ROBERT J JESENIK
Register Number: 79668-112
Release Plan
_____________________________________________________________________________
December 15, 2023
Dear Unit Team:
Before surrendering, I researched the best practices for serving time in federal prison. During my research, I came across websites that proved invaluable in helping me prepare for my incarceration. As I studied this information, I gained insights into the role played by the Unit Team within the Bureau of Prisons and the Team’s significance in formulating a comprehensive release plan.
I pleaded guilty and accepted full responsibility for the mistakes that brought me here. I am fully committed to utilizing the guidance of my Unit Team, coupled with the unwavering support and accountability of my loved ones, to make this period of incarceration as productive as possible. My ultimate aim is to reconcile with society and reinforce my relationships with my family.
In pursuit of these objectives, I created a release plan as an accountability tool. This plan outlines a self-directed pathway I will follow to ensure the best possible outcomes upon release. I am dedicated to updating and expanding this document as I progress through various milestones. My plan includes the following information:
| 1. Identifying Information | 7. Community Support |
| 2. Images | 8. Medical Prescriptions |
| 3. Projected Release Planning | 9. Financial Obligations |
| 4. Background | 10. Risk and Needs Assessment |
| 5. My Crime | 11. Personal Plan |
| 6. Making Amends | 12. Advisors |
I hope the Unit Team finds this plan helpful in guiding me back to my family and community as soon as possible.
Respectfully Submitted,
Robert J Jesenik
My Release Plan
Identifying Information:
Name: Robert J Jesenik
Prison Registration Number: 79668-112
Date of Birth: June 3, 1959; I am 64.
Today’s Date: I began writing this release plan on October 17, 2023.
Sentence Length: 168 months, followed by 3 years of Supervised Release.
Surrender Date and Location: Lompoc Satellite Camp, January 4, 2023.
My Community Contact:
My Community Phone Number:
My Community Email:
My Community Address:
Images:
To provide my Unit Team with information, the final pages of this document include images from the following identifying documents:
- Driver’s License: FL: XXXXXXXXXXXX
- Social Security Card: xxx-xx-xxxx
- High School Transcript:
- Bachelor’s Degree: Univ. of Oregon, degree conferred 1980.
- Master’s Degree: Univ. of Portland, degree conferred 1989.
Projected Release Planning:
Years of education and hard work have taught me the importance of meticulous planning. I recognize that careful planning is crucial for achieving the best possible outcome as I prepare for my eventual release from prison.
To this end, I researched the Bureau of Prisons’ policies and guidelines, particularly about release planning. I also familiarized myself with the First Step Act and other relevant BOP policies, which underscore the significance of good behavior and program participation in facilitating an earlier transition to home confinement.
With the guidance of my Unit Team, I am committed to positioning myself as a strong candidate for early transition to home confinement.
I extensively reviewed various BOP Program Statements to gain insights into how I can earn additional sentence reduction credits. It’s clear that maintaining good behavior and avoiding disciplinary infractions can result in Good Conduct Time credits amounting to 15% of my judge-imposed sentence. With my 168-month sentence, I anticipate receiving approximately 25 months of Good Conduct Time credits, potentially reducing my sentence to around 143 months.
Moreover, I know that, by meeting specific requirements, I may qualify for “Time Credits” under the First Step Act (FSA). I understand that my PATTERN score, determined through a survey I will complete upon surrender, will play a significant role in this process. Based on my self-assessment, I expect my PATTERN score to reflect a “minimum” risk of recidivism.
According to BOP policy, my Unit Team will conduct an Initial Unit Team meeting within 30 days of my surrender. During this meeting, I am committed to cooperating fully with all program recommendations made by my Unit Team.
If my projections are accurate, I anticipate earning ten days of Earned Time credit each month during my first six months in confinement.
After two consecutive Unit Team meetings, I anticipate that my PATTERN Risk Assessment will still reflect a minimum risk of recidivism. My commitment to completing all recommended programs should result in 15 days of Earned Time Credit each month for the remainder of my sentence. I understand these credits can be applied toward release into halfway houses, home confinement, or supervised release sooner than otherwise allowable. I know that a transfer to supervised release is limited to the final year of my sentence. However, I also understand that I may use FSA credits to transfer to pre-release custody even earlier.
My doctor has diagnosed me with Alcohol Abuse Disorder, and I hope to participate in a Residential Drug Abuse Program during my sentence, the completion of which will reduce my sentence by 12 months. I intend to comply with this program fully and anticipate earning the total credit.
Based on the information available, my projected sentence calculation is as follows:
- Sentence my judge imposed: 168 months.
- Good Conduct Time: Approximately 25 months for an adjusted sentence of approximately 143 months.
- RDAP: 12 months toward earlier release for an adjusted sentence of 131 months.
- FSA Earned Time Credit: 12 months toward early release for an adjusted sentence of 119 months.
I understand that after serving a portion of my sentence in the Camp at FCI Lompoc, at the discretion of my Unit Team, I may qualify for placement in a Residential Reentry Center (Halfway House) or home confinement. I developed this detailed plan to provide my Unit Team with a comprehensive understanding of my commitment to early placement in home confinement. It outlines my dedication to following BOP policies, maintaining good behavior, and actively participating in programs to reduce my sentence.
Background:
I understand that my Unit Team will have access to a presentence investigation report and various documents detailing my past actions. However, it’s important to share more about who I am and the profound lessons I’ve gleaned from this experience.
My parents immigrated from Austria to Canada after the Second World War. They met in Vancouver, British Columbia, where they got married. My sister and I were born in Vancouver. In 1961, my family relocated to Santa Barbara, California, to pursue a better life in the USA, something my parents wanted to do. We were not affluent, and money was a constant concern.
To make ends meet, I shouldered multiple paper routes and worked on farms in the summer while diligently attending school. Through hard work and determination, I managed to secure a scholarship that allowed me to pursue higher education, ultimately earning a Bachelor’s Degree followed by an MBA.
My educational dreams were made possible through the sponsorship of US Bancorp, where I also worked in their lending division upon graduation. Several years later, I decided to explore new horizons and took on the role of Chief Financial Officer for several technology companies. My entrepreneurial spirit led me to co-found JMW Capital Partners in 1993, which eventually was renamed Aequitas Capital Management, Inc. i, a credit-and-equity firm headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon. Unfortunately, we were heavily invested in private student loans that abruptly became uncollectable due to their association with a failed private university. Aequitas ended in 2016 when the SEC asked that we appoint a receiver to liquidate its assets.
I was married for 31 years and have two adult children and one grandchild. Supporting my children has been one of my primary life goals. My wife had addiction issues and psychological problems for most of our marriage. I believe in marriage and the vows we take. While my kids were in high school, I was often alone with them while my wife was attempting recovery through inpatient treatment. I tried very hard to stay in the marriage, but the demise of my business hit my wife hard; we separated in 2017 and finalized our divorce in 2019.
While incarcerated, I welcome the chance to teach others and volunteer to assist other inmates. Volunteer service is familiar to me. I was heavily involved in the Ronald McDonald House program; I served on the Special Olympics board for eight years; I helped establish a mentoring and career development program at the University of Oregon Business School and was on their Advisory Board for eight years. I point out these activities only to show that I want to be of service. I have tried to be a law-abiding citizen, strongly emphasizing serving my family, community, and church.
Criminal Conviction:
Aequitas managed an extensive portfolio of investments, including hospital-focused technology firms, a consumer debt consolidator, a motorcycle lender, and student loans for private and public universities such as Corinthian Colleges and NYU< New York University. The student loans Aequitas owned from Corinthian Colleges were the company’s largest single receivables category. When Corinthian Colleges collapsed, the collectability of our receivables was immediately impacted; thus, our investors were also impacted. We tried to manage through the adversity but failed. In March 2016, the SEC requested we appoint a receiver to liquidate our assets, and we agreed since it was in the best interests of our investors
In 2023, I received a verdict from a jury, finding me guilty of wire fraud and one count of bank fraud, claiming that I failed to adequately communicate the repercussions of the Corinthian Colleges’ downfall to prospective and current investors in Aequitas Capital. I hold a deep respect and reverence for the jury’s decision and the entire judicial process. Nevertheless, my legal counsel has taken the appropriate step of submitting an appeal to the Ninth District Court of Appeals.
Making Amends:
I understand my duty and responsibility to work toward making things right. While I serve my sentence, I will make amends by becoming a better, more mindful person, conscious of my responsibility to follow the rules. By participating in self-directed learning programs and those directed by my Unit Team, I intend to reenter the community as a law-abiding and productive citizen.
Through my research, I read an inspiring statement by Colette Peters, the new Director of the Bureau of Prisons. When testifying before the Committee on the Judiciary on September 29, 2022, Director Peters said,
“Our mission is to ensure safe prisons, humane correctional practices, and rehabilitation opportunities so that people reenter society as good neighbors.”
Before my current troubles, I considered myself a good citizen and a good neighbor. Once I began going through the criminal justice system, I realized I had lost some of this focus. I want to make things right by returning to being a good neighbor and serving others.
I realize that “rehabilitation” isn’t only about me. It’s about the entire system and the entire country. To this end, I will use my time in prison to find ways to live with meaning, relevance, and usefulness, and I will continue living in service upon release.
I believe that God gives each of us talents, gifts that we are encouraged to use for the betterment of those around us. The parable of the talents in the Bible has always moved me, reminding me of my obligation to use what God has given me for good.
In my faith, there is also a strong emphasis on repentance and making amends. It is not enough to acknowledge wrongdoing; one must strive to rectify it. Despite my pending appeal, I enter prison with an attitude of fully accepting the consequences of my actions and viewing my forthcoming time in prison as a time for reflection and amends.
The charge against me reads United States of America v. Robert J. Jesenik. Therefore, I feel a duty to make amends to the people of this country. While awaiting my surrender, I devised a plan to reconcile and atone. I intend to work toward that end during my term and will continue living in service upon release.
With approval from my Unit Team, I hope to accomplish the following tasks:
- Tutor other people serving sentences so that they may advance their education.
- Volunteer in ways that staff members recommend.
- Journal and document daily such things as:
- How am I feeling & adjusting?
- Are there any changes I can make to feel better?
- Evaluate how I use my time to work toward my goals and the progress I’m making. Work toward goals, evaluate and modify goals (when applicable).
- Identify opportunities and what I plan to do with them.
- How did I contribute to helping others?
- What’s my plan for the upcoming days?
- What I’m grateful for?
- Areas of enlightenment, introspection?
- Other events or insights from the day?
- Read non-fiction books: biographies, self-improvement, philosophy, motivation
- Read the Bible, pray, and attend worship services.
- Teach other inmates how to prepare for success after prison. Teach them how to memorialize their life, identify goals, conduct a SWAT analysis, and build a plan that moves them toward building a life they are proud of.
- Modify my Release Plan to ensure it’s a working tool I can use and share with others.
- Continue learning by utilizing available library resources.
- Engage in programming opportunities.
- Exercise
- Work and complete my job assignments with integrity, quality, and dedication.
- Continue expanding my support systems by corresponding with mentors, professionals, authors, etc., that align with my values and goals.
- Make deliberate choices that support the success I want to achieve.
- Avoid getting pulled into social drama and negative thought patterns that can be especially prevalent and toxic in prisons.
- Live in a way that I can be proud of, a way that my children admire.
- Prove that the crime I committed was a snapshot in time. They shouldn’t define me and are inconsistent with who I truly am.
I hope to be extraordinary and show why I’m worthy of being given a second chance I anticipate that some days I’ll feel very depressed, angry at myself, and grieving. I will do my best to extend grace to myself on those days. I will focus on getting back up and not letting it debilitate me for long. I hope my Unit Team will support the personal release plan I put into place and consider me a good candidate for maximum placement in home confinement for the reasons expressed below.
Community Support:
To demonstrate community support, I am including letters from my girlfriend of seven years, Betsy, and my son, Ryan, who support my release plan. Betsy has a home in a low-crime neighborhood at Villa Park, CA 92861. Upon my release, I plan to return to this home to live with Betsy. Her home will provide a stable and supportive environment in support of my reintegration back into the community.
Medical Prescriptions and Substance Abuse:
I am 64, 6’0″, and weigh 216 pounds. I am generally healthy, though through this criminal process, I have been drinking too much, and my doctor diagnosed me with an alcohol abuse disorder. I am in treatment, and I am trying to do better. I take the following prescription medications:
Folic Acid 1Mg daily
Rosuvastatin 10 Mg daily,
Lisinopril 10 Mg daily,
Vitamin D 1.25 mg 50,000 IU twice weekly
Iodine- 12 drops once weekly
Financial Obligations:
During my incarceration, I intend to comply with the Financial Responsibility Program to fulfill my financial obligations to the best of my ability.
Risk and Needs Assessment:
Upon surrender, I am prepared to complete the SPARC-13 survey, assessing 13 factors influencing criminal behavior. If recommended, I am open to participating in relevant programs, such as anger management.
- Anger/hostility: I do not have an anger or hostility problem.
- Antisocial peers: I do not socialize or interact with people who violate the law. Crime was not my way of life, as evidenced by my commitment to education and a multi-decade career.
- Cognitions: I am a good learner.
- Dyslexia: I do not suffer from dyslexia.
- Education: I have a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree.
- Family/parenting: I have good relationships with my long-term girlfriend, two adult children, and grandchild.
- Finance/poverty: Although I lost my wealth through these proceedings, I can manage my money upon release.
- Medical: I am in reasonably good health.
- Mental Health: I feel mentally strong.
- Recreation/Leisure/Fitness: While I serve my sentence, I intend to stay fit by walking and participating in physical activities.
- Substance abuse: I have a history of alcohol abuse. I would benefit from participation in treatment while incarcerated.
- Trauma: I do not have any traumatic experiences.
- Work: I am a hard worker and will continue to work to the best of my ability.
Personal Plan:
While serving my sentence, I am eager to participate in self-help and personal development courses that align with my goal of reintegration into society as a law-abiding and productive citizen. I aspire to tutor fellow inmates, volunteer as recommended by staff, maintain journals of my progress, and read books that enhance my understanding of the influences that led to my situation.
I organized my prison reading list into four categories:
- Thought – Personal growth and cognitive development.
- Finance – Financial literacy and responsible management.
- Service – Books that support my commitment to community service.
- Biography – To gain insights from the lives of exemplary individuals.
I am dedicated to constructively utilizing my time in prison to make amends and grow as an individual. 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.
Advisors:
I collaborated with my long-term girlfriend and son to develop this release plan. They will be my accountability partners and help me stay true to the plan. I will continue to evolve the plan as I receive guidance from my unit team.
Plans for My Future
Focus for the first year after release:
- Probation: Fully comply with all terms of my probation. Proving that I’m extraordinary.
- Employment: Obtain a full-time job as well . Ideally, my full-time work would be remote.
- Mental Health: Resume therapy upon release and continue weekly for an indefinite period. Resume treatment with and remain compliant with all medications. Additional details can be found in the “Psychological and Therapeutic Treatment” section of this plan.
- Giving Back through Service / Volunteer: Volunteer a minimum of 10 hours per month through my church and at least one other organization. A list of volunteer interests can be found in the “Intended Volunteer Work” section of this plan. Spirituality: Attend Church regularly, either in-person or through a live feed. Follow my faith, and trust God for guidance. Pray each day for my blessings and the strength he’s provided my loved ones and me with.
- Positive Influences: Surround myself with positive influences both personally and professionally. Continue growing my support network.
- Inspiration / Positive Example: Live in a way that inspires others and offers them encouragement and hope.
- Family / Relationship: Reconnect with my family by spending meaningful time together and maintaining consistent contact.
- Physical Health and Wellness: Through self-discipline, I will exercise at least 5 days a week. I will proactively ensure preventative tests are done timely to ensure better health outcomes.
- Reading: I will read at least 15 books.
- Journal & Gratitude: Continue to journal each day highlighting what I’m most grateful for and the progress I’m making toward goals.
- Reputation and Trust: Begin rebuilding my reputation: Maintaining my role as a participating student of Prison Professors Talent and potentially creating a blog to educate, provide encouragement, and share ways in which I’m making amends. Make decisions that reflect and align with my core values.
- Boundaries: I will have improved with setting boundaries and finding balance in my personal and professional life.
By the conclusion of my first year post-release, I want to be living with purpose and doing meaningful professional work that provides value. I hope to have stronger bonds with my family and those I love. My annual plan will be clearly defined with actionable steps I can take to reach my goals. I will be closer to the end of supervised release. I will have a savings account focused on building financial stability.
- 3-year goals: Continue purposeful work and advance professionally. Remain committed to 10 hours/month of volunteer work and include my youngest who will be almost fourteen years old by then. I want to model the importance of meaningful contributions to society through action. Travel! My daughter lives in San Diego, and I want to visit her, as well as my son and his family who live in Florida.
