My name is Jason Charles, and I am currently incarcerated in Ohio at Chillicothe Correctional Institution. I am asking you to sign this petition for clemency due to a wrongful conviction that has unjustly impacted my life for the past twenty years.

Twenty years ago, the media painted a terrible picture of me regarding an unfortunate situation that took place at my home, portraying me as the villain when it was, in fact, a matter of self-defense. The facts surrounding the circumstances were grossly misrepresented. Later, BCI reports confirmed my self-defense allegations, but I found myself without the financial means for proper legal representation. As a result, I was coerced into an 18-to-life plea agreement by my attorney, Michael J. Duff, who was later disbarred due to his incompetence and unethical acts involving drug possession and a prostitution scandal.

In 2019, Ohio whistleblower Senator Shirley Smith's January 23rd statement regarding her departure from the Ohio Parole Board went viral, exposing a toxic environment and unprofessional behavior within the board. She highlighted their biased, unethical, and frighteningly unfair decision-making processes, which often lack a comprehensive review of the facts surrounding individuals’ cases. Bret Vinocur of BLOCKPAROLE.COM, a citizen advocate for the past seventeen years, concurs with Senator Smith's observations, stating that the parole board’s decisions are often irrational and based on inaccurate information. He emphasized the need for more accountability and transparency in the decision-making processes that affect the lives of others.

I can personally attest to the biases and unfair treatment I have experienced, as evidenced by the additional ten years I was given on June 28, 2024, after already serving an 18-year sentence due to inadequate representation stemming from my financial situation. I have presented substantial evidence to the Ohio Parole Board, including requested evidence reports processed by Ohio BCI Labs on the night of the incident. These reports show that the individual who came to my home discharged a firearm, and I was merely defending myself. Furthermore, both parties involved had high levels of gunshot residue on their hands, consistent with having recently fired a weapon. Live rounds matching those found at my home were also discovered in their vehicle that night.

Senator Shirley Smith has also indicated that the Ohio Parole Board reviews all clemency requests and makes recommendations to the governor, which she described as an unethical monopoly on injustices. The head Ohio prosecutor at the time, Ron O'Brien, was removed due to his involvement in a million-dollar scandal regarding missing treasury money, highlighting significant ethical problems within the Ohio judicial system. This situation demonstrates how the system is rigged against individuals seeking justice and fairness.

If you would like to see the documentation that proves this was nothing more than self-defense and that I was pushed into a plea deal because I felt I had no other option, please contact either myself or Linda Simms at Linda@DefundDOC.net. Additionally, you can listen to me tell my story by clicking HERE, or visiting DefundDOC.net.

I urge you to consider my request for clemency. The evidence supporting my self-defense claims is compelling, and the systemic issues within the Ohio Parole Board must be addressed. I hope for a fair review of my case based on the facts and evidence presented.

For further information, please feel free to contact me at:

Jason Charles #562205
PO Box 710
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your support in seeking justice and clemency.