Jeremy Chiu (CDCR No. T54129) has spent nearly 24 years incarcerated in California. During that time, he has transformed himself into a model of rehabilitation, service, and hope for others. I, Kate Kent, a Certified Substance Abuse Counselor and fellow graduate of the Offender Mentor Certification Program (OMCP), am calling on Governor Gavin Newsom to grant Jeremy a commutation of sentence in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to personal growth and service.

 

I first met Jeremy in 2017 while we were both housed at Sierra Conservation Center. I was in early recovery, and he became a compassionate mentor and grounding influence. His simple yet profound guidance—"You first need to care about the person you’re trying to help"—changed the course of my life.

Jeremy has devoted himself to helping others from inside the prison walls

Jeremy Chiu's Record of Service & Rehabilitation:

Interviewed by the Governor’s Office (Feb 6, 2024)

State and nationally certified as a Substance Use Disorder Counselor

Advanced certification in Relapse Prevention

Mentor in ISUDT (Integrated Substance Use Disorder Treatment)

Hospice volunteer at CMC, offering end-of-life care to terminal inmates

Participant in SEEK, a youth diversion and education program

Earned over 100 self-help certificates and 30+ laudatory chronos from staff

Earned his GED and overcame a traumatic childhood marked by abuse

Baptized Jehovah’s Witness in 2014

Active in events like “A Day for Atonement” and "Time for Hope" (Suicide Awareness Fundraiser)

These accomplishments and his daily conduct reflect not just rehabilitation, but restorative justice in action.

📰 Documented by KSBY NBC News:

A Day for Atonement Event

Suicide Awareness Fundraiser

What We Ask:

Governor Gavin Newsom, we respectfully ask that you grant a commutation of sentence for Jeremy Chiu, recognizing the extraordinary and enduring change he has made. Jeremy exemplifies not just reform, but the very purpose of second chances in California’s justice system.

How You Can Help:

✅ Sign this petition

✅ Share it with others who believe in rehabilitation and redemption

✅ Contact the Governor’s Office to express your support

1. 🛡 Public Safety & Victim Consideration

Jeremy has not only maintained a record of non-violence for over two decades, but has helped deescalate harm through peer mentoring and substance abuse recovery programs. His transformation supports public safety and serves as a model for restorative justice.

2. 🙏 Need for Commutation

Jeremy’s sentence exceeds what justice now demands given his rehabilitation. He has maximized all available resources in prison and has no further rehabilitative need that incarceration can serve. He seeks commutation not just for himself, but to continue supporting reentry efforts and recovery education in the free world.

3. 📅 Reentry Plan Upon Release

Jeremy has a concrete and community-supported reentry plan:

#Cleme3ncyForJeremy

#JusticeAndMercy

HopeAndHealing

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