In 2004 an article appeared in a Missouri news paper about Frank Flanders. Sadly, Frank was not being heralded as the local boy who made good on his promise to feed the hungry or as the war veteran who was returning a hero. Rather, it was reported that Frank was being charged with robbing the Casey's General Store in Gallatin on August 18th, 2004. In fact, Frank was the man who, after stumbling drunk through the doors at Casey's wearing an ill-fitting mask, struggled to remove a broken pellet gun caught in his sleeve as he slurred an apology to two perplexed, but frightened, clerks. After taking around $100 dollars that would be lost during his escape, Frank was ultimately caught, convicted and sentenced by judge Steven Griffin to Life in prison plus an additional 10 years.

According to Frank, his regrettable indiscretion came at the confluence of addiction and self-pity after losing his job as a disaster recovery consultant and being separated from his children during a difficult divorce. Frank is quick to admit that he was a man who had everything one could want except the wisdom to see it, which he concedes led his children, this community and his own legacy to suffer.

There are many who knew Frank to be a good man before his, now infamous, heist. And while you would be right to think that being in prison since George W. Bush was president has changed Frank for the worse, you would be mistaken. For instance, at least one contributor to this petition saw the changes in Frank's life firsthand while working at the Crossroads Correctional Center in Cameron. What he witnessed in Frank was a man willing to be vulnerable yet brave enough to forgive himself and others. Frank's attitude was also infectious, as even his civilian supervisors and a prison captain have taken the unprecedented step of writing open letters attesting to Frank's character. Frank is candid about the fact that, initially, his biggest regret was being caught. But today, after being brought back from the brink of death following a failed suicide attempt, Frank's true regret is that he hurt anyone during a life that he now intends for good.

Frank's story is a message of hope and redemption. Today, he is working toward a degree in communications while maintaining a GPA above 3.8. Frank also exercises nearly every day in the hope that one day soon he will be able to leave prison and make a sponsored run from Cameron to Gallatin to raise awareness for mental illness and suicide risk, two sensitive issues that have plagued small town America. Frank's positive attitude toward others also extends to those most affected by his actions -- the two clerks he hopes will one day forgive him. Frank has openly expressed his sincerest regret as the man responsible for a terrifying moment both women must relive every time they go into a store.

Although Frank's actions betrayed our community and put a stain on its reputation, this petition was compiled by those who believe his humility and sincere remorse are worthy of the same second chance that we have all been given at some point in life. And despite his lengthy sentence and time in prison, Frank considers himself blessed to have the support of his children, his family and his friends. For example, even after his roommate of over 12 years, Charles, died after contracting COVID in prison, Frank has continued to remain positive for the future, where we would be lucky to have him back among us. It is the sincere wish of the authors that the day for Frank's release comes sooner than later so that his community, friends, and family can join with those who love freedom to give Frank the space and opportunity for closure and healing.

Sincerely and respectfully,
Natalie Frinchaboy, Director of The Justice Advocate Network,
and the Friends, Family and Supporters of Frank Flanders

To learn more or to add your voice in calling for Frank's release, please visit the Free Frank Flanders page at www.facebook.com For more information about advocacy and other support services, please email the Justice Advocate Network at justiceadvocatenetwork4u@gmail.com