Amid such a health crisis, the Family, friends and community of Antonio Allen Jr. are requesting for an immediate early federal release and state sentence amendment of Mr. Allen from Elkton, Ohio’s low-security facility as well as an Investigation of the facility’s current social distancing practices and intentions.

Every trial that the Indianapolis, IN native and former Ben Davis / IU Football Star has attended has been filled and decided with favor and genuine reminders from The Honorables at the State and Federal level. During his Federal trial concerning gun possession and violation of probation, Honorable Lawrence assured Mr. Allen that he himself could not even imagine being in Mr. Allen’s position, given that Mr. Allen’s younger brother had been shot several times just days before his arrest for not updating his home address. Allen has been admired for his courage and resilience, not just on the football field but mentally, spiritually and academically. About a month ago, Allen expressed that he would never put a dog in a cage if he had one, when a friend asked how he was doing. Allen has and still aspires to apply the lessons he heeds to life outside of incarceration but now he is facing a serious health crisis in conjunction with having prediabetes, just months before his Federal Release, as he resides in an open dorm facility.

Recent cases of COVID-19 have been found in Allen’s prison, two men have passed away in the last few weeks and it has been alleged that medical personnel are only acknowledging a selection of men with a fever despite others still expressing not feeling well either. “People are just dropping and it’s low-key scary but I know God got me. I’ve been through a lot but this right here is death row, for real!” Allen exclaims. He has completed several programs and exceptional academic courses as soon as he was transferred and eligible to do so which earned his way to a low-security facility from a medium. Allen has had the opportunity to lead his own ”Personal Training” class to stay focused and promote the well-being of other men at the facility but now he is being thwarted again, through no fault of his own.

While maximum-security facilities are going on lockdown and practicing more effective social distancing, low-security facilities are facing a more undeserving challenge. It has been alleged that 4 men passed out in Allen’s block the night of April 2nd 2020 and there is not much being done about it. There are said to be 150 men to a block and questions and concerns arise as it has also been alleged that the facility is now cramping 3 men to a cell despite the risks and never conducting such a practice for as a long as Allen has been there. Allen claims it has always just been him or another person and now many are concerned for his health and the other men at the facility. Allen’s community really misses the light and healing his presence brings meanwhile he is in the “dark” watching the men around him die slowly and fast as they are not able to access immune boosting nutritious food and receive effective nor attentive medical care. Allen has to drink water out a shared fountain to stay hydrated and sanitation resources for the men are reported to be very scarce.

It is time for Antonio Allen Jr. and many others to return home to their family and community, especially our low-security loved ones. “It takes a village!” Allen has 2 older siblings and 8 younger siblings that miss him every moment of each day. “He’s not even doing life so he shouldn’t have to be treated like he is!” Mr. Allen is described by family, peers and professionals as a humble, leading, family man despite past legal headlines. “You can sense his energy when he walks into the room. He is one of the most caring determined young men you will come across with a story to tell if he is given the chance. I don’t know a single person that has had to make due as he has with the cards he has dealt him, since a child but he still takes accountability and perseveres with Faith and Gratitude.”

Hundreds of Allen’s supporters still express their desire for him to be released so that he can progress, as he should, and share his wisdom with the community that is advocating for his swift release. Mr. Allen thanks everyone in advance and for their past support and consideration. Time is of the essence now given the spread of the virus within Allen’s facility and their current cell assignments so we are extremely appreciative of everyone’s love and timely support.