What a fascinating week it has been for the circus of American politics. Trump was found guilty of fraud in New York; so it’s becoming more apparent that a presidential candidate might be a fellow felon (this is not a brag). On the flipside of the coin, Hunter Biden’s trial began (the one on the illegal purchase and possession of a gun). These high profile cases are interesting since they hyper-focus on due process and trials, which raises public opinion and dilutes the decorum of justice. One aspect of this circus, which is rarely highlighted, is the advocacy groups that proport to assist a defendant through their perilous journey.
After my arrest, I received stacks of attorney and advocacy junk mail. Of these pieces of wasted paper, one came from the Prison Professors, which advertises as a prison advocacy support network. At first glance, the Prison Professors website offered an array of insightful information into the legal process, guidelines for preparing for incarceration, and many other videos to help navigate the prison experience. Much of the content found on their website is impressive: podcast talks with Dr. Phil, former federal judges and prosecutors, and law enforcement agents, like the FBI and DEA. One random day, I received a phone call from a representative from Prison Professors (still unsure how they obtained my number). The rep sounded confident and friendly. When he finally asked if I was interested in joining their network and receiving all the benefits, I enthusiastically replied that I would like to join. Then, the catch: $10,000. If I am recalling correctly, I actually laughed out loud thinking it was a joke with that amount. I probably even asked him if it was a joke. The rep was very serious and firm about the price.
My mind began to wonder if this was a negotiation, so I told him that I could not afford “that price” since all my bank accounts had been frozen. His solution was to ask family and friends or start a GoFundMe campaign. Understanding that this price was set for everyone in the network, I explained that I have already gone through my pre-sentence investigation, which is principally what the $10K would focus on helping draft the response to the report. He rebutted that the money would go toward the support of my family. If they had questions or needed any help navigating through the treachery of BOP red tape, then they would have a team dedicated to resolving any concern during my incarceration. Ah, I politely declined and thanked them for reaching out to me.
Since I arrived at Morgantown, I met at least half a dozen men that fell for the Prison Professors scheme. They told me that they provided some assistance during their pretrial and presentencing investigation, but since they have arrived at Morgantown…crickets. A few of the guys spent different amounts like $5,000 and $7,000, so the $10,000 price was negotiable. A lot of questions had been directed to them over the application and implementation of the First Step Act, which remained unanswered or with a template reply of “standby while we look into the matter.” While this is merely my opinion, I have learned from my experience and the collective experiences of other inmates that any payment to Prison Professors was a waste of money. The company’s main goal is to prey on near-incarcerated individuals. To call Prison Professors “a scam” would dignify their efforts and their rouse of using advanced marketing tactics, like having an endorsement from Dr. Phil. I wonder if this group will attempt to recruit Trump or Hunter to their ploy.
Last week, I had mentioned that two guys had approached me about this blog and how it provided some insights for them. A third fella sought me out this week. He was actually telling a few other guys how he prepared for his term of incarceration at Morgantown and how my blog helped him. He wanted to thank me, so the guys pointed him in my direction, while I was playing pickleball. I write this particular blog as a warning to those preparing for incarceration and families considering advocacy support. Beware of the prison advocacy schemes, like Prison Professors. They may appear legit, but they will abandon you and your family during your lockup. The old adage, “If it’s too good to be true…” certainly applies here.
Overall, all is well with me. Thank you for your continued support and love throughout these many, many months. I hope you had a wonderful week and continue to look for any little miracle in your life this week 🙂