I’ll never forget the morning of August 11, 1987. I was 23 years old, and I had never been incarcerated. That day began with a business meeting—but it ended in handcuffs. Police officers from Seattle showed up at my home in Key Biscayne, Florida, and I knew it was over.
Although knowing I was guilty, I proceeded through trial and a jury convicted me on all counts. I faced a sentence that could keep me in prison for the rest of my life.
I made every wrong decision a person could make.
- Instead of acting responsibly, I deferred to my lawyer without understanding the consequences.
- I lied on the witness stand.
- My judge sentenced me to 45 years in federal prison.
Today, nearly four decades later, I rely upon that experience to build Prison Professors, a nonprofit, with the goal of helping others who go through the system. I’d like them to make better decisions and get a better outcome.
With that end in mind, I created the Earning Freedom Playbook. With this link, anyone can download a digital version of the first draft.
🧱 LEARN TO ADVOCATE FOR YOURSELF
The Earning Freedom Playbook is our new self-advocacy guide. It’s designed for anyone facing the criminal justice system—whether you’ve just been charged, are awaiting sentencing, or are already serving time. It’s also for the attorneys, family members, and advocates who want to help their loved ones prepare for a better outcome.
We’re sending this guide to thousands of defense attorneys across the country. It’s rooted in real experience. It shows you how to build a release plan, document your growth, and prove that you’re ready for the highest level of liberty.
✅ STEPS TO TAKE NOW
- Download the Playbook at PrisonProfessors.org. It’s 100% free.
- Start documenting your progress—through a biography, journal, book reports, and a release plan.
- Share your story with the world. Our Prison Professors Talent platform is designed to help you memorialize your efforts and build support.
- Learn about new reforms. The BOP’s June 2025 memorandum opens the door for change. But only for those who prepare.
- Stay consistent. Self-advocacy isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifestyle. Stay honest, stay active, and keep building your profile.
🔁 JOIN PRISON PROFESSORS TALENT
We’re a nonprofit built on the belief that freedom should be earned through merit, not money. Everything we offer is free. You’ll never be asked for a dollar. We just ask that you do the work. Create your Prison Professors Talent profile today to:
- Document your growth
- Strengthen your reentry plan
- Build assets that support clemency and early release efforts
- Show the world that you are more than your conviction
