My name is Taiwu Sean Jenkins and I am currently serving a 50 year sentence for two counts of first degree assault in 1998 when I was 25 years old. This is my 1st violent felony and my 1st time going to prison. The prosecutor offered several plea deals (10, 8, 7 years) in discussions with my lawyer prior to trial, however, my lawyer failed to tell me what was my maximum exposure. I was told that the most time I could face if I lost trial was twelve (12) years. If I had known what my maximum exposure was I would have taken one of the many pleas offered. Years later my lawyer provided me with a sworn affidavit admitting his fault which I submitted to the courts but I was time-barred (barred by the passage of time under a statute of limitations).
For the last three years I have written to Governor Andrew Cuomo to grant me clemency, in the form of a pardon or commutation, to no avail. A clemency grant recognizes a person’s subsequent efforts in self-development. It does not forgive nor minimize the harm caused by the crime. I am very remorseful to both victims for my actions. There is no one in NY state prison serving this much time for this type of conviction. I have served more time than my highest plea offer, more time than my lawyer told me I was facing and with all due respect I have paid my debt to society for this case. I do not believe that I deserve a life sentence for a case where no one lost their lives.
Due to COVID-19 this could turn out to be a death sentence. I have asthma, high cholesterol and I am African-American. The odds of me contracting the virus are exponential due to my inability to social distance. I have a wife, two children and a family that needs me. I want to give back and help the youth in my community avoid the same mistakes that I have made. I need a pro-bono lawyer to volunteer to represent me on my clemency application. Please help me and support my petition. God bless you and thank you.