Release Plans: Ryan Patterson

Release Plan for Ryan Patterson

Prepared by Ryan Patterson
BOP Registration Number: 66134-509
Surrender Date: March 28, 2024
Intended Facility: U.S. Marshals Office, Downtown Phoenix (potential transfer to Tucson Camp)

Introduction 

To my future Unit Team:

I appreciate this opportunity to share a release plan. I began writing this plan soon after I learned that the Court would require me to surrender to serve a prison term. I never anticipated I’d leave my family behind to surrender to federal prison, so I had to begin making a plan. 

Making plans is something that I’ve been doing my entire life, and I’m hopeful it will help me make the most productive use of my time inside.

This document is the start of my commitment to live responsibly and productively while serving my sentence, and also while I rebuild after returning to my family and community. To prepare the plan, I took the following methodical steps:

• Spent scores of hours on the BOP’s website to better understand the agency’s policies and procedures.
• Read through the Federal Court’s website to learn more about the goals of a prison sentence.
• Researched the best practices to overcome the collateral consequences that follow for people who’ve been convicted of a crime.

That research has opened my eyes, giving me a better understanding of what to expect while serving my sentence, and also once I get out. I’ll use this plan to stay on track. I’m also sharing it with my support group, so they have a good idea of what I intend to accomplish during this time that I’m going to spend away from my family and community.

This experience has taught me profound lessons. While my lawyers will continue to work toward getting me relief in the Circuit Court, I know that I must live responsibly, focusing on what I can control. Although I cannot control what others do, I am more aware of what to expect, and will adhere to the key objectives I’ve detailed below while I move forward:

Key Objectives 

• Follow any guidance from my Unit Team.
• Comply fully with institutional policies and demonstrate exemplary behavior.
• Learn about every opportunity to reduce my sentence through Good Conduct Time (GCT) and First Step Act (FSA) credits. 
• Participate in programs that foster personal growth, remove areas of vulnerability, and make the best use of my time to rebuild and prepare for higher levels of success after I return to society. 
• Share the knowledge I’ve gained with others in the prison, either by teaching or participating in classes that administrators approve.
• Show others what I’ve learned about building release plans, and building a record that will accelerate pathways to success after release.
• Maintain the highest transparency and accountability with prison officials, my family, and society. 
• Prepare for reintegration by creating systems for long-term compliance with laws and professional ethics. 

Timeline 

1. March 28, 2024 

• If not notified with more specific instructions, I’ll surrender to the U.S. Marshals Office in Downtown Phoenix.
• Anticipate eventual designation to serve my term at the Tucson Federal Prison Camp.
  
  

1. 30-Day Initial Classification Period 

• Complete all assignments, as directed by the Unit Team.
• Complete the risk and needs assessment under the PATTERN system, where I anticipate being classified as minimum-risk of recidivism, based on lessons I learned about the PATTERN system by studying the Bureau of Prisons’ website.
• Participate in assigned programs, workshops, and classes based on priorities identified by the Unit Team.
  
  

1. Ongoing During Sentence 

• Maintain exemplary behavior to reduce my sentence through Good Conduct Time by up to 15% (approximately 3 months).
• Actively participate in educational programs and self-improvement workshops to earn additional time off through Earned Time Credits (ETC) under the FSA. 
• Adhere to any guidance from my Unit Team, or other staff members in the camp.
• If authorized, teach various courses to others, with hopes of inspiring them to prepare for success upon release. Potential courses include:
• Courses related to real estate development.
• Courses related to real estate management.
• Courses related to managing jobs.
• Courses related to developing release plans.
• Courses related to building support networks.
  
  

1. Projected Release: Based on what I learned about Good Conduct Time and Earned Time Credits, and community confinement, I hope my Unit Team will find me a suitable candidate for transition to community confinement at the soonest possible time. It’s my understanding that the Unit Team has discretion, and that to qualify for the earliest possible transition to home confinement, I must abide by all rules and participate in all programs that my Unit Team recommends. Based on what I learned from studying policy statements on the BOP website, I used the following calculations to get a best-possible scenario:
   
   
   1. Sentence length: 20 months
      1. Potential Reductions:
         1. Good Conduct Time: 3 months
         2. ETC First six months, at ten days per month: 2 months ETC
         3. ETC Second six months, at 15 days per month: 3 months ETC
            1. Total deduction after 12 months: 8 months
               
               
      2. Owe to BOP: 20-month sentence, less potential cumulative total of 8 months of GCT and ETC results in 12 months owed to BOP.
         
         
      3. Placement in halfway house/home confinement, approximately three months
         1. Potentially spend nine months in the Federal Prison Camp.
         2. Potentially spend three months in a community confinement setting.
            
            
   2. I certainly realize that the Unit Team will make the decision. I simply used these projections as a guideline to prepare my release plan in the most effective way possible. I want to work toward the best possible outcomes.
      
      
2. Post-Release:
   1. It’s my understanding that if my Unit Team authorizes me to transition from prison to a halfway house, I will remain under the authority of the Bureau of Prisons. I will need to comply with instructions from a case manager at the halfway house.
      
      
   2. After I complete my obligation to the Bureau of Prisons, I will transition to Supervised Release, and must comply with the requirements that a federal probation officer will impose.
      
      

This preliminary release plan, together with the updates I intend to write while I work through the sentence, will prepare me for that post-release transition.

1. I intend to keep my Unit Team updated with the progress I make while I serve my sentence, building a record that will apprise administrators in the halfway house, and my probation officer, with the commitment I’ve made to resume my life as a law-abiding, tax-paying citizen. The record I build will be methodical, memorializing all that I am doing to prepare for the journey ahead.

Understanding My Background and Goals

Before my judge sentenced me to 20 months, I participated in a presentence investigation interview with a federal probation officer. I presume the Bureau of Prisons will rely on the information provided in that report, though I’d like to offer more context. A federal probation officer completed that report in April, 2023, approximately two years ago. My attorneys continued to work on judicial matters, and I deferred to them on the best steps to take.

Yet ever since a jury convicted me of federal crimes related to my failure to comply with tax laws, I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on the decisions that led me into this predicament. I will leave the judicial arguing to my attorneys, but I have learned a lot from this entire experience. The more I reflected on the charging instruments that read: “United States of America vs. Ryan C. Patterson,” I’ve tried to come to terms with where I am at this stage in my life.

Regardless of what plays out through the appeals process, I am ashamed to be in the position. For that reason, I began studying what the system expects of a person who goes into prison. From the federal court’s website, I learned a lot about four concepts:

1. Punishment 

I came to understand that punishment is a fundamental aspect of sentencing, intended to hold individuals like me accountable for their actions. It’s society’s way of formally acknowledging guilt and expressing disapproval of the offense. Punishment often involves imprisonment, fines, or probation, and its purpose is to ensure that unlawful behavior is met with appropriate consequences. Reflecting on this, I realized the Court’s intent. Although my attorneys would continue to litigate that I was not guilty, I learned a lot about what authorities expect of me, given the current status of my conviction.

1. Deterrence 

I learned that deterrence is about preventing future crimes, both for me and for others. Specific deterrence is meant to discourage me from reoffending, while general deterrence sends a message to society that criminal behavior has serious consequences. This concept made me think deeply about the importance of accountability and how my actions could serve as a cautionary example for others. It certainly helped me appreciate the importance of learning more, so that I will never be in this position again.

1. Incapacitation 

I learned that the goal of incapacitation in the sentencing process is to protect the community by limiting a person’s ability to commit further offenses. By removing a convicted person from society, the Court wanted to create a safer environment for others. It has been difficult for me to accept that anyone would feel the need to remove me from my family, my work, or my community. At the same time, I realized that unless my attorneys prevailed on an appeal, I would have to live with the reality that jurors and the system had found me guilty. Either way, I would need to go through the process and find ways to make the most of the journey. It wouldn’t be the first time I had to reinvent myself after hardship.

1. Rehabilitation 

The fourth concept I learned through my research was Rehabilitation. I understood that I wouldn’t have any influence on the Court’s decision regarding the need for punishment, deterrence, or incapacitation in my case. Yet with regard to rehabilitation, the responsibility would be mine. I would have to think about ways to use the time inside to show my commitment to live the rest of my life as a law-abiding citizen. That insight drove me to dive deeper into understanding the influences that got me here, and then figuring out ways to work toward the best possible outcome.

I began working to build this release plan, going over it numerous times to ensure that I’d have a guide to get me through the troubling times ahead.

Reading The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People helped me cope with where I was at that stage in my life. It offered more clarity and direction. I couldn’t change anything in the past, but I could start working toward a better future. The habit of “beginning with the end in mind” taught me the importance of envisioning the person I wanted to become and aligning my actions with that vision. It inspired me to develop a personal mission statement, a guiding star to anchor my decisions and commitments. I also found profound wisdom in the idea of being “proactive”—understanding that while I couldn’t control everything around me, I could always control my responses. Those lessons sparked a shift within me, fueling a commitment to take ownership of my circumstances and craft a future rooted in integrity, purpose, and hope.

Following all that I learned from the Federal Court’s website, I continued my research, learning about “reentry initiatives” that the Bureau of Prisons emphasized. The BOP’s website even featured a story about Reentry Success, profiling other people who’d gone through the federal prison system, and how they used their time inside to overcome the many challenges that complicate life for people who have a felony conviction.

I reached out to a nonprofit profiled on the website and volunteered to contribute, and learn more. Through that proactive initiative, I learned about the importance of:

1. Defining Success as the Best Possible Outcome 

I realized that success is a deeply personal concept, one that I needed to define, given the changed circumstances of my life. For me, it wasn’t about chasing perfection, but focusing on the best possible outcomes I could achieve in my circumstances. Having a clear vision of what “success” looked like gave me a sense of purpose and a target to work toward every day.

1. Creating a Plan to Guide My Decisions and Keep Me on Track 

Without a plan, I knew it would be easy to wander aimlessly or make impulsive decisions. I took the time to map out a strategic plan that detailed not only my goals, but also the steps I needed to take to achieve them. This plan became my roadmap, keeping me grounded and ensuring I made progress in the right direction.

1. Putting Priorities in Place 

  Time and energy are limited resources, and I learned the importance of focusing on what truly mattered. By setting clear priorities, I could allocate my efforts toward tasks and objectives that would create the greatest impact on my success. Before surrendering, I devoted dozens of hours to crafting this plan, sharing it with mentors, and adjusting it over and over again. This approach prevented me from getting overwhelmed by distractions and minor setbacks. I intended to use throughout the journey. It would become an asset, a resource I could use to show all stakeholders that I am committed to making the most of a challenging circumstance in my life.

1. Developing Tools, Tactics, and Resources to Influence the Journey Ahead 

  I couldn’t rely on motivation alone to keep moving forward—I needed a strategy. I identified the tools, tactics, and resources that would help me stay productive and overcome obstacles. Besides participating in all programs that my Unit Team directs, I developed a self-directed learning program that would guide me through my time in prison. I intended to stay productive, always working to develop opportunities for the next phase of my life.

1. Creating Personal Accountability Logs to Show Daily Progress 

 To stay consistent, I began maintaining accountability logs to track what I accomplished each day. Seeing my progress laid out in front of me was both motivating and informative. I began to journal, recording all that I was doing to prepare, recording what I learned from books I was reading. It became a useful tool to keep me on track. Together with my wife, I’ll continue to develop the journal while serving my term, sending home routine updates that she can add. It will help me show administrators in the halfway house, and my probation officer, that I’m serious about my commitment to resume my life as a law-abiding, contributing citizen.

1. Preparing to Make Adjustments as I Learned More 

Progress is rarely a straight line, and I quickly realized the importance of adaptability. I committed to being open-minded and ready to adjust my plans as I gained more insights, encountered new challenges, or refined my goals. Flexibility became a strength, allowing me to stay resilient even when things didn’t go as planned.

1. Volunteering:

Besides learning from the nonprofit, I also began volunteering. When I asked what steps I could take, the group asked me to prepare a course that it could use to teach strategies that any person could use to build a company. Upon release, I intend to continue volunteering with the nonprofit, as I’ve found it very therapeutic to share lessons that I learned through a journey that began in hardship.

I don’t make any excuses for my life, and I always live in gratitude for the blessings that have come my way. The Presentence Investigation Report does not offer a full story of my adolescence. When I was 16, I fell in love with a girl. My parents didn’t approve of our relationship. The disagreement led to my being removed from my family’s home, and it put an end to my formal education. I dropped out of school before completing my sophomore year.

I was fortunate that a family friend took me. Yet they were not a family of means. The single-parent household include five children. Although they welcomed me with open arms, they expected me to work. I walked to local construction sites and pledged to do anything I could to add value. That commitment led to my getting jobs in construction cleanup. After several months of hard work, began to save money. My landlord didn’t have much money, but she saw my work ethic and agreed to provide a small loan so that I could purchase a truck. With a truck, I could be more efficient on the job. I repaid the loan as quickly as possible, after a few months. Contractors began giving me new responsibilities, and I developed new skills. Although I took the test to get my GED, and participated in a few classes at a community college, I learned about responsibility through working. Those efforts led to my building several businesses.

It’s my hope that this experience will help me become a more effective employer and corporate citizen.

Personal Development and Growth Plan 

The time I spend in custody will serve as an opportunity for significant personal and professional transformation. Below is my framework for achieving these goals:

1. Rehabilitation Through Structured Programs 

Although I am not clear what classes the federal prison will offer, I hope to participate in classes that will make me a more effective employer. I am particularly interest in developing more skills in the following areas: 

• Financial Oversight: I want to better understand financial systems, taxes, and investment management. 
• Leadership and Communication: I intend to work toward developing better writing and communication skills, which I can do through self-directed learning programs. These skills will open more business opportunities upon release. 
• Cognitive Behavioral Programs: I’ve read the BOP offers courses to help people develop better critical thinking skills and emotional intelligence. If they’re available to me, I intend to enroll.
  
  

2. Contribution 

My approach to rehabilitation also includes helping others. During my sentence, I will leverage my experience to guide others in developing their own release plans. I will create a framework that allows individuals to focus on self-improvement, accountability, and successful reentry into society. By contributing to the prison community, I hope to leave a positive legacy within the system.

3. Accountability and Measurement of Progress 

I will consistently measure my progress during incarceration by aligning milestones to weekly and monthly goals. 

• Milestone Markers: Successful enrollment and completion of assigned programs, working toward GCT and ETC opportunities. 
• Self-Reflection: Weekly journaling to track lessons learned, challenges encountered, and steps toward improvement. 
• Book Reports: Each time I read a book, I intend to write a book report that memorializes the reason I chose to read the book, what I learned from reading the book, and why I think the lessons I learned from reading the book will influence my prospects for success upon release.
• Feedback Loop: Regular check-ins with my wife and mentors to keep them apprised of what I’m doing, and to show them that I’m following the plan we developed together.  My family will help me create these checks transparently, so I can show my future probation officer and the judge—if I don’t prevail on appeal.

Reentry Plan 

1. Family and Community Support 

My wife and children are the foundation of my life. I will maintain consistent communication with them through permitted calls, emails, and visits to preserve our strong relationship. Beyond my immediate family, I have a supportive extended family and a close-knit community, which includes industry professionals, business partners, and mentors. 

Upon release, I plan to resume my role as a leader within my family and business, setting an example of integrity and accountability. 

2. Professional Reintegration 

• I will return to my role within Patterson Homes, working responsibly with my team to further the growth of the business while remaining compliant with all financial regulations. 
• I am committed to using my past experience to mentor others in my industry, focusing on financial transparency and best practices. 

3. Community Contribution 

Through charitable initiatives and mentorship efforts, I will continue my commitment to giving back. I plan to remain deeply involved in disaster relief efforts, food bank donations, and partnerships with local organizations that promote societal well-being. 

Medical Prescriptions

I am generally in good health, but have a medical condition that requires ongoing monitoring. In the past year, I have experienced two mini-strokes due to a blood condition that causes my blood to be thicker than normal. To manage my medical condition, I have been advised to take baby aspirin if I experience symptoms such as dizziness or numbness, which are early signs of a potential issue. I will ensure that my medical needs are properly documented and communicated to the BOP, so that I can receive the necessary medical care while in custody. 

3. Risk and Needs Assessment

I reviewed the Bureau of Prisons’ risk and needs assessment and understand the importance of addressing all 13 SPARC categories to support my rehabilitation. Here is my plan:

1.  Anger/Hostility: I do not have a history of anger issues and will continue to manage stress constructively.

2.  Antisocial Peers: I have never associated with criminally inclined individuals and will focus on surrounding myself with positive influences.

3.  Antisocial Cognition: I take full responsibility for my financial oversight mistakes and will ensure I apply ethical decision-making moving forward.

4.  Dyslexia/Learning Disabilities I do not have any learning disabilities. 

5.  Education: I value continuous learning and will use my time to further develop my skills and knowledge.

6.  Family/Parenting: My family is my priority, and I will maintain strong communication and support them as I can.

7.  Finance/Poverty: I have implemented stricter financial oversight in my business and will continue to prioritize financial responsibility.

8.  Medical: I have a blood condition, and I’ll comply with BOP guidance to properly manage the condition.

9.  Mental Health: I have a strong mindset and will focus on resilience and self-improvement during my incarceration.

10.  Recreation/Fitness: I have always maintained a daily fitness routine and will continue prioritizing my physical health.

11. Substance Abuse: I do not have a history of substance abuse. 

12.  Trauma: I have faced hardships, but have learned to use them as motivation for growth and resilience.

13.  Work Ethic: I have always been a hard worker and will continue to work in productive activities while incarcerated.

Transparency and Commitment 

I recognize that the success of this release plan depends on full and earnest participation in the outlined initiatives. Prison officials, the courts, and my family can count on my ongoing transparency and diligence in every aspect of this process.

Final Thoughts 

While this chapter of my life presents immense challenges, it also represents a crucial opportunity for growth, reflection, and contribution. My goal is to learn everything possible from this experience, and return home with more skills, a strong mindset, and a renewed commitment to live as a law-abiding, contributing citizen. I will contribute meaningfully during my time in custody by sharing my knowledge and helping others develop their own strategies for success. 

Thank you for considering my plan. I look forward to working in full cooperation with your direction and expertise during this process. 

Respectfully,
Ryan Patterson