Jerrold S. Maurer
Registration # 81497-510
FCI Otisville
Release Plan
Dear Unit Team:
Before surrendering, I researched the best practices for serving time in federal prison. From that research, I found different websites to help me prepare. As I studied the information, I learned about the role of the Unit Team in the Bureau of Prisons and the importance of developing a release plan.
I pleaded guilty, and I accept responsibility for my part in operating an illegal pyramid scheme. I am embarrassed that my co-conspirators and I made false and misleading statements to promote this scheme. With my Unit Team’s guidance and the accountability of my loved ones, I will remain committed to making my time at Otisville productive, reconciling with society, and planning for the next phase of my life.
I developed my release plan as an accountability tool that describes my self-directed pathway to prepare for the best outcomes after my release. I will continue updating and expanding the document as I meet milestones on my journey and set new goals consistent with my commitments.
I hope the Unit Team finds this plan helpful in guiding me back to my family and community as soon as possible.
Respectfully submitted,
Jerrold Maurer
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Projected Release Planning:
My entire adult life, ever since I got my first job as a stock boy at a pharmacy, I understood I would have to stay focused and work hard to achieve success. To advance, I always found that a solid plan would help me. Anytime I lost my focus and got off track, my plans suffered. I’m surrendering to prison for my part in operating an illegal pyramid scheme.
I am embarrassed that I violated the law in this case, especially since I have run multiple honest businesses for many years. I knew I had a duty to provide honest information and I failed in this case. I am very sorry about the financial harm done to victims who trusted me and our marketing materials. Even before the judge gave me a sentence of 22 months, I knew I needed to reckon with the past and start planning for a better future.
To that end, I began studying the Bureau of Prisons’ website. From reading the website, I learned a great deal about the First Step Act and other BOP policies. It is my understanding that good behavior and program participation can influence an earlier transition to home confinement.
I intend to work productively with my Unit Team. With guidance from my Unit Team, I hope to advance as an excellent candidate for consideration of early transition to home confinement. I will participate in all programs that my Unit Team recommends.
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Background:
I was born in Brooklyn, New York. My identical twin brother and I were the last of my parents’ 5 children. My father worked as a milkman, so his shift started each day at 4am. My mother stayed home to care for my siblings and me until I was about twelve years old. Then, she went back to work as a bookkeeper at a Jewish senior citizen activities center.
I earned average grades in nearby public schools. My twin brother and I were very close and played every sport together. I went to Hebrew school at a Reformed temple where I celebrated my bar mitzvah. My family moved when I was thirteen years old. The following year, I got my first job stocking shelves and making deliveries for a pharmacy. When I was seventeen, I started working in the deli department at a supermarket. I kept that job for five years. I took pride in my work there and loved interacting with customers.
In high school, my brother and I competed in doubles tennis together. We also performed with our school theater group. After graduating in 1983, I enrolled at Brooklyn College where I studied communications and video production. In addition to working at the supermarket, I joined the campus radio station and DJ’d a classic and alternative rock program. Later, my brother and I got hired as audience ushers at a TV show on the Upper East Side. Once, the show wrote us into a skit—about twins of course.
After I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in 1987, a local hospital hired me as a full-time video technician. My projects included transmitting medical lectures to other hospitals, producing training videos, and filming surgeries in the operating room. I loved that job and kept it for 27 years.
In 1988, I met my beloved wife who was getting her master’s degree in special education. We got married in 1991 then moved to our current home in 1994. Lori started her career working with special ed students while I commuted two hours each way to work. Soon after, Lori and I welcomed two daughters. Around that time, I started my own video production company to film events like weddings, bar mitzvahs, and sweet sixteen parties.
In 1998, my wife and I joined Amway, a multi-level marketing company that sells health, beauty, and home care products. We built our business network and enjoyed success for ten years. I loved inspiring other people to create their own success using the techniques that worked for me. Over time, I participated in other network marketing programs to sell
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products like energy drinks, relationship books, and self-help content. I attended national conferences where I met thousands of other people working with various product-based affiliate marketing programs.
Thankfully, I had the work ethic, communication skills, and passion to succeed in this endeavor. In 2014, I finally left the hospital (and my two-hour commute) to focus on my independent business projects. Shortly thereafter, my co-defendant called me about a digital products membership company called Secret Success Machine. Three years later, I got involved with 8FDL, the illegal pyramid scheme that led to my legal trouble.
I offer the information above to show that, although I pleaded guilty to a federal crime, and a judge sentenced me to serve a 22-month sentence, I have a strong record as a productive, law-abiding employee and entrepreneur. I grew up with excellent role models of hard work, responsible citizenship, and honorable business practices. I believe I am a good-hearted person who used poor judgment in this case. When I return home from prison, I will tell my story to help other people make better choices than I did.
Offense Conduct:
I deeply regret my part in operating 8FDL, an illegal pyramid scheme. This online marketing business allowed members to make money by selling new memberships to people they recruited. Members had access to digital content, mostly related to online marketing and self-help lessons, but the content had little value and mainly gave 8FDL a legitimate appearance. I am embarrassed that my co-conspirators and I made false statements to promote 8FDL. While a small number of people made money, the vast majority of our 2800 members lost a total of over twenty million dollars.
As an experienced entrepreneur and sales professional, I knew it was wrong to include misleading statements in our marketing materials. I accept full responsibility for my illegal actions and will serve my sentence in peace. I hope my punishment provides some measure of justice to 8FDL’s victims.
Our economic system is based on trust, so I am sorry I was part of an illegal pyramid scheme. I should have gotten out as soon as I felt like our sales tactics had gone too far. I knew I had a legal and moral obligation to provide truthful, accurate information at all times. It breaks my heart I failed to do so in this case after many years of running honest businesses.
I held myself to the highest standards of honor and integrity throughout my business career. Then, when I broke the law in this case, I let down my victims, colleagues, community, and family. I caused a lot of stress and pain to the people I love most. To everyone disappointed when I broke the law, I apologize. I look forward to making amends and paying my full restitution as ordered by the judge.
Had I followed the law from the beginning, I would not be in trouble today. I would do anything to go back in time and choose another path, but that is not possible. Since my case began, my top priority has been making things right. The first step was my total acceptance of
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responsibility. Now I will serve my sentence with humility and look for ways to learn and grow.
Making Amends:
I am just beginning my journey of atonement and reconciliation. I knew it was wrong to provide misleading information while running an illegal pyramid scheme. It breaks my heart to think about the victims who believed 8FDL’s marketing materials and lost money. I had worked hard over the years to earn a reputation for integrity, then I put that all in jeopardy when I broke the law in this case.
I am committed to paying my restitution as directed by the judge. I have already given refunds to many of my victims. To earn money to pay restitution, I intend to delay retirement and keep working after my release. Since my case began in 2019, I have started a new small business consulting firm. I provide services like web design, digital marketing, and online operations for traditional businesses (e.g., roofers, interior decorators, contractors, mortgage brokers). I am optimistic this new enterprise will allow me to provide for my family while paying my restitution.
I never imagined I would end up in serious trouble like this. I considered myself an expert in best practices for sales and marketing. I had my own brand as “Coach Jerry” and, over the years, people turned to me for advice for growing their businesses. I wish I had never gotten involved with the illegal pyramid scheme, 8FDL. I feel terrible about the victims and the money they lost. Given my background, I hope I can use my communication skills to help others understand where I went wrong. Had I been rigorously honest and took a stance before things went too far, I would not be in trouble today.
I spent a lot of time working to prepare before sentencing. I had never been in trouble with the law before, and I wanted to understand the goals of our judicial system. With time to plan, I studied websites that belong to the Department of Justice and the U.S. Courts. That research led me to learn the purpose of sentencing.
Federal judges impose sentences that should:
1. Deter other people from committing crimes,
2. Punish people for committing crimes,
3. Isolate people while they serve sentences, and
4. 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 the 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 that fourth goal of sentencing applied to me as a 59-year-old man with experience in video production, sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship. I thought long and hard about my professional achievements and the blessings I received from family and friends.
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Then, I realized that “rehabilitation” isn’t only about me or restoring financial loss. It’s about the entire system, the entire country. The judge sentenced me to serve 22 months. To reconcile with society, I would have to make the most of that term.
The charge against me read: United States of America v. Jerrold Maurer. For that reason, I reaffirm my ongoing duty to make amends to my country and my fellow American citizens. While awaiting my surrender, I devised a plan to reconcile and atone. During my term, I intend to work toward that end, and I will continue living in service upon release.
Setbacks are a natural part of life’s journey. I understood that I have been entrusted with unique talents and skills, and it is my responsibility to make the most of them. As I regain my footing and rebuild my life, I will continue my service projects at work and in the community. In past years, I coached my daughter’s softball team and played in a tennis tournament to raise money for a food bank. I also did walkathons to raise money for Alzheimer’s and cancer research. I enjoyed those experiences and look forward to participating in more charity activities like these.
When I look back on this chapter in my story, I want it to end with reconciliation and peace. I want to be an example of how to learn from mistakes and help others. I want to serve as a role model for handling painful moments with humility and grace. I look forward to sharing my story to help other people avoid my terrible mistakes.
While incarcerated, with approval from my Unit Team, I hope to accomplish the following tasks:
1. Tutor other people serving sentences so that they may advance their education. 2. Volunteer in ways that staff members recommend.
3. Journal about my progress and share those writings with our community. 4. Read books that will help me become more aware of the influences that led me to this problem.
5. Engage in programming to advance my knowledge of finances.
6. 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 hope my Unit Team will support the personal release plan that I put into place and consider me a good candidate for maximum placement on home confinement for the reasons expressed below.
Community Support:
My family and neighbor offer the following letters for my unit team to consider.
I intend to live with my wife once my unit team and the Bureau of Prisons deem it appropriate to do so.
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Dear Unit Team,
My name is Lori Maurer and I’d like to share some insight about Jerry Maurer, my husband of 33 years. Jerry and I are blessed with a stable, happy marriage and two dearly beloved daughters. I will stay in close contact with Jerry at Otisville and look forward to welcoming him back home.
I will be an integral part of his release plan, and I want to assure your staff, and the Bureau of Prisons of the many ways that I commit to supporting Jerry through his term on Home Confinement, Supervised Release, and his recalibration with society and our community.
Jerry has always been a loving, trustworthy, and loyal man, deeply devoted to his family. I feel blessed every day, as I watch and listen to him interact with our daughters. Jerry was an involved father right from the start, changing diapers and taking paternity leave. He made sure his work hours at a local hospital were 8-4, so he could be home for dinner each night. Jerry has taught our daughters so many valuable lessons and he has been a magnificent role model to them, their partners, and their friends.
Jerry has also proven to be a devoted brother, son, friend, employee, business associate, and community member. Despite the long commute to Brooklyn each day, Jerry stayed at the same job for 27 years, providing for his family. He had a great reputation as an employee and co-worker. He was the sought-after tech guy for teaching and training purposes. In regard to his community, Jerry has participated in fundraisers and walks for local and national organizations such as Canstruction, Relay for Life, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.
As a Special Ed teacher for 31 years, I have shared with my students, almost every day, that you learn by making mistakes. Jerry has definitely learned from his mistakes. The remorse and regret he feels is evident daily. I am a proud wife as I watch Jerry navigate through this
difficult process: seeking professional help, admitting his wrong-doing, and trying his best to stay positive.
As a couple, we have faced a lot of obstacles over the years, yet we have grown stronger and closer! Jerry lost two brothers-in-law and his parents. He currently has a brother in a facility with early onset Alzheimer’s and a sister who needs a bone marrow transplant. In fact, during this legal ordeal, Jerry got tested to see if he was a match, still showing how no matter what, family comes first.
I know with absolute certainty that Jerry would never intentionally hurt or deceive anyone. He started his marketing businesses to increase his own income and help others do the same. From my perspective, I saw Jerry every day in his office, right next to our bedroom, working
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tirelessly to help others. I know he regrets how 8FDL got off track and feels profound remorse for the harm done to the victims in this case.
My husband made a bad business decision in 2017 which he holds a lot of regret. His regret was not only because of the implications that followed with Federal law, and the impact it has and continues to have on our family, but also to the victims.
While incarcerated, Jerry has pledged to follow a three-part plan.
1: Participate in as many programs as possible while incarcerated to learn good life skills. 2: Grow a positive support network of mentors and be held accountable for his actions and trajectory in his career.
3: Document his journey every step of the way for rehabilitation purposes.
This legal ordeal has been the most challenging and most grueling chapter of our 33-year marriage. Jerry has already paid a steep price—emotionally, financially, and reputationally. Federal agents showed up at our door June of 2023, shortly before our oldest daughter’s wedding. Now he is scheduled to surrender to Otisville six months before our youngest daughter’s wedding. As a family, we desperately hope that Jerry will be granted a furlough to attend his daughter’s wedding this year.
Jerry has income opportunities awaiting him, including an offer from a marketing and digital agency servicing business owners like mortgage brokers, real estate and insurance agents, roofers and contractors. A colleague at this company wrote a letter (see below) endorsing Jerry on his many qualifications and positive character traits.
As a Special Education teacher, I will support Jerry financially while he transitions to society. I will cover our household living expenses. I will ensure Jerry remains on our medical and dental insurance. I will ensure Jerry has his transportation to ensure he complies with all appointments and responsibilities defined by the Bureau of Prisons. I will transport him from the prison to the Residential Reentry Center and all appointments as directed. We have a stable home and live with our youngest daughter and her fiance.
Approaching age 60, Jerry works tirelessly from home, striving to rebuild not only for his own redemption but for his family, colleagues, and community. He is a family man who wants to continue being a source of support to his immediate and extended family members. He has learned from his errors and is focused on moving forward. I have total faith in his future as a productive, law-abiding, tax-paying citizen.
In closing, I give my full support for my husband Jerry. Please contact me with any additional information you may need.
With respect,
Lori Maurer
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Dear Unit Team:
I am writing to provide a character reference for my brother, Jerry Maurer.
Throughout our lives, Jerry has consistently been a pillar of support, especially during some of the most challenging moments. After the passing of my husband, Shane, from lung cancer in 2022, Jerry stepped up in ways that truly exemplify his compassion and dedication. He edited a heartfelt video that was shown at Shane’s celebration of life, capturing the essence of our memories together. He also graciously led the event and welcomed extended family into his home.
When our mother passed away just a few months later, Jerry once again opened his home to our large family for shiva. These occasions show how Jerry stepped up to support both his own family and ours. His commitment to supporting charitable organizations focused on family members’ struggles like cancer and Alzheimer’s further highlight his caring nature and dedication to helping others.
The current legal case has undoubtedly been a pivotal moment for Jerry. It has instilled in him a greater sense of caution and responsibility as he navigates his business endeavors. He has grown more introspective as he has reflected on his experience. He has become more discerning about who he works with, understanding how important it is to align only with those that support his true and honest values, goals, and work ethic. He has always only wanted to lift others up. I know he is deeply sorry and carries genuine regret for what happened.
I believe this experience made Jerry more thoughtful and resolved to create a positive future for himself and those he cares about. He remains a loving brother, father, and husband and is an admirable individual who genuinely strives to make a difference in the lives of others. I love him very much and still believe his best days are ahead of him.
Sincerely,
Rachel Maurer
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Dear Unit Team,
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I am writing to offer my full support for my brother, Jerrold Maurer. As his identical twin, I felt it necessary to provide some context regarding Jerry’s character and to express my deep belief in his ability to take responsibility for his actions and grow from this situation.
I can say with absolute certainty that he is a man of deep love, integrity, and dedication. We’ve experienced many wonderful occasions including graduating college, getting married, and the births of our children. We’ve also stood strong together during the tougher times including the loss of our parents and our older brother’s health struggles. The recent passing of our mother, Thelma, after a seven-year battle with Alzheimer’s, was incredibly tough for our family. Jerry helped us cope by creating a beautiful tribute video that celebrated her life in a heartfelt way.
Jerry is a loving husband to his wife, Lori, with whom he has built a strong, supportive partnership. Jerry is also a deeply involved father to his two daughters. Throughout their lives, Jerry has always been there for his girls, offering them guidance, support, and unconditional love. He has raised them with strong values, teaching them the importance of kindness and hard work.
One of my favorite memories is attending a softball game where Jerry was his oldest daughter’s coach. He was so supportive and instructional, not just to his daughter but to all the girls on the team. His positive attitude and encouragement made such a difference in their confidence and performance.
Throughout all our shared experiences, Jerry has shown himself to be a person of sincerity and devotion. Jerry’s warm sense of humor and thoughtful counsel have been sources of comfort to me and others who know him well. This situation is as surprising to me as it is to everyone else who knows Jerry. I truly believe that this misguided lapse of judgment does not define who he is.
My brother deeply regrets his actions and has gained important insights from this experience, which has made him more mindful and careful moving forward. He now recognizes the importance of working only with people who share his values, goals, and strong ethical standards. He is committed to making positive changes and moving forward with a renewed sense of integrity. I am confident Jerry will work hard to pay his restitution. He will definitely have my love and support as he re-starts his career when he returns home.
Sincerely,
Robert Maurer
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Dear Unit Team,
My name is Joe Thomas and I am writing to support Jerry Maurer, my neighbor of over 25 years. Jerry is a kind, compassionate person, so my wife and I were shocked to hear about his legal trouble. After he described what happened, I understood that he used poor judgment but did not have malicious intent to cause harm. This case did not change my opinion of Jerry. I still think of him as a responsible citizen and genuinely caring human being.
I served as a Suffolk County Police Detective for over fourteen years. After 9/11, I joined the NY/NJ Regional Fugitive Task Force in cooperation with the United States Marshals Service and the Department of Justice. Our task was to track down outstanding felony warrants. I assisted in the apprehension of over 100 murder suspects.
My partner served as a Supervisory Inspector for the US Marshals. So, on a few occasions, I traveled with my partner to Otisville FCI. I am absolutely sure that Jerry will serve his sentence in peace and take advantage of any opportunity to make a productive contribution. He has many technological and administrative skills, so I expect officials to find a good purpose for his talents and abilities.
In August of 2024, I suffered a stroke after an invasive eye procedure. Jerry frequently checked on me, helped with basic tasks, and supported my wife and me through that scary experience. Jerry has always been there for us, including when my son got injured in an accident. He is a dutiful husband and father with a beautiful family. For all these reasons, my wife and I were blindsided to hear about his federal case. I don’t know the particulars of the case, but I know it’s out of character for my good friend.
Jerry’s daughter is getting married in July of 2025. If the BOP will grant him a furlough, I will gladly transport Jerry to the wedding and supervise him until his return to Otisville. He is a gentle, law-abiding person who poses absolutely no risk to anyone. I say that with certainty based on my long career in law enforcement.
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Jerry is well-liked and respected in our neighborhood. My wife and I will welcome him back home and be part of his support system. Jerry is a fine person with many years of wonderful life ahead of him. Please do not hesitate to contact me for further information.
Respectfully,
Joe Thomas
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Dear Unit Team:
My name is Richard Adler, and I am the brother-in-law of Jerry Maurer. I have known Jerry for 46 years and have watched him grow from a young teenager into a strong family man, who in many ways has become a leader, both within his own family, and in life. He has always been an extremely hard worker, looking for new and innovative ways to support his family. This began with a long career in video/audio medical production at a local hospital Hospital in New York, to which he made the long commute every morning and night.
Jerry started his own business venture with the Amway corporation, which he and his wife Lori did for many years before he eventually left his hospital job. Jerry and Lori were quite successful in learning the power of positive thinking and helping ordinary people work toward attaining their dreams. He used these lessons while raising his beautiful family along with Lori, having two daughters, who have grown up to be wonderful, kind, responsible people.
I admired Jerry’s determination, his ability to be a self-starter, and most importantly, his giving heart. When the family made the difficult decision in 2016 to move his mother out to Arizona due to increasing signs of dementia and a serious fall, Jerry was extremely supportive to us in every way he could be. He helped me and his sister Leslie cope with and manage the difficult task of caregiving an elderly parent.
Jerry’s involvement in the Amway business and the burgeoning technology world led him to the online business opportunities which unfortunately resulted in his legal trouble. Jerry explained his case to me and took full responsibility for his actions. I knew Jerry regrets getting entangled in a situation that he only began to realize was untenable when it was too late. I know that he feels extremely remorseful for the part he played in causing harm to victims.
Jerry is the friend, the confidante, and the brother I never had. He volunteered to help mentor and advise my 30-year-old son, who is an only child making his way in this challenging world. I will certainly be there for Jerry when he is released. Although I live in another state, I will do everything I can to help him transition back home. Jerry means the world to our family and he will be surrounded by love upon his release.
Respectfully
Richard Adler
WORK ASSOCIATE
Dear Unit Team,
I’m grateful for this opportunity to support Jerry Maurer. He has been a good friend and business associate since 2016. I look up to Jerry for his work ethic, communication talents, personal integrity, and love for family. I will always remember the grace and courage he showed throughout this legal journey.
Jerry was the last person I expected to see in legal trouble. On each and every business matter, Jerry was straightforward and honest with me. His guilty plea in this case did not alter my view of him as a fundamentally honorable man. I would happily do business with Jerry again. Under the right circumstances, I would hire him, work for him, or recommend him to others.
I own and operate a marketing agency out of Richmond, Virginia. Jerry and I have spoken about future professional collaboration. I am certainly open to hiring Jerry, either full-time or as an independent contractor. I respect his skills, particularly in client management, client communication, and using AI for lead generation. Jerry has excellent technical skills that will make a valuable contribution to any company.
People are drawn to Jerry for his personal warmth and kindness. He treats everyone with respect no matter who they are. I aspire to be as good a husband and father as Jerry. He has created a wonderful life for himself and his family. I am sure he will quickly resume his productive life when he gets home.
With respect,
Work Associate
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WORK ASSOCIATE
Dear Unit Team,
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I am writing to share my experience working alongside Jerry Maurer and to provide insight into his professional character and work ethic. Jerry and I collaborated on managing various projects and clients, utilizing multiple SaaS products to deliver exceptional results. Throughout our time working together, Jerry consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to his responsibilities, a collaborative mindset, and an aptitude for problem-solving.
Jerry is an absolute pleasure to work with and embodies the qualities of a true team player. He not only contributes to achieving project goals but also brings forward thoughtful suggestions to improve processes and address challenges. His reliability stands out; Jerry always follows through on his commitments, ensuring that tasks are completed as promised and to a high standard.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Jerry for any role requiring trust, dedication, and the ability to manage complex projects. His professionalism and integrity would make him an asset to any team or organization. Furthermore, I would gladly work with Jerry again in the future, confident in his ability to deliver results and foster positive relationships with both clients and colleagues.
Sincerely,
Work Associate
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Dear Unit Team,
My name is Marlene Walter, and I am Jerry Maurer’s mother-in-law. I have known Jerry for 36 years, and I can only say that from my first impression of this young Brooklyn boy, my husband and I looked at each other and knew in our hearts that Jerry would be the person that Lori, our daughter, would choose to be her husband.
I’ve always admired the relationship Jerry has with his four siblings and their spouses. It is obvious that the devotion to family is very important to him. It has been even more evident since his mom and brother-in-law passed away, and his older brother and sister started battling difficult medical issues.
Ten years ago, Jerry decided to retire from his 23 years of commuting to the medical center to work from home. He valued his time to be with his family, instead of traveling 3-4 hours a day in commuter traffic. Working from home made it possible for him to spend quality time with his wife and daughters. He coached his older daughter’s softball team and taught the kids that working together as a team and enjoying the game was the important thing to take home with you.
Jerry Maurer has a long list of wonderful traits. He’s courageous, enthusiastic, and loyal. Sadly, he crossed a legal line in this case and accepted responsibility with humility. There have been on-going consequences, but through it all, Jerry has kept his good character traits. He has also lived with remorse, guilt, and regret for hurting others. Jerry does not have a malicious bone in his body and is committed to making amends to his victims.
Last year, his older daughter was married and he was fortunate to dance with her at the wedding. On July 18, 2025, his younger daughter will be getting married. I am praying that my youngest granddaughter will get to have her dream dance with her daddy too. I can assure you that Jerry has a devoted support system who will welcome him home with open arms. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Marlene Walter
Dear Unit Team:
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I’m writing to you today as the one who is lucky enough to call himself Jerry’s soon-to-be son-in-law.
Since I first met Jerry 7.5 years ago, he has positively impacted my life in a multitude of ways. I have struggled with mental health and with finding a purpose since I was young. Jerry has always taken the time to listen, genuinely care and help find a solution to the issues I’m facing. I can wholeheartedly say that it is because of his constant support and guidance that I now have a career I enjoy.
Jerry always welcomed me with open arms and said from very early on that I am already a member of the family. That statement was made most clear to me when my fiance and I were living in our first ever apartment together in 2023. We had briefly expressed to Jerry and Lori how renting was becoming a financial burden to us. Without hesitation, Jerry and Lori invited us to move into their house. This meant the world to us knowing that we could save money towards our future. I am so thankful for our daily dinners together and the opportunity to create memories that would not have happened unless we moved in.
Jerry’s whole world is his family. His pride and joy in life are his wife and daughters. I know there is nothing more that he wants than to be able to walk his daughter down the aisle and to have his daddy-daughter dance on our wedding day. Years ago, my fiance showed me a video of their daddy-daughter dance from her Bat- Mitzvah and said “I can’t wait to do this again with my
Dad on my wedding day.” I plead with you to please let my fiance’s dream of dancing with her Dad at our wedding become reality in July of 2025.
Jerry is an incredible man who has always been there for me during my darkest and hardest times. It is my privilege to stand by his side through this. Jerry truly is a father to me and I take immense pride in saying that. He knows he can count on me to be there for him for many decades to come.
Respectfully,
Future son-in-law
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Financial Obligations:
Besides a 22-month sentence, the judge ordered a forfeiture plus a significant financial restitution. While incarcerated, I’ll comply with the Financial Responsibility Program, as directed by my Unit Team. I plan to fulfill my financial obligations and restitution as quickly as possible.
Risk and Needs Assessment:
From reading the Bureau of Prisons’ website, I learned a great deal about needs and risk assessments. Once I surrender, it’s my understanding that I’ll need to complete SPARC-13 survey that will help staff members measure 13 factors that can influence criminal behavior:
1. Anger/hostility: Thankfully, I do not have any anger management issues.
2. Antisocial peers: I do not socialize or interact with people who violate the law. Despite my conviction, illegal activity was not a way of life for me.
3. Cognitions: I do not have any cognitive or learning impairments, and I consider myself a good learner.
4. Dyslexia: I have never been diagnosed with dyslexia.
5. Education: I graduated from high school and college.
6. Family/parenting: I am blessed with two bright, wonderful, healthy daughters.
My youngest daughter’s wedding is planned for July 18, 2025. I pray I can apply for a furlough so I can attend in person. My entire family hopes my unit team and the BOP can find a way to grant me permission to go. I will do everything I can to earn the trust of my unit manager and the rest of the Otisville professional staff.
7. Finance: Thankfully, I will be financially stable upon my release. My beloved wife currently works as an elementary school special education teacher. We are in the same home where we have lived since 1994. I plan to continue working in order to pay my restitution.
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9. Mental Health: Thankfully, I continue to enjoy good mental health. 10. Recreation/Leisure/Fitness: I love to play tennis, long walks,
11. Substance abuse: Thankfully, I have no issues with addictive drugs or alcohol. 12. Trauma: I’m fortunate to have no major traumatic events to note.
13. Work: I have always been a hard worker, so I’m confident my solid, self-directed work ethic will allow me to return to productive work immediately upon my release. I have extensive professional knowledge and experience to offer. With my skill set and background, I have grown my new business consulting business. This business provides services like web design, digital marketing, and online operations for traditional businesses (e.g., roofers, interior decorators, contractors, mortgage brokers). I am optimistic this new enterprise will allow me to provide for my family while paying my restitution. I like to work and look forward to returning to my productive life.
Personal Plan:
While serving my sentence, I will follow the guidance of my Unit Team. To the extent possible, I would like to participate in self-help and personal development courses. They should help me work toward repaying society for the problems I created. I would like to volunteer to assist people who advance their education.
To address my needs, I intend to spend time reading to the best of my ability. To the extent possible, I intend to read books on leadership and personal development. After reading each book, I will take the following steps:
● Step 1: Write the title of each book I read.
● Step 2: Write the date I finished reading each book.
● Step 3: Write the title and the author of each book.
● Step 4: Write why I chose to read each book.
● Step 5: Write what I learned from reading each book.
● Step 6: Write how reading each book will contribute to my success upon release.
I will keep my book reports, journals, and other useful documentation at the following link. I set up this page so that the unit team, my family, community, and professional network can see my progress:
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I have organized my reading list into the sections set forth below. I designed those sections in response to what I’ve read about risk assessments and the SPARC-13.
● Thought – Books on personal growth will help me become a more thoughtful person and a better member of the broader community. Books on thought would address the SPARC13’s emphasis on cognitions.
● Finance – I would like to develop my understanding of how to manage financial affairs properly and efficiently, given the significance of my financial sanction. Books on finance would address the SPARC-13’s emphasis on finance/poverty.
● Service– Given the SPARC-13’s emphasis on personal accountability, I thought it would be helpful to read books that would contribute to the service I want to provide upon release.
● Biography: Given the SPARC-13’s emphasis on mental health, I have selected a series of biographies so that I can learn from people who’ve lived as contributing citizens. This book should address the criminogenic needs of antisocial peers, education, and mental health.
Here are my top 20 Books I will read:
1. The Richest Man in Babylon – The Original 1926 Classic (Reader’s Library Classics)
2. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
3. GRIT – Angela Duckworth
4. The Confidence Gap – Dr. Russ Harris
5. Leaders Eat Last – Simon Sinek
6. Open – Andre Agassi
7. Never Finished – David Goggins
8. Make your bed – Admiral McRaven
9. Don’t Believe Everything You Think: Why Your Thinking Is The Beginning & End Of Suffering (Beyond Suffering)- by Joseph Nguyen
10. Who Owns the Ice House? Eight Life Lessons From an Unlikely Entrepreneur- by Gary G. Schoeniger (Author), Clifton L. Taulbert
11. Speed Reading: Learn to Read a 200+ Page Book in 1 Hour (Mental Performance) 12. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
13. Start Writing Your Book Today by Morgan Gist MacDonald
14. Start with Why: How Great Leaders Inspire Everyone to Take Action Simon Sinek 15. The ONE Thing: The Surprisingly Simple Truth About Extraordinary Results- by Gary Keller (Author), Jay Papasan
16. Speed Reading: Learn to Read a 200+ Page Book in 1 Hour (Mental Performance) 17. Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High, Third Edition 18. Earning Freedom: Conquering a 45-Year Prison Term
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19. The Happiest Man on Earth: The Beautiful Life of an Auschwitz Survivor Paperback – August 23, 2022 by Eddie Jaku
20. Forgiving What You Can’t Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life Thats Beautiful Again Paperback – December 10, 2020 by Lysa TerKeurs
21. The Let Them Theory: A Life-Changing Tool That Millions of People Can’t Stop Talking About Hardcover – December 24, 2024
by Mel Robbins
On the Bureau of Prisons’ website, I found Program Statement 5350.27: Inmate Manuscripts. It complies with the Code of Federal Regulations, which holds that:
● “An inmate may prepare a manuscript for private use or for publication while in custody without staff approval.”
The above Program Statement encourages me, as I intend to comply with all rules. But I want to publish the book reports I write. By documenting my journey through prison, I memorialize the various ways that a person can work to build mental health with a deliberate, intentional plan to prepare. Strength comes through transparency and reconciliation, and I plan to build a record showing how I used time in prison to grow stronger.
Before surrendering to serve my sentence, I will order the first two books. While waiting for guidance from my Unit Team, I will carry out the plan by reading. If appropriate, I will teach others how they can engineer a release plan that helps them prepare for success upon release.
By sending my book reports home, I will help my family stay in tune with the progress I’m making and keep our connection strong. We’re working through these challenges together, and I want them to know of the preparations I’m making to grow stronger and persevere while I serve my sentence.
Besides adhering to my own plan, I also will follow guidance from the experts in the BOP.
Advisors:
I have collaborated with my family and close friends in developing this release plan. They will be my accountability partners in sticking true to the plan. I will continue to evolve the plan as I receive guidance from my unit team.
