Gary Davis, Cecil Jackson, Orrin Jackson, and Eric Whitener, were in their late teens to early twenties when they were convicted on drug and weapons charges 30 years ago. These young men grew up in a disenfranchised community and were not given the opportunities to flourish. As men now in their 50s they have an extensive track record of their commitment to rehabilitation for themselves and others.

During their incarceration, they have taken college courses, have had virtually no disciplinary infractions and have helped free and mentor multiple individuals from within. Especially during these unprecedented times, regarding the coronavirus and the movement for equality, these four individuals deserve to be freed.

Furthermore, a year after their arrest another man, Darryl Camps, was arrested under the exact same charges. However, Camps was recently granted a reduced sentence and is set to be released this year, by an order from Andrew Murray, the United States Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. We need to flood him with calls, at 704-344-6222, and sign this petition.

Cecil Jackson, Orrin Jackson, Eric Whitener, and Gary Davis are ready for a second chance.

Below is a forward by Ashley Jackson (1), and an open letter addressed to United States Attorney, Andrew Murray on behalf of the aforementioned (2): 

1.) Forward by Ashley Jackson, daughter of Orrin Jackson, advocate for children of incarcerated parents, and a re-entry essential worker: 

"The Honorable Andrew Murray
United States Attorney's Office
227 W Trade St #1650
Charlotte, NC 28202

Dear United States Attorney Murray,

I write to you as a concerned taxpayer, resident, re-entry and essential worker of Mecklenburg County, an advocate for children of incarcerated parents, and most importantly a loved one of Orrin Jackson, Cecil Jackson and Eric Whitener. For the last three decades, these men have been serving a draconian sentence in federal prison.

During this global pandemic, and what has turned out to be the most overt display of racial polarity that I have seen in my lifetime, I have given myself permission to speak boldly in efforts to hold our country’s criminal justice system accountable, but I have learned that it is impossible to do it alone. I am calling on you to continue to exercise your power in doing what is just.

My Dad, Orrin Jackson has been in federal prison since I was six months old. I ask those who couldn’t fathom that reality, to consider the perspective that I have been “social distancing” from my Dad for three decades. Meaning, we have learned to build and maintain a healthy, beautiful relationship despite the confines of federal prison walls.

Typically, that included visits, letters, and phone calls. Now, due to the pandemic, no visitations are allowed, and in efforts to limit movement inside the facility; my Dad is only allowed to come out of his cell for one hour, three times a week. During that time he is expected to take care of all communication and personal needs.

When I can speak to him, it is only for five minutes at a time. I am certain that you are aware of the headlines reporting the COVID-19 related deaths at Butner FCI where my Dad, uncle (Cecil Jackson), and cousin (Eric Whitener) are located. As you can probably imagine, reading those headlines while having extremely limited communication with your loved ones is terrifying. They were not sentenced to death, yet the intricacies of our criminal justice system have them spending the rest of their natural lives in prison.

I have proudly accepted the call to “do the work” on behalf of my family and for as long as it takes I will continue to do my part to fight for their freedom, but I am exhausted. Having a parent that has been incarcerated nearly my entire life is not easy. I have, in many ways felt as if I am doing time as well. I have no idea what it is like to experience my Dad outside of prison walls. It is a heavy load to carry, and it can be extremely emotionally taxing. Although I’ve been blessed to have a such beautiful relationship with my Dad, enough is enough. It’s time to bring him home.

Having lived, and now working experience in the criminal justice reform field, I will not undermine what I know as a subject matter expert being a child of an incarcerated parent. It is important to understand that these men have loving, supportive families to come home to. While working in this field I have gained the resources and knowledge to ensure successful outcomes once these men are released back into our communities. For me, reducing recidivism is personal.

I am choosing to, with confidence, call on those that have the autonomy to make the right decisions based on facts, justice, and basic human rights. Thank you in advance for your attention in this matter.

Respectfully, 

Ashley Jackson"

2.) Open letter addressed to United States Attorney, Andrew Murray on behalf of Gary Davis, Cecil Jackson, Orrin Jackson, and Eric Whitener:

"The Honorable Andrew Murray
United States Attorney's Office
227 W Trade St #1650
Charlotte, NC 28202

Dear United States Attorney Murray,

On October 10th, 2018 you moved to correct a 28 year old miscarriage of justice for Daryl Pernell Camps by dismissing multiple Title 18 U.S.C. §924(c) counts that were “stacked” against him and created a sentence that was disproportionately harsh and is known to have been imposed against a correct interpretation of the 924(c)(1) statue.

The October 10th, 2018 dismissal was prompted by a request from Attorneys Annette Ebright and Charles Brewer and based, in part, on an August 1999, United States Department of Justice Policy Memorandum that eliminated the 4th circuit allowed practice of attaching multiple 924(c)(1) counts to a single predicate offense and then “stack” these counts to create a draconian death sentence, even for first time offenders.

The Memorandum highlighted the discrepancy in interpretation and the split among the circuits and after “careful evaluation” adopted the overwhelming majority view of the circuits that had interpreted 924(c) in a manner starkly different from the interpretation that allowed the sentence Camps once suffered from before your just and magnanimous intervention. We therefore applaud your actions and the exercise of the mortal fortitude to recognize a circumstance of injustice and then take the necessary steps to correct it with the power of your office.

We, however call your attention to the remaining defendants in this case with Darry Camps: Orrin Jackson, Cecil Jackson, Eric Whitener and Gary Davis who were not less affected by the injustice of misinterpretation, which caused you to move to correction for Darryl Camps. Each defendant is similarly situated to a degree where a recognition of injustice for one is acknowledgement of injustice for one is acknowledgement of injustice for them all. Correction for one necessitates correction for all.

Each of the remaining defendants have been incarcerated for 30 years. Incarcerated at an age when the ignorance of youth dominated their thinking and consequently their actions and activities. Each of the remaining defendants are now in their 50s and but for an interpretation that is known to have been imposed in error – they would be free.

Mr. Murray, as U.S. Attorney you have access to the BOP Sentry and have an opportunity to assess and scrutinize the accomplishments, the growth and the maturity of the remaining defendants while incarcerated and find that the strides towards self-improvement and personal responsibility have been extraordinary, considering the tremendous judgment hanging over our heads. Thank you for your time and we look forward to hearing from you. 

Respectfully, 

Gary Davis, Cecil Jackson, Orrin Jackson, and Eric Whitener"