Dear Supporters of Leon’s Petition,
I hope this message finds you well. I want to provide an important update regarding my husband, Leon Stanton, currently incarcerated at USP McCreary. The challenges he faces continue to mount, and it is crucial to share how deeply the lockdowns and the prison environment have affected his rehabilitation journey.
Leon feels utterly drained by the relentless lockdowns. Recent conditions in the program unit have shifted; it no longer feels like a supportive community working towards freedom. Many individuals have joined who are unwilling to participate, contributing to a negative atmosphere. Just a few days ago, a serious incident occurred when someone was stabbed by his cellmate, which has further heightened the tension and unease in the unit.
Leon has expressed an urgent desire to be transferred closer to home, but he is facing roadblocks from counseling staff who are hesitant to let him leave. They insist he complete the program, but with the programs frequently paused due to lockdowns, his progress has stalled. After nearly two years in a program originally intended to last just nine months, he feels trapped. The constant lockdowns have interrupted the mentorship and growth he sought to achieve.
The emotional strain of this situation weighs heavily on him. He misses his family immensely, particularly the visits that require traveling by plane, which are often thwarted by lockdowns. This happened to my wife a few years ago, she flew in and rented a car only to be turned away for a visit because of lockdowns,which has left him feeling even more isolated.
Despite these struggles, Leon has worked tirelessly on his rehabilitation. However, the relentless prison conditions and the recent increase in violence have taken a toll on his mental health. He has been proactive in seeking to help others, taking on a role as a suicide watch assistant, but his health problems continue to escalate without proper attention. From severe kidney pain to migraines and other ongoing health concerns, his cries for help remain unanswered.
Leon often questions his worth during our conversations, expressing fear that I might be embarrassed by his situation. I continuously reassure him that he is not defined by his incarceration. He possesses great intelligence and ambition, and he remains determined to improve his circumstances. He has developed valuable insights that he intends to share, including aspirations to teach courses upon completion of his rehabilitation program.
As he continues on this journey, we are shifting our focus toward the future. Leon’s request for a transfer is not just a matter of convenience; it represents a critical step for his mental well-being and the well-being of our family. The distance caused by his current location amplifies our challenges and makes maintaining familial connections increasingly difficult.
Leon is serving a 35-year sentence for a nonviolent crime involving a small quantity of drugs. With changes to sentencing guidelines, had he been sentenced today, he would face a significantly reduced sentence of 17.5 years, even as a career offender. I kindly urge you to consider advocating for clemency on his behalf. Given his commitment to rehabilitation and the excessive nature of his sentence, he deserves a chance for a fresh start.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding during this difficult time. Your engagement in this matter is invaluable to us.
Warm regards,
Britt and Leon Stanton