My name is Robert Villalobos III and I have served almost 12 years of a 26 to life sentence for murder as a youth offender. At the age of 19, I took a life, which I am deeply remorseful for and I take full responsibility for my actions. This something I will live with for the rest of my life. 

Over the last few years my incarceration I have matured and made many improvements in my life to become a better person, rehabilitating myself in the most prolific fashion. During my transition, I gave up the gang lifestyle/mentality and made education a top priority. I have gained education from various aspects; in return I have dedicated myself to utilize my education as a youth offender to productively direct at risk youth with an education of understanding the importance of choosing not to join gangs and commit crime. I earned my High School Diploma in prison and I am a full time college student at Palo Verde College, working hard to receive two Associates of Arts Degrees in Psychology and Social & Behavioral Sciences; Including majoring in psychology. Furthermore, I work for California Prisons Industry Authority; I am a clerk in the department of healthcare Facilities Maintenance in California department of corrections and Rehabilitations, and maintain an important position to seek the safety and health of others. With the recent pandemic of COVID19 I assisted my supervisors to properly train other inmates and staff here at ironwood State Prison; the training focused on COVID19 Preventive Cleaning Procedures, in which I filed all minutes on each facilities meeting concerning this matter here at Ironwood State Prison. 

In addition to my educational achievements, I have been involved in many self-help programs. I received multiple completions in many programs such as, Criminals & Gang members Anonymous, Alternatives to Violence Program, Anti-Recidivism Coalition Programs (Youth Offender Mentoring Program, Preparing for board of Parole Hearings, & an additional Criminals & Gang members Anonymous), Lifers support Group, inmate peer education Program, Arts & Corrections, Getting out by Going in, and many more. I also facilitate and attend multiple groups such as a inmate Peer Education Program, Alcohols & Anonymous, Alternative to Violence Program, etc.

Since becoming incarcerated I have maintained family support and become a devoted man of God that serves in the Christian Community. I need to be in the lives of my family members out there and be a positive male role model for them. 

Please allow me to show that I am no longer the 19 years old gang member I used to be but instead a 31 year old man who has gained insight, remorse, and responsibility. I have family to come home to, employment waiting, and the support of my family and friends (including The Way World Outreach Church.) if given the opportunity, I believe the governor and the Board of Parole Hearing will see how I've turned my life around to become the man I am today. 

I am Robert Villalobos III. Thank you for taking the time to listen to my story and show your support!