March 10th, 2023 Honorable Judge Charles Goodwin sentenced me to 78 months (6.5 years) for violation of 18 USC 922 g 1, felon in possession of firearms. At the time of sentencing, it was presumed by all parties that I would be serving eighty-five percent of that sentence with the availability of further reduction in time through the First Step Act and a recommendation for RDAP. I know that a RDAP recommendation is never a confirmation of enrollment, but these factors were present at the time during the judge’s calculation of my sentence. My presentencing report overwhelmingly and accurately depicts previous substance abuse disorder and correlates that disorder and my criminal activity.
Honorable Judge Goodwin also granted a credit for time served, which at the time of sentencing totaled eighteen months in a federal holding facility, Logan County detention. And over six months pretrial time in a county jail, Oklahoma Detention center, for a charge occurring after the federal offense, which according to 18 USC 3585, (section d, 2), shall be credited to the defendant if it has not been credited against another sentence, which it has not. Before leaving Logan County detention, I completed over 130 programs and lessons on the edovo system. I did this for my own personal and professional growth, because reflecting back on over 30 years of life, I realized I no longer wanted to be “that guy”.
I arrived at FCI EL RENO in the summer of 2023, sober and in my right mind. I immediately applied for programs including GED classes and became engaged in positive activities such as hosting daily bible study groups. I was informed early into my stay that the First Step Act credits would not be applied to my sentence due to my individual PATTERN scoring and criminal activity/recidivism rate. Administrative staff eventually offered me the BRAVE program, which I accepted and started. While in the BRAVE program I inquired about my RDAP application and was informed by administrative staff that I did not qualify. Reasons given were a “lack of written documentation” of previous substance abuse issues. I was discouraged but not deterred.
I continued to participate fully with the programs I was enrolled in. I actively sought out and enrolled in anything I could get on the waitlist for, including THRESHOLD, a faith based program to assist in how to implement your faith in successful daily life. Among my accomplishments while at FCI EL RENO, I have completed the Drug Abuse Education Course (which was recommended per my treatment plan due to the written documentation of drug abuse provided in my pre sentencing report, the same report that would not be accepted for the RDAP application.) I have completed a Worry Self-Help workshop, several levels of the BRAVE curriculum, I have received favorable marks on the ACT assessment, and have passed testing and received my GED in December of 2024. I obtained employment in a UNICOR position at the beginning of the year, following which I voluntarily opted out of the BRAVE program to maintain said job and improve skills for employment. My decision was also fueled by my desire to help alleviate financial burdens on my wife and household. I have learned assembly skills, how to run a forklift, welding, and more. I have received a forklift certification, ASW weld certification, excelled in my position and was even offered to promote to a team lead role. I have participated in vocational trades in electrical, just to increase my knowledge so when I return home I can serve my household well. I have received completion certificates for self regulation, emotional education programs, parenting classes, self development programs, the list goes on. I am a learner, I thrive on knowledge and read books on a regular basis to know more. I desire to be a well rounded, bible toting sold out for Jesus, MAN OF GOD, who is who he says he is, in every situation. I am now consistent in my behavior. Who you see in the light is who I am in the dark. I have been incarcerated for 48 months, clean and sober from all substances for 42 consecutive months, I have not had any disciplinary infractions or negative incidents throughout the four facilities I have been housed during this time. I do not pose a threat to society.
I am fully invested in my future. I do suffer from fetal alcohol syndrome and other diagnosed mental health issues. With the saving grace of Jesus Christ I have managed fairly well and resisted temptations to self medicate with substances, including those prescribed by the BOP. I won’t lie, I have bad days right along with my good days. I get stressed and sometimes think I could be depressed. I step out of my character sometimes and get upset with those I love, but in each situation I have been able to maintain civility. See where I am going wrong, correct myself and apologize. I cling to humility and integrity like a security blanket. The principles I apply everyday from studying the Bible and in communion with God have radically changed the way I see myself, and interact with the world. This aint a bible mask for the purpose of a get out of jail free card, my actions speak way louder than these words. Like everybody else I want to go home, I want my freedom, I believe I have judicially met the requirements of my sentencing. BUT if I do not find relief in administrative processes, motions, or new legislature or mandates, guess what? I will be fine. I have learned like the Apostle Paul to be content in the lack and in the excess. So when things are good and when they are bad. I will keep doing what I am doing, one day at a time.
