About Cody:

In April of 2022, Cody Michael Miller was sentenced to 50 years on two drug-related charges:

1.) Conspiracy to distribute more than 10 grams less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine
2.) Distribution of more than 10 grams and less than 100 grams of Methamphetamine

Upon receiving those charges, Cody took a plea deal and was sentenced to 50 years, with 33 years suspended, and 17 years left to serve. Cody has had no previous drug-related convictions or history of violence before his sentencing. Many argue that this type of sentencing is too harsh, especially for someone like Cody. 

Furthermore, several discrepancies are evident from Cody's arrest and trial. It was discovered that before Cody’s arrest on February 9th, 2021, the search warrant granted to search Cody’s home was dated 2 days after it was executed, on January 22nd, 2021. Unfortunately, this was not discovered until after Cody’s case had been time-barred. Additionally, during Cody’s sentencing, Cody had hired a lawyer, Thomas Scott Jr. from Street Law Firm, but was given ineffective counsel. To elaborate, Cody hired Mr. Scott, who was also a law professor at the Appalachian School of Law, as his lawyer. When Cody had appointments with his lawyer, Mr. Scott would send his students to counsel Cody instead. In other words, Mr. Scott was double-dipping. Furthermore, Cody was not made aware of his guidelines during his trial.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Issue:

According to the Sentencing Project, "the United States is unparalleled historically and ranks among the highest worldwide in its dependence on incarceration" (Fair, H, & Walmsley, R., 2021). In many cases, individuals like Cody, who are convicted of drug-related offenses, are victims of systemic issues such as poverty, lack of access to education, or limited opportunities. In Cody's case, he was given a rough start. After the loss of his mother and his father stepping out of the picture, Cody was left to raise his 3 siblings at age 14 with little to no resources or help. Having been surrounded by drugs from a young age, Cody was left with no choice but to sell drugs on the streets to survive. At times, Cody was left with nothing but ketchup, mayonnaise, and bread to eat. Many nights, he went to bed hungry. Despite all this, Cody raised his siblings to become successful and functioning members of society. 

For non-violent offenders like Cody, arresting them on drug charges does little to no damage to the War on Drugs, and has only led to an increase in mass incarceration. "Sentencing policies enacted under the banner of the 'War on Drugs,' which began in the early 1970s and accelerated with the utilization of broadly punitive mandatory minimum and three-strikes policies, resulted in dramatic growth in incarceration for drug offenses" (Sentencing Project). Instead of punishing those who are charged with non-violent drug offenses, lawmakers and public health officials should focus more of their efforts on providing accessible aid and rehabilitation. According to the Prison Policy Initiative, "Drug arrests continue to give residents of over-policed communities criminal records, hurting their employment prospects and increasing the likelihood of longer sentences for any future offenses" (Page 10). Releasing such individuals like Cody, who are non-violent and given limited opportunities from the beginning, could help address broader societal inequalities and offer a chance for them to reintegrate into society.

 

From His Own Words:

To those I have hurt,

I hope this letter finds you in a place filled with peace and compassion, even though I know that some of you may be experiencing pain and hardship. I am writing today with a heavy heart, filled with remorse and sorrow for my past actions.

I want to acknowledge the harm I caused by selling drugs to individuals in our community, and more specifically, to all of you. I now understand the devastating impact that my actions have had on your lives, on your families, and on the overall well-being of our community. For this, I am deeply sorry.

I recognize that words alone cannot undo the harm I have caused, and I do not expect forgiveness to come easily. However, I want you to know I am committed to making amends. I am working to change my life, to take responsibility for the damage I’ve done, and to help others who are struggling with addiction find support and healing. It’s important to me that I make better choices going forward, not only for my own sake but for the betterment of the community and people that I harmed. I am doing the hard work of reflection, and I hope my actions can someday show that I am truly sorry.

Again, I deeply regret the harm I caused, and I want you to know that I am committed to doing better for myself, for you, and all those affected by the consequences of my past choices.

 

With sincerest apologies and remorse,

 

Cody Miller

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cody's Reform & Rehabilitation:

While incarcerated, Cody earned his High School Diploma and has taken the following classes to earn certificates for completing life skills, parenting, substance abuse, and anger management classes. He is also certified in DOT Flagging, basic computer literacy, forklift safety, basic culinary arts, financial literacy, employment skills, computing fundamentals, DCE Tudor/teacher's aide, and Home Builders Incorporated Pre-Apprenticeship Certificate Training (PACT). Additionally, he will begin a Commercial Foods Cooking Class in March of 2025.

According to Cody, this is his 5-year plan:

• 0-6 months - Upon my release, I will have completed my community service obligations and settled all outstanding fines. I also have promising employment opportunities lined up, one as a foreman for a reputable general contractor, where I will oversee various construction projects and ensure everything runs smoothly, and another as a tow truck driver for a private towing company, providing essential assistance on the roads. Both positions offer a fresh start and the chance to contribute meaningfully to my community.
  
  
• 6-12 months - I will have successfully bought my own house. I’ll also open a savings account to carefully manage my finances and create a secure foundation for my future. Additionally, I will begin investing in essential equipment for my food truck, selecting high-quality appliances and tools that will help me bring my culinary dreams to life on the road.
  
  
• 12-24 months - I will begin working part-time at the food truck, allowing for flexible hours while continuing my current job. This opportunity will not only provide extra income but also enable you to gain valuable experience in customer service and food management. In addition, I will consider launching a Big Brother mentoring program aimed at supporting at-risk teens in the community. This initiative will offer guidance, mentorship, and positive role models, helping these young individuals navigate challenges and build brighter futures.
  
  
• 24-48 months - I will begin to work in the food truck full-time, with the hopes of hiring convicted felons like myself and establishing a workplace to offer those in need of a second chance better success in transitioning to civilian life. Alongside this, I will begin establishing a halfway house designed to support individuals who have recently re-entered society after incarceration. This initiative will not only provide a haven for these individuals but also incorporate them into the Big Brother mentoring project, allowing them to contribute positively to the community while receiving guidance themselves. Furthermore, I plan to save for a property where I can host a fishing tournament, creating a joyful event that brings people together to celebrate the great outdoors.
  
  
• 48-60 months - I will have completed my probation while actively engaging in efforts to support at-risk youth and help recently released individuals reintegrate into society. I will also begin the process of launching a second food truck as a vibrant initiative for those who have not only completed their probation but have also graduated from a halfway house. This food truck could serve as a stepping stone, providing them with valuable job experience and a sense of purpose as they demonstrate their commitment to becoming thriving, contributing members of the community.

How You Can Help:

You can help by signing the petition!  Our goal is to reach 2,000 signatures!!

 

 

 

 

Virginia Officials Contact Information:

Governor:
Name: Glenn Youngkin, Governor of Virginia.
Phone: 804-786-2211.
Email: glenn.youngkin@governor.virginia.gov.
Contact Hours: Mon-Fri: 9:00 am -5:00 pm.
Mailing Address: Commonwealth of Virginia. Constituent Services. P.O. Box 1475. Richmond, VA 23218.
Physical Address: 1111 East Broad Street. Richmond, VA 23219.
Website: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/communicating-with-the-governors-office/

Virginia Attorney General:
Name: Jason S. Miyares, Attorney General.
Phone: 804-786-2071.
Address: 202 North Ninth Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219.
Website: https://www.oag.state.va.us/contact-us/contact-info

Congressman:
Name: Morgan Griffith, U.S. Representative for Virginia's 9th Congressional District.
Phone: 202-225-3861.
Address: 2202 Rayburn HOB, Washington, DC 20515.
Website: https://morgangriffith.house.gov/contact/contactform.htm.

Delegates:
Name: James W. (Will) Morefield.
Phone: 804-698-1043.
Address: General Assembly Building, 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Room Number 808.
Email: DelJMorefield@house.virginia.gov.
Website: http://www.willmorefield.com/

Name: Rae Cousins.
Phone: 804-698-1079.
Address: General Assembly Building, 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Room Number 917.
Email: DelRCousins@house.virginia.gov.
Website: https://www.raecousins.com/

Name: Michael Jones.
Phone: 804-698-1077.
Address: General Assembly Building, 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Room Number 916.
Email: DelMJones@house.virginia.gov.
Website: https://www.mikejonesva.com/

Name: Irene Shin.
Phone: 804-698-1008.
Address: General Assembly Building, 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Room Number 1115.
Email: DelIShin@house.virginia.gov.
Website: https://www.ireneforva.com/

Name: Katrina Callsen.
Phone: 804-698-1054.
Address: General Assembly Building, 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Room Number 901.
Email: DelKCallsen@house.virginia.gov.
Website: https://katrinacallsen.com/

Senators:
Name: Travis Hackworth.
Phone: 804-698-7505.
Address: General Assembly Building, 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, Virginia 23219, Room Number 512.
Email: senatorhackworth@senate.virginia.gov.
Website: https://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/memberpage.php?id=S112

Name: Tim Kaine.
Phone: 757-518-1674.
Address: 222 Central Park Avenue, Suite 120. Virginia Beach, VA 23462.
Website: https://timkaine.com

Name: Mark Warner.
Phone: 804-775-2314.
Address: 919 East Main Street, Suite 630, Richmond, VA 23219
Website: https://www.warner.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/officeinformation

To learn more information on Mass Incarceration, click on the following links:
Prison Policy Initiative
The Sentencing Project
The Human Rights Watch
Pew Charitable Trusts