My beloved brother, a father to two beautiful children, faces a potential 20-year life sentence for what was a nonviolent crime— the theft of catalytic converters. His charges are for transporting stolen property and money laundering. This punitive sentence does not reflect the gravity of our brother's actions, nor those of his alleged accomplices. This troubling fact becomes all the more urgent when one considers that others charged in relation to this case received convictions of 37, 47 and 57 months, significantly less than what my brother is facing. His sentencing guidelines without enhancements were 63 to 78 months. With the enhancements added by the prosecutor, it was raised to 151 to 188 months (12-15 years). The prosecutor is still trying to add more enhancements which could bring his sentencing guidelines up to 350 months to life.

Unfortunately, the prosecutor involved in the case appears determined to ensure our brother meets this severe sentence. We have observed an increase in charges, assertions which have been bolstered by questionable testimonies. These testimonies come from those also charged in the case who may have been enticed by lighter sentences for their cooperation, raising ethical concerns.

Our family desperately hopes for a more reasonable sentencing guideline, reflective of the nonviolent nature of the offense. While we recognize that crimes should be answered for, we also plead for justice that doesn't disproportionately rob two precious children of their father for decades.

To the justice and law enactment forces of Massachusetts, we implore you to reconsider and revise the sentencing guidelines proposed for our brother's case. Yes, crimes warrant punishment, but we must also strive for justice which is proportional and fair. Rafael has already plead guilty and takes full accountability for his actions. He has also became the chairman for the Restorative Justice Program at the facility he’s currently being held in. If you believe in fair sentencing for nonviolent crimes, please join us in signing this petition and make your support count. Together, we can urge the system to uphold their mandate for justice with fair sentencing. Sign today to help us fight for equality in sentencing!