Introduction
My name is Eric Kursim. I am 56 years old and currently awaiting sentencing (in 2 days on 12/12/2023
for Mail Fraud. I admitted guilt in October of 2020, the day after my crime was discovered. I was not
charged until May of 2023. My criminal activity last approximately 7 years before discovery. It involved
using someone’s identification to steal fund from accounts that were considered lost.
Background
I am the 1 st son of 4. We were not poor, but were always at the crossroads of middle and lower class.
Our neighborhood was definitely working class with a good mix of good and bad kids. I always stray from
trouble, but grew up with plenty of kids who did have brushes with law including a brother who has
been to prison. I did well in school in school so I stayed in the higher classes and college prep. One thing
I noticed as a kid was that I could fit in with any of the cliques at school. Jocks, nerds, burn outs or
brains; you name it and I could hang out with them. The only problem was, I never really fit in
completely with any of them. Something that has stayed with me to this day. While working at Fidelity, I
got along well with everyone, but struggled with actually “fitting in”. I also never really developed lasting
friendships. I had friends who I did stuff with and liked, but never really had a “best” friend. Someone I
stayed in touch with throughout the years.
After high school, I went to college and did graduate with a BA in Economics but it was mostly just a
degree that I could get quickly rather than something I was genuinely interested in. Just after college, I
was married and took a full-time job managing the music store I worked part time at through college. I
worked there until 1999 when I moved to the job I committed my crime at – Fidelity investments. I
worked there for 22 years before my termination.
My marriage was to someone who I did not deserve. She put up with more than any person should have
to, but shortly after I confessed to the crimes I committed, she filed for divorce. We assumed I would be
incarcerated quickly due to my admission of guilt, so she allowed me to stay in our home. Once it
became clear that the process was much slower than expected, she wanted me to move out. As I was
working on the details for moving in with my son or trying to rent something, my ex was diagnosed with
breast cancer. Rather than face it alone, she asked that I stay with her and help her. We started to grow
closer again and if I can show real progress in personal development while in prison, she will consider
remarrying me. The documentation I will put on this site will be for her as much as for anyone.
We have 2 sons who I am very proud of. The oldest is very successful in the finance world and he and his
wife have 3 beautiful girls whom I love very much. He has struggled with my crime and while he loves
me, I don’t know how I will ever earn his forgiveness. It will take a tremendous effort and I hope I am up
to the task. My youngest son has his Pharmacy license and is working as the head pharmacist at a
national chain.
Goals while in prison
There are several things I would like to accomplish during my incarceration to consider it a success. In no
particular order:
Read books that will help me spiritually, mentally and physically.
o Document what I have read with book reports to help track what I took away from my
reading
Take classes to both prepare for life after prison and to better myself
Volunteer
Teach others
o I have already reached out to the Dave Ramsey group to inquire regarding the
opportunity to teach their class and the response was positive. (See attached email)
Document my days by writing a blog using https://prisonprofessorstalent.com/
Workout to improve my physical and mental health
