So, the next day we flew back home late. It was on the next day, Wednesday, that I was in the kitchen with my daughter and asked her to do some research and google “white collar crime” to see if there were any helpful resources for those facing time in prison. It was then I was introduced to Justin Paperny with White Collar Advice. I was so impressed with Justin, I scheduled an appointment for the same night. When I met with his colleague Scotty, I was introduced to the concept of a Release Plan. He explained the importance of having it in place before arriving at prison. My wife and I decided to hire WCA to help write a Release Plan. I then was introduced to Joseph De Gregorio, great guy by the way, who shared in explicit detail the entire process I should expect after self surrendering to a Camp.
The one question I needed help answering was if Fort Dix in New Jersey would be the best camp for me. I decided to contact Justin Paperny directly who called me back within 2 hours. He asked me “Are you Jewish?”, and when I said yes, he immediately said, “you definitely should be going to Otisville”. He then encouraged me to contact my attorney right away to put in the order change that my request is Otisville not Fort Dix. I can’t thank Justin enough for being as direct as he was. I could tell he wanted the best for me and I just met the guy.
The next day, my sister informed me after doing her research that Aleph Institute are the people I should immediately reach out to who would advocate for me to get me accepted into Otisville.
Rabbi Kuddan contacted me the same day on Friday before Shabbat and proclaimed, “We will help you!”. I felt I was in good hands with Aleph. So, my attorney filed the paperwork and the judge signed it, but I ended up having to wait 2 weeks before the change order hit the BOP, Bureau of Prisons. In the meanwhile, Aleph had already called the BOP multiple times on my behalf leaving word and advocating for me.
On January 16th, Aleph let me know I was accepted to Otisville. It was a long 4 weeks since the sentencing on Dec 16th, but at least it was official I was going to Otisville. I was so happy to hear that 1/3rd of the population at Otisville was Jewish.
More to be continued…..
