal about my progress and share those writings with Doris and our daughter.
- Read books that will help me become more aware of the influence that led me to this problem.
- Reflect on what I learned from reading, and then I will apply those lessons to volunteer work that I intend to complete upon my release.
I have spoken with leaders from the Pinole Community Center and agreed to teach a course on the importance of citizenship and reconciliation based on the curriculum that I will develop during my imprisonment.
I hope the unit team will support the personal release plan that I put in place and consider me a good candidate for maximum placement in home confinement.
