I am a born-again Christian, living on a foundation of faith in God. I am a man in recovery, engaged in self-discovery, and actively involved in several self-help programs.
Prior to my commitment to state prison, while awaiting trial, I wrote letters of remorse to my victims through a liaison. At that time, I admit I did not fully understand true accountability and remorse. Through my Christian conversion and accepting God into my life, I began the process of change within me.
Does that negate the viciousness and horrific nature of my offenses? No. But as a result, I was able to change, become accountable—not just judicially. I am deeply remorseful, though not all my victims were receptive, which I understand. Still, I pledge that I will never hurt or harm anyone again—a pledge I live up to every day by living pro-socially, making amends through my actions, and being of service to others.
I understand that I cannot undo the egregious crimes I committed. The recovery profile outlined in the following pages documents just a portion of my journey.
I am a born-again Christian, living on a foundation of faith in God. I am a man in recovery, engaged in self-discovery, and actively involved in several self-help programs. I have served as the Chairman of Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous at different times. I am also part of the Criminal Gangs Anonymous (CGA) Executive Body, where I facilitate its curriculum and help prepare others for parole through the CGA Preparative Re-entry Program.
As a long-standing member of the Victim Awareness Offender Program, I facilitate Phase One, Phase Two, and Phase Three, teaching victim impact and restorative justice principles that lead participants to accountability through the victims’ perspectives.
I live a life of service, participating in several pro-social and cognitive behavioral therapy groups. I have been a facilitator for Friends Outside, Anger Management, Conflict Resolution, and a parenting class. Additionally, I have received training to facilitate The House of Healing Program and The Power Source Youth Offender Awareness Program, aiming to prevent youth from reoffending.
My disciplinary record is clean. I participate in these programs because I believe in them—consistently, week in and week out. This is something I love doing and hope to continue if granted a commutation.
Aside from my recovery work, I have a day job. I work in the Fabric Products division of the California Prison Industry Authority (PIA) as a lead man. I serve as a liaison between PIA staff, supervisors, and the inmate workforce to coordinate the manufacturing of garments for Cal Fire and other state firefighting agencies. These garments, certified by Underwriters Laboratories, are manufactured according to ISO 9001 standards. Since we produce First Defense Tactical pants and jackets for the public sector, I take great pride in my job. I also train new inmate employees and hold certification as an ISO auditor of Quality Management Systems. Currently, I am assisting PIA Fabric Products in manufacturing facemasks as part of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, my greatest reward is watching others change with the help I can offer, living by the VAOP motto: No more victims.
