Grant clemency to my dad STEVEN JONES CR. Serving Two lifes for a nonviolent drug offens.
The Issue
Currently President Barack Obama is about to end his terms in the White House. He is signing clemency forms to inmates with outrageous sentencing for non-violent drug offense. I am asking for everyone who is able to sign this petition to help my father Steven Jones senior inmate number (05601003) in the Coleman Florida at a federal prison. Right now he made it to the third stage to becoming a free man, but for some reason the prosecutor and judge in Alabama are going against it. It has been 22 years since he been locked up i know that he has changed over the years from his mind set and the way he speaks. He want to do better for his family and the community.He has bussiness plan ready to be established plus daughter and son's to back him up on the right path. Please we need all the signatures we can get. My dad was only 20 years at that age we all made mistakes and serving more then half of that he deserves to be free. Thank You
Letter from my Dad to Obama
From:
- JONES, STEVEN
President Obama's Clemency initiative Sep 10, 2016 8:52 AM
Steven Jones # 05601-003
Federal Correctional Complex (Med)
P.O. Box 1032
Coleman , Florida 33521
Mr. Barack Obama
1600 Pensylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington DC 20500
September 11, 2016
Dear Mr. President,
First of all, I would like to say it is an honor to write you sir. I decided to send you his letter Mr. President letter and share my story, hoping after you have read it, you would consider supporting my application for clemency. Having already passed all of the stages of ClemencyProject2014, now waiting only a decision from the Pardon Attorney. Considering the circumstances of his particular case, the positive changes in the law since my sentencing, the current administration's and congressional support for prison reform, the positive educational and interpersonal endeavors I have pursued and the goals obtained during the past 21 years of incarceration, I believe these, accompanied with support from you, will lead to gathering me a second chance at life returning me to society, where I'll be able to further amend for my past misdeeds, repair the relationships broken by my absence.
I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale Florida living with my mother and step-father until 1984, the age of twelve. I came home from school and learned that my mother was missing. My step-father filed a missing person's report, and a few months later we was told she was living in North Carolina at the time on drugs having abandoned all of us, my step-father, siblings and me. Me and my siblings could not understand why she left so we convince ourselves that it was our fault.
My step-father did not take the news well, taking his anger out on me as well as my siblings, physically abusing us. It
became so bad my little sister was taken away to live with another family member and the rest of us ran away from home, scattering in different directions.
For nearly two years I was homeless living on the streets, finding shelter and sleeping in abandoned cars and buildings, knowing only fear and misery. Though every once in a while I'd be given a couch to crash on for a night from a friend, it was always understood their circumstances could not allow much more. Eventually a friend of the family, learning of my situation, found me and provided a roof over my head and food to eat. Once settled in, thinking I could maybe start to go back to school, fell asleep with a full belly, unafraid of potential attacks from others in the night, he told me I had to earn my room and board, that "Nothing in the world was free," I had to work, and he put me on a corner, introducing me to selling drugs.
I was 14 years old. I did not want to sell drugs, but being homeless again, perpetually grimy, cold, hungry, alone and afraid I knew would be worse. The idea of going back was inconceivable. For a 14 year old who's world had already been completely shattered, still having not yet been able to process been abandoned by my mother, left with a step-father who turned out to be a monster, I was given an impossible choice, and so I chose to sell drugs.
Over time, I became caught up in the life, having been set down a path that became familiar, safe and a habit. As I grew older, outgoing other people's ability to threaten or coerce me, it became a life that unfortunately I began to choose for myself.
In 1994, at 24 years old, I was arrested in Mobile Alabama, for the first and last time, for a non-violent drug offense. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama sentenced me to Life (without the possibility of parole) after my attorney failed to show up and represent me, opening up the question of whether or not the Life Sentence would have been handed down if he had been available and properly done his job, instead of leaving my sentencing hearing in the hands of someone completely unprepared and unfamiliar with my case. For this my attorney was ultimately suspended indefinitely, not allowed to practice in the district of Alabama again. (Please see attachment 1, Order)
But even if my attorney was present and the court still handed down a Life Sentence, if I was sentenced now on the same charge, under today's laws, which have changed dramatically since my sentencing, I'd receive a far less term, one with some actual light at the end of the tunnel and hope for a second chance.
But beyond what the sentencing may have been then or now, guilt remains the same. There was a point in time when I was no longer a teenager dealing drugs for fear of being abandoned again, acquired financial resources and material stability and, despite this, chose to not consider or believe in other, more positive possibilities for my life and take it in a different direction. Instead I chose to stay on the course I was on. For this, I take full responsibility for my past misdeeds, guilty of the crime for which I've been convicted.
I blame no one and nothing else but myself for the decisions I made that led me to this place. Remorseful, I regret the lack of belief I held in myself, underestimating my potential, settling to be someone less, aiming down instead of up, taking life for granted and foolishly continuing dealing drugs, contributing to such a bane on society.
I am now 44 years old, having served 22 years thus far on my sentence. Both this place and time has provided perspective, which before I lacked. And during my time incarcerated, driven to move above and beyond the error of my past ways, despite having a life sentence, I have pursued rehabilitation for my own sake. I have worked hard, having experienced time and time again the boost that comes from leading a positive life, a feeling I enjoy more than any other, one I appreciate and have come to value, learning there's nothing else that compares to it and worth compromising it for. I am able to look at myself in the mirror, thankful for the man I have become.
The beginning of my sentence started at a high-security facility, in Atlanta then the penitentiary next door to the medium facility at which I am currently incarcerated. While there, violence thrived. It was a place of anger, sadness and the majority of the inmates having less hope. Against all odds, during my time there, I persevered to rise above and become a light. Hating what I saw, I wanted to make a difference and believe in something more for all of us in there, inmates and staff alike. I grew to understand how to stand up for the positive way to do things. I often faced risk of harm to prevent harm from being done to others. I have received recognition from staff for talking with other inmates, successfully offering diplomatic solutions in place of what otherwise could have been violent clashes between others, making the environment safer for both staff and inmates. ( Pleas see Attachment 2, Staff letters of recommendation)
I've successfully completed over 82 Adult Continuing Education (ACE) and reentry programs, which all started with my enrollment into and successful completion of the G.E.D. program. ( Please see Attachment 3. Progress Report). Recently I completed FCI Coleman's Comprehensive Culinary Art's Program, graduating at the top of my class scoring higher on the performance exams than any other student in the last five years. ( Please see Attachment 4, Culinary Arts Flow Chart) Also after not having my driver license for over 22 years do to me being incarcerated with a re-entry program they have here at this institution via Florida department of Motor Vehicle I was able to attain my driver license July 12, 2016.
I teach a Financial Peace Re-entry class to inmates soon to be released. I hope to invest both my time and knowledge into the successful re-entry of others. I work as a mentor, providing direction to young, impressionable men coming into prison. My goal is to steer them away from gangs and other paths that would only destroy their lives further. I am encouraging them to value education, to invest in themselves and to take paths that will build their self-esteem, getting them to achieve their full potential. I just recently completed my training as a suicide/mental heath companion where I watch over those inmate that is consider at risk to take their lives.(See Attachment 5 my schedule for the week) I am a cast member in the FCI Coleman's Re-entry Theater Group. Earlier this year one of our plays, " The Ultimate Gift" was performed before a few staff members of the White House. It won a National Award for the play's sponsor , a teacher and a staff member here, Mr. Taylor. Recently I contributed in the production of and performed in another play about President Obama's visit to FCI El Reno, along with a play honoring a little 6 year kid name King Carter that got killed in Miami by some more young misguided kids. (See Attachment 6 program from the play we perform in front of visitors)
The re-entry Theater group presents real-life stories that emphasize the importance of understanding strong decision making skills and cause and effect realities. The program has instilled in me many life changing skills, such as working together as a team with many different people toward the accomplishment of a single positive goal and time management skills. It has also boosted my confidence allowing me to perform role in front of audiences.
I maintain strong family and community ties. My family has grown into a much stronger, positive support group, hopeful and believing I will be coming home.
Over the years my mom and I have rebuilt our relationship all old wounds have healed and our relationship is stronger than ever. She even picked up the slack in my children's lives due to my absence as a positive role model. Through my family and friends, I have waiting for me a job, car and a home upon ( hoped for ) release. I truly have a big support system if release so that my transition back into society will be alot easier had I not had the support system. Also, after hearing about all the work I have been doing in here, my family church has extended an invitation for me to be a Youth Mentor. (Letter of confirmation are available from my Clemency Project Attorney)
My experience here has given me my calling, inspiring in me a purpose-driven life. If given a second chance in society, with the unifying far-reach force of social-media. I am ready to step in and continue my work. By following the passion of my heart, making up for my past, using it both as testimony and motivation.
I would like to thank you in advance for your time and consideration given to this letter and its request for support of my application for Clemency. I believe I have alot to offer my community especially with the trouble and misguided youth. With all the recent tragedies I also feel like with my experience I can help bridge the gap between police officers and the blacks in the community. You have helped many of my friends and their family by granting Clemency by commutation of their sentences, I am humbly requesting that you help one more. Mr. President at this stage of my life failure is not an option. If you can help in anyway or have any question you would like to know or information you need to verify prior to making a decision my case is with the Pardon Attorney and my Attorney's and family information is below.
Attorney's Contact Info:
Lorrie L. Hargrove
Attorney at Law
Maynard, Cooper & Gale
1901 6th Avenue
Suite 2400 Regions/Herbert Plaza
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Phone:# (205) 254-1054
Sincerely,
______________________
Steven Jones
#P.s #Daughter I do appreciate everyone that's taking there time out to sign this it means a lot to me as his daughter and a lot to the rest of my family my dad been away since I was 3 years old while in there he graduated school with 3 different degrees he is also a big help to the prison with stopping riots my dad has changed in so many ways he deserve a second chance especially to be with his kids.
Petition Closed
The Issue
Currently President Barack Obama is about to end his terms in the White House. He is signing clemency forms to inmates with outrageous sentencing for non-violent drug offense. I am asking for everyone who is able to sign this petition to help my father Steven Jones senior inmate number (05601003) in the Coleman Florida at a federal prison. Right now he made it to the third stage to becoming a free man, but for some reason the prosecutor and judge in Alabama are going against it. It has been 22 years since he been locked up i know that he has changed over the years from his mind set and the way he speaks. He want to do better for his family and the community.He has bussiness plan ready to be established plus daughter and son's to back him up on the right path. Please we need all the signatures we can get. My dad was only 20 years at that age we all made mistakes and serving more then half of that he deserves to be free. Thank You
Letter from my Dad to Obama
From:
- JONES, STEVEN
President Obama's Clemency initiative Sep 10, 2016 8:52 AM
Steven Jones # 05601-003
Federal Correctional Complex (Med)
P.O. Box 1032
Coleman , Florida 33521
Mr. Barack Obama
1600 Pensylvania Ave., N.W.
Washington DC 20500
September 11, 2016
Dear Mr. President,
First of all, I would like to say it is an honor to write you sir. I decided to send you his letter Mr. President letter and share my story, hoping after you have read it, you would consider supporting my application for clemency. Having already passed all of the stages of ClemencyProject2014, now waiting only a decision from the Pardon Attorney. Considering the circumstances of his particular case, the positive changes in the law since my sentencing, the current administration's and congressional support for prison reform, the positive educational and interpersonal endeavors I have pursued and the goals obtained during the past 21 years of incarceration, I believe these, accompanied with support from you, will lead to gathering me a second chance at life returning me to society, where I'll be able to further amend for my past misdeeds, repair the relationships broken by my absence.
I was born and raised in Fort Lauderdale Florida living with my mother and step-father until 1984, the age of twelve. I came home from school and learned that my mother was missing. My step-father filed a missing person's report, and a few months later we was told she was living in North Carolina at the time on drugs having abandoned all of us, my step-father, siblings and me. Me and my siblings could not understand why she left so we convince ourselves that it was our fault.
My step-father did not take the news well, taking his anger out on me as well as my siblings, physically abusing us. It
became so bad my little sister was taken away to live with another family member and the rest of us ran away from home, scattering in different directions.
For nearly two years I was homeless living on the streets, finding shelter and sleeping in abandoned cars and buildings, knowing only fear and misery. Though every once in a while I'd be given a couch to crash on for a night from a friend, it was always understood their circumstances could not allow much more. Eventually a friend of the family, learning of my situation, found me and provided a roof over my head and food to eat. Once settled in, thinking I could maybe start to go back to school, fell asleep with a full belly, unafraid of potential attacks from others in the night, he told me I had to earn my room and board, that "Nothing in the world was free," I had to work, and he put me on a corner, introducing me to selling drugs.
I was 14 years old. I did not want to sell drugs, but being homeless again, perpetually grimy, cold, hungry, alone and afraid I knew would be worse. The idea of going back was inconceivable. For a 14 year old who's world had already been completely shattered, still having not yet been able to process been abandoned by my mother, left with a step-father who turned out to be a monster, I was given an impossible choice, and so I chose to sell drugs.
Over time, I became caught up in the life, having been set down a path that became familiar, safe and a habit. As I grew older, outgoing other people's ability to threaten or coerce me, it became a life that unfortunately I began to choose for myself.
In 1994, at 24 years old, I was arrested in Mobile Alabama, for the first and last time, for a non-violent drug offense. The United States District Court for the Southern District of Alabama sentenced me to Life (without the possibility of parole) after my attorney failed to show up and represent me, opening up the question of whether or not the Life Sentence would have been handed down if he had been available and properly done his job, instead of leaving my sentencing hearing in the hands of someone completely unprepared and unfamiliar with my case. For this my attorney was ultimately suspended indefinitely, not allowed to practice in the district of Alabama again. (Please see attachment 1, Order)
But even if my attorney was present and the court still handed down a Life Sentence, if I was sentenced now on the same charge, under today's laws, which have changed dramatically since my sentencing, I'd receive a far less term, one with some actual light at the end of the tunnel and hope for a second chance.
But beyond what the sentencing may have been then or now, guilt remains the same. There was a point in time when I was no longer a teenager dealing drugs for fear of being abandoned again, acquired financial resources and material stability and, despite this, chose to not consider or believe in other, more positive possibilities for my life and take it in a different direction. Instead I chose to stay on the course I was on. For this, I take full responsibility for my past misdeeds, guilty of the crime for which I've been convicted.
I blame no one and nothing else but myself for the decisions I made that led me to this place. Remorseful, I regret the lack of belief I held in myself, underestimating my potential, settling to be someone less, aiming down instead of up, taking life for granted and foolishly continuing dealing drugs, contributing to such a bane on society.
I am now 44 years old, having served 22 years thus far on my sentence. Both this place and time has provided perspective, which before I lacked. And during my time incarcerated, driven to move above and beyond the error of my past ways, despite having a life sentence, I have pursued rehabilitation for my own sake. I have worked hard, having experienced time and time again the boost that comes from leading a positive life, a feeling I enjoy more than any other, one I appreciate and have come to value, learning there's nothing else that compares to it and worth compromising it for. I am able to look at myself in the mirror, thankful for the man I have become.
The beginning of my sentence started at a high-security facility, in Atlanta then the penitentiary next door to the medium facility at which I am currently incarcerated. While there, violence thrived. It was a place of anger, sadness and the majority of the inmates having less hope. Against all odds, during my time there, I persevered to rise above and become a light. Hating what I saw, I wanted to make a difference and believe in something more for all of us in there, inmates and staff alike. I grew to understand how to stand up for the positive way to do things. I often faced risk of harm to prevent harm from being done to others. I have received recognition from staff for talking with other inmates, successfully offering diplomatic solutions in place of what otherwise could have been violent clashes between others, making the environment safer for both staff and inmates. ( Pleas see Attachment 2, Staff letters of recommendation)
I've successfully completed over 82 Adult Continuing Education (ACE) and reentry programs, which all started with my enrollment into and successful completion of the G.E.D. program. ( Please see Attachment 3. Progress Report). Recently I completed FCI Coleman's Comprehensive Culinary Art's Program, graduating at the top of my class scoring higher on the performance exams than any other student in the last five years. ( Please see Attachment 4, Culinary Arts Flow Chart) Also after not having my driver license for over 22 years do to me being incarcerated with a re-entry program they have here at this institution via Florida department of Motor Vehicle I was able to attain my driver license July 12, 2016.
I teach a Financial Peace Re-entry class to inmates soon to be released. I hope to invest both my time and knowledge into the successful re-entry of others. I work as a mentor, providing direction to young, impressionable men coming into prison. My goal is to steer them away from gangs and other paths that would only destroy their lives further. I am encouraging them to value education, to invest in themselves and to take paths that will build their self-esteem, getting them to achieve their full potential. I just recently completed my training as a suicide/mental heath companion where I watch over those inmate that is consider at risk to take their lives.(See Attachment 5 my schedule for the week) I am a cast member in the FCI Coleman's Re-entry Theater Group. Earlier this year one of our plays, " The Ultimate Gift" was performed before a few staff members of the White House. It won a National Award for the play's sponsor , a teacher and a staff member here, Mr. Taylor. Recently I contributed in the production of and performed in another play about President Obama's visit to FCI El Reno, along with a play honoring a little 6 year kid name King Carter that got killed in Miami by some more young misguided kids. (See Attachment 6 program from the play we perform in front of visitors)
The re-entry Theater group presents real-life stories that emphasize the importance of understanding strong decision making skills and cause and effect realities. The program has instilled in me many life changing skills, such as working together as a team with many different people toward the accomplishment of a single positive goal and time management skills. It has also boosted my confidence allowing me to perform role in front of audiences.
I maintain strong family and community ties. My family has grown into a much stronger, positive support group, hopeful and believing I will be coming home.
Over the years my mom and I have rebuilt our relationship all old wounds have healed and our relationship is stronger than ever. She even picked up the slack in my children's lives due to my absence as a positive role model. Through my family and friends, I have waiting for me a job, car and a home upon ( hoped for ) release. I truly have a big support system if release so that my transition back into society will be alot easier had I not had the support system. Also, after hearing about all the work I have been doing in here, my family church has extended an invitation for me to be a Youth Mentor. (Letter of confirmation are available from my Clemency Project Attorney)
My experience here has given me my calling, inspiring in me a purpose-driven life. If given a second chance in society, with the unifying far-reach force of social-media. I am ready to step in and continue my work. By following the passion of my heart, making up for my past, using it both as testimony and motivation.
I would like to thank you in advance for your time and consideration given to this letter and its request for support of my application for Clemency. I believe I have alot to offer my community especially with the trouble and misguided youth. With all the recent tragedies I also feel like with my experience I can help bridge the gap between police officers and the blacks in the community. You have helped many of my friends and their family by granting Clemency by commutation of their sentences, I am humbly requesting that you help one more. Mr. President at this stage of my life failure is not an option. If you can help in anyway or have any question you would like to know or information you need to verify prior to making a decision my case is with the Pardon Attorney and my Attorney's and family information is below.
Attorney's Contact Info:
Lorrie L. Hargrove
Attorney at Law
Maynard, Cooper & Gale
1901 6th Avenue
Suite 2400 Regions/Herbert Plaza
Birmingham, Alabama 35203
Phone:# (205) 254-1054
Sincerely,
______________________
Steven Jones
#P.s #Daughter I do appreciate everyone that's taking there time out to sign this it means a lot to me as his daughter and a lot to the rest of my family my dad been away since I was 3 years old while in there he graduated school with 3 different degrees he is also a big help to the prison with stopping riots my dad has changed in so many ways he deserve a second chance especially to be with his kids.
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Petition created on September 20, 2016