Seventeen years ago, Ismael was arrested for the first time in his life for marijuana drug conspiracy charges.  He went to trial and was found guilty, which triggered the trial penalty phase, meaning he was subjected to a harsh mandatory sentence that he would not have received if he had cooperated by assisting the prosecution to convict other co-conspirators. Ismael received a life without parole sentence which means he will take his last breath behind bars. There is no more parole board for federal prisoners convicted after 1987. 

For 17 years, Ismael has built a record of self-help, apprenticeship and career-building opportunities, self-improvement and community-oriented programs. In addition, Ismael is involved actively in faith based programming. I have communicated with Ismael for approximately 6 years and know him to be person of faith who has taken lemons and made lemonade year after year after year, but enough is enough. 

Ismael deserves a second chance, especially since President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris made campaign promises to free all the cannabis prisoners if elected.  

In addition to a stellar record while in prison, Ismael has exceeded the normal rehabilitation courses offered within the prison system.  He has also completed Purdue University for the spring semester of 2020, in which he studied Urban and Industrial Pest Management, a course of study that coincides with the job he has held at Terre Haute Penitentiary for the past 4 years. In carrying out his duties as a safety orderly, the Complex Food Services Administrator of FCC Terre Haute, Ismael E. Oliver, states, "In my interaction with him, I've found that he consistently exceeds expectations in his interpersonal skills, problem-solving abilities, and work ethic. Mr. Lira displays a strong character, he stands out in his professionalism and ability to communicate effectively."

To date, he has completed 74 programs demonstrating his commitment to making positive changes in his life.  His Unit Team Counselor in prison even stated "I believe Mr. Lira is deserving of a second chance, and that he is ready to rejoin society, and has a very low chance of reoffending."

To learn more about Ismael Lira go to CAN-DO and read his profile page here.