Gf 2013 05_bills_column

Graterfriends ― A Publication of The Pennsylvania Prison Society ― May 2013
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The opinions expressed are of the authors and not necessarily those of Graterfriends or The Pennsylvania Prison Society.
THE LAST WORD
Once the Leader in Progressive Thinking,
Pennsylvania Has Fallen Behind
by William M. DiMascio
Executive Director, The Pennsylvania Prison Society
First Class postage is required to re-mail
245 North Broad Street
Suite 300
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19107
May 2013
(see Pennsylvania, continued on page 15)
NON-PROFIT
ORGANIZATION
U.S. POSTAGE PAID
CLAYSBURG, PA
PERMIT NO. 84
It is difficult to believe these days that Pennsylva-
nia once was the leader in progressive correctional
thinking. Here it was that the dungeons and whip-
ping posts of yore gave way to more enlightened and
humane ways. Here is where the power of penitence
and redemption were stitched into the fabric of an
emerging American penitentiary system.
Oh, my, what the years have wrought!
Now gasping like the last pack of runners in a mar-
athon, Pennsylvania has relegated itself among the
slowest states to adopt effective reform.
A recent New York Times editorial lumped Pennsyl-
vania with Arizona, Arkansas and West Virginia as
part of a minority of states that “keep sending more
people to prison than need to be there.”
At the same time, the paper noted that 29 states
had adopted reforms that significantly lowered their
prison population and saved huge sums of taxpayer
funds. Even Texas, the iconic law and order state,
avoided spending some $2 billion in new prison
spending by investing in alternatives to incarceration
such as drug treatment and community supervision.
Community-based alternative sanctions have been
discussed for 20 years or more in Pennsylvania. But they
have been slow to gain traction for several reasons: they
failed to be punitive enough to satisfy some, and they
imposed unreimbursed financial burdens on local juris-
dictions which were inclined to shed expenses by sending
their prisoners to the state.
In working recently on the ballyhooed Justice Rein-
vestment plan for Pennsylvania, the Council of State
Governments noted that the Commonwealth is one of
only nine states that send misdemeanants to state pris-
ons. The council recommended that the state fund coun-
ties that develop diversion programs much the same as
was recommended decades ago. Another suggestion was
based on keeping prisoners with less than one year to
serve (short minimums) out of the state prisons where
they are often serving 200 or more days beyond their
minimum to complete programs; this alone could save
the state $100 million in addition to reducing the overall
population.
Another practice that adds to the waste, according to
the report that came out early in 2012, is that more than

15
Innocent Women, continued from page 4 Pennsylvania, continued from page 16
On direct appeal, both the trial judge and superior
court agreed that this evidence should be suppressed.
Their reason? The prosecutor never had an opportunity
to do any re-direct examination. The U.S. Supreme
Court requires that a direct and cross examination be
done. I am not aware of any law that requires re-direct
or re-cross examination to be done. It was the prosecu-
tor’s witness who “double-crossed” their fabricated case
against me. Now both courts had to step in and save the
prosecutor’s failing case. I had the right to present all
exculpatory evidence that would have been favorable.
Also, I can’t find any rule stating that if prosecutors fail
to investigate cases that the courts can come in and
save them from their own incompetence.
Not allowing me to present evidence that would have
helped my alibi is a miscarriage of justice by both
courts. The prosecutor had ample opportunity to develop
testimony through various interviews and grand jury
testimony. Yet, this was not the end of the misconduct
by the prosecution: they used perjured testimony, and
they buried what didn’t fit into their theory. Questions?
How far will the prosecutors go to win a case? There is
no limit.
Everyone wants to believe that our judicial system is
honest as the day is long and that everyone they convict
is guilty. But, the reality is that they will and do go af-
ter innocent people. The jury believes that the prosecu-
tor wouldn’t be putting anyone in front of them unless
they were guilty. The public needs to take off their rose-
colored glasses.
I never believed this could happen to me. When our
courts protect prosecutors’ misconducts, where does
someone get help? We need stricter regulations on how
the prosecutors do their jobs. Prosecutors know there
are no repercussions when they go after an innocent
person. However, the people they target suffer conse-
quences that can often not be undone. So, there is noth-
ing for prosecutors to lose, when they are sure they
won’t be punished for convicting an innocent person.
Why should they stop or even change their ways?
I am seeking any guidance you can offer.
2,300 prisoners who had been approved for parole were
still being incarcerated at a cost of some $77 million.
Most of these were sex offenders — the deadly third rail
of the prison population, the category no one wants to
champion even though as a group they have one of the
lowest rates of reoffending of all.
Also included, however, were those who were unable to
pay the mandated $60 into the Crime Victims Compensa-
tion Fund. An indigent prisoner who can’t pay this fee
costs the state more than $80 for every day he or she is
kept in custody beyond their scheduled release date. This
is not to suggest that victims don’t deserve financial as-
sistance. It is to question if the motive in establishing
this absurdly uneconomical payment scheme had more to
do with adding another layer of punishment on top of
incarceration than it did with helping victims or the rest
of the citizenry.
There is much talk in corrections these days about evi-
dence-based strategies. Short minimums, delayed releas-
es of sex offenders, mandatory life sentences for felony
homicide convictions and other systemic Keystone State
oddities cluster in a much larger frame — one that
should be viewed in the context of social good, not venge-
ance, personal ambition or superciliousness.
The most recent evidence for this was released by the
Department of Corrections in its Recidivism Report 2013.
It opens with this statement:
“The report presents a mixed picture of recidivism
rates in Pennsylvania. While on the one hand rein-
carceration rates are going down, rearrest rates have
been flat or slightly rising. For the most part, recidi-
vism rates have remained virtually unchanged over
at least the past decade in Pennsylvania.”
The bottom line is that overall recidivism is 61 percent
after three years. In other words three out of every five
prisoners who get released wind up back in custody with-
in 36 months.
All of the tweaky reforms put in place in recent years
haven’t done much to improve public safety largely be-
cause they get watered down or defeated by a politically
muscular but short sighted coalition of prosecutors and
victim advocates.
The prison experience more often than not fosters an-
ger, frustration and resentment, and when combined
with an implacable public that’s a recipe that often leads
to failed reentry.
The current administration is putting considerable
faith in Justice Reinvestment; perhaps that will lead to
success. Clearly something new needs to happen if Penn-
sylvania is ever to raise itself up to the leadership ranks
in corrections. Perhaps it is time to try strategies that
emphasize values and positive life skills instead of heap-
ing one punitive measure on top of another.
Bookcase
Entrapment in Blood by Joseph Rodriguez, featured in
the January Graterfriends Bookcase section — is now
free. Mr. Rodriguez says he wants to get the truth out
and is not in it for money. His book is available as an e-
book through Amazon.com.

1
A Publication of The Pennsylvania Prison Society
Promoting a humane, just and constructive correctional system and a rational approach to criminal justice since 1787
Volume 44 Issue 5 www.prisonsociety.org  www.facebook.com/PrisonSociety May 2013
In this Issue
Mailroom....................... 8
Announcements ...........11
Literary Corner............12
Birthdays,
Graterfriends Form......14
Bookcase.......................15
News.............................. 2
Spotlight,
Life After Prison ........... 3
Our Voices..................... 4
Legal Chat..................... 5
Legislative Highlights .. 6
“What Will God Think?”
by Marie Scott, OO-4901, SCI Muncy
“What will God think?” This is the question asked by a
young teenager named Sharon M. Wiggins, about the
crime she committed 44 years ago. Sharon, better known
as Peachie, had that question answered when she went
home to God on Palm Sunday, while expressing her feel-
ings on how another inmate’s family was treated in the
visiting room. Advocating for others was second nature to
Peachie. She lived her life for the betterment of others.
Who would ever believe that in the ‘70s, females serv-
ing life sentences would attend colleges outside of pris-
on? Peachie did. The inmates would be driven to the col-
lege, dropped off, and picked up after class ended.
There was once a debate held in her classroom over the
death penalty. None of her fellow students knew she was
a lifer. When her professor posed the question, “Who’s in
favor of the death penalty?” most were. After getting to
know Peachie as a human being, and her own experienc-
es on death row, none were.
An entire floor in the RHU was emptied in order to
make room for the only woman this state had on death
row — my bad! — the only child… a child whose brain
hadn’t full developed in order to even form the intent
needed to satisfy a first-degree murder conviction. As
Professor Julia Hall of Drexel University stated in an
article written by Dana Difilippo in the Daily News,
“How can you form criminal intent if you have half a
brain?” That kid remained on the second floor in solitary
confinement for three lonely years without any human
contact from her peers. Eventually, however, through the
help and assistance of the NAACP and countless attor-
neys, Peachie’s death sentence was changed to life, and
her life was changed as well.
Peachie went from being a teenage runaway who
played around with drugs, to a Student Services Liaison
for Penn State University, as well as a Peer Facilitator
for the Wings of Life program here at Muncy. I could go
on and on about her accomplishments, but that’s not what
this article is about. I’m writing to share her story with
you who never had the opportunity to meet this prodi-
gious woman: a woman who has carried around such
painful feelings with the realization that the bad choice
she made 44 years ago is irreversible; a woman who, de-
spite this fact, went on to live a repentant life. Her efforts
to persuade women to rethink their value systems, as
well as the value systems of others, was evidence of her
need to spend the rest of her life saving lives.
Peachie’s entire life in and out of prison is an example
of how a child can come to prison and grow up to become
a woman who gained the respect and admiration of judg-
es, prosecutors, legislators, governors, and everyone who
has ever spent time in her presence.
Peachie couldn’t give Mr. Morelock back the life she
took, but she could and did live her life in a manner that
meant his sacrifice wasn’t in vain. She was my Sister
Soldier, and I’m going to miss her terribly.

2
From
the Editors
Graterfriends is a monthly publication from the Pennsylvania
Prison Society. The organization was founded in 1787 and
works toward enhancing public safety by providing initiatives
that promote a just and humane criminal justice system.
We reserve the right to edit submissions. Original submissions
will not be returned. We will not print anonymous letters.
Allegations of misconduct must be documented and statistics
should be supported by sources.
Letters more than a page in length (200 words) will not be
published in their entirety in Mailroom or Legal Chat Room,
and may be considered for another column. All columns should
be no more than 500 words, or two double-spaced pages.
To protect Graterfriends from copyright infringement, please
attach a letter stating, or note on your submission, that you are
the original author of the work submitted for publication; date
and sign the declaration.
If you have a question about Graterfriends, please contact
Mindy Bogue, Communications Manager, at 215-564-6005, ext.
112 or mbogue@prisonsociety.org.
245 North Broad Street · Suite 300
Philadelphia, PA 19107
Telephone: 215.564.6005 · Fax: 215.564.7926
www.prisonsociety.org
www.facebook.com/PrisonSociety
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: William M. DiMascio
MANAGING EDITOR: Mindy Bogue
EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS:
Emily Cashell, Bridget Fifer, Zahara Hill,
and Deven Rogoshewski
FOUNDER: Joan Gauker
(See Batts, continued on page 11)
News
BATTS CASE DECIDED: WHAT IT MEANS FOR
JUVENILE LIFERS IN PENNSYLVANIA
by Mindy Bogue, Managing Editor
On March 26, 2013, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court
ruled on Commonwealth v. Batts. The court held that
Qu’eed Batts was entitled to a resentencing hearing. At
resentencing, the trial court must give a new minimum
sentence, which will determine parole eligibility. The
court must also give a maximum sentence of life.
The case, along with Commonwealth v. Cunningham,
had been placed on hold until the U.S. Supreme Court
ruled on Miller v. Alabama in June 2013. According to
the Miller ruling, a mandatory minimum of life without
parole for juveniles (under the age of 18) does not align
with the Eighth Amendment, which bans the use of cruel
and unusual punishment. Mandatory juvenile life with-
out parole is, therefore, unconstitutional.
An amicus brief was filed on behalf of Batts by a collabo-
ration of organizations that included Juvenile Law Cen-
ter, Defender Association of Philadelphia, and faculty
members at Temple University Beasley School of Law,
Boston University School of Law, and the University of
San Francisco School of Law. The brief argued that the
life without parole sentence violates the United States and
Pennsylvania constitutions, as well as international law.
Batts was 14 when he killed a man and wounded an-
other in a gang-initiation assault on February 7, 2006.
This month’s issue is a bit different from our usual
newsletter. Sharon “Peachie” Wiggins, a prisoner at SCI
Muncy, died on March 24. While she was known for be-
ing the longest-serving female juvenile lifer in Pennsyl-
vania, she was much more than that to the women who
knew her or knew of her. Due to the overwhelming num-
ber of letters we received in response to her death, we
have decided to turn the majority of this issue over to the
women. They have mostly written about how Peachie
made a difference in their lives, but also about their own
experiences of being in prison, having a loved one in pris-
on, or release from prison.
In addition to the letters in the Mailroom section, our
Literary Corner section is larger than usual to accommo-
date poems we received about Peachie, as well as Grace
Hughes’ poem dedicated to her mother.
We also have an update on the juvenile lifer cases in
Pennsylvania, as Commonwealth v. Batts has been de-
cided. You can read more about this case in the article to
the right. This is one of two Pennsylvania Supreme
Court cases that will determine the retroactivity of Mil-
ler in Pennsylvania. According to Batts, if a juvenile lifer
already had a case in direct appeal at the time of the
Miller decision, they may be resentenced. The outstand-
ing case, Commonwealth v. Cunningham, is the other
piece that will answer the question of whether or not
Miller applies retroactively to all of Pennsylvania’s juve-
nile lifers. We expect a decision in that case very soon.

3
Spotlight
(See Incarcerated Parent, continued on page 14)
I WAS A CHILD WITH
AN INCARCERATED PARENT
by Deven Rogoshewski, Editorial Assistant
I will never forget the day my father went to jail. It
was May 17, 2008. I’d just had surgery on my hand and
all I was concerned about was talking to my father and
seeing what had happened in his court case that day. As
soon as I was semi-coherent, I dialed my father’s num-
ber. We spoke briefly, and that was the last time I heard
my father’s voice until August.
My father battled with drug and alcohol addiction for
most of his life. I recall maybe three of the 18 years I
had with him where he was totally sober. Pop never
really knew how to handle life, so he ran from it, turn-
ing to drugs and alcohol. In March 2008, my step-
mother was extremely sick. When she passed away, my
father fell into a deep depression and he sought comfort
in his old habits of drinking and drugging. One weekend
in April, my father and a friend were out on the town.
My father made the decision to drive under the influ-
ence; he was caught and arrested. When my sister
called me the next day saying, “I’m going to Jersey to
bail Daddy out of jail,” I knew my life would never be
the same.
My father was sent to jail for six months at the end of
my senior year in high school. He missed my gradua-
tion. Afterward, he wrote me a letter telling me how
proud he was; I tore it up. He continued to write, and I
continued to tear up his letters. I sent him a birthday
card in July, but that was the only correspondence on
my end.
In August, I received a call from Monmouth County
Correctional Facility. For a brief moment, I was tempt-
ed not to accept the charges, but the little girl in me
missed my Pop. We spoke for the allotted 15 minutes.
When we hung up I cried for three hours — just from
shear anger. I couldn’t understand how Pop could pre-
tend everything was swell when my mother and I were
struggling! We were on the verge of eviction, car repos-
session, and having the lights turned off. During our
phone call my father talked about his daily routine: his
meals, his bunk, his job. At the sound of the word
“meal,” my stomach grumbled; I hadn’t eaten because
my mother could not afford to buy food that month. My
father never knew that.
Pop missed me starting college. He missed my 18th
birthday. When he was released in November, I was no
Life After
Prison
TEAM WORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK
by Tina Dixon-Spence
Executive Assistant to William DiMascio
It was my intent to write a reflective, inspiring message
to the women of Muncy following my unprecedented tour
and visit a few weeks ago. Words cannot express the hon-
or and gratitude that I felt that day as I was escorted
around the campus as a guest — by the same staff that
just two years ago was in charge of my confinement.
There’s no way to explain how it felt as I looked some of
you in the eye and heard you say, “I’m proud of you,” saw
the tears that flowed down my former bunkie’s face when
I stepped into my old housing unit, or the pride that I felt
hearing a woman that I never knew say, “Wow, seeing
you here proves to me that people can really change, and
there can be life after this.”
I didn’t come there for any other reason than to assist
my colleagues in assessing the current programming and
conditions, and to speak about reentry services to a group
of women who are preparing to leave. Weeks before I
entered those gates, I was resigned to the notion that my
days working in the reentry field are numbered — for I,
too, want to put this past behind me and move on into
mainstream society. I don’t deny that I have been blessed
and fortunate to have this job, this family, this support
team — but I wonder what’s next for me. I was convinced
on that day that I was done talking about my past in
public, and ready to move forward in a new direction that
did not include mentioning my time spent in prison.
And then Peachie died. I didn’t know her, but a large
portrait of Sharon Wiggins hangs on the wall behind my
desk at work. For all of her popularity, I have no idea
how I walked that campus for two years without encoun-
tering her. Yet her spirit looms over my head.
Legend has it that Sharon Wiggins is responsible for
the many educational programs and resources that the
women enjoy today. I did the research: a 1988 lawsuit
filed by Peachie and three other inmates resulted in the
establishment of the law library. So, that brings me to
my point: in the spirit of our fallen sister, we all need to
resurrect that team mindset and at once unite to make
things different, and better, for each of us. If that means
that I need to continue to talk the talk and let people
know what the realities are for the female prisoner, so be
it. It’s high time we stand together and carry on the lega-
cy of Ms. Wiggins. Educate yourselves, conduct your-
selves with integrity, and exhibit the change that you
want others to see in you. I’ll keep doing my part out
here, but it’s so much easier when I have a strong, dedi-
cated team in there. We all have dreams to fulfill. Ms.
Peachie would have it no other way!

4
Our Voices
(See Innocent Women, continued on page 15)
WOMEN CAN BE INNOCENT, TOO!
by Jean Saxon, OK-3139, SCI Muncy
I am an inmate at SCI Muncy. I was a nurse, which I
enjoyed. Helping people is what I always wanted to do.
This all went away in an instant, because any allegation
of a nurse killing someone is good publicity, especially
during an election year. This case had to go to trial at
any cost, even if it meant convicting an innocent person.
Getting help for women is nearly impossible. I guess
everyone believes no court would go after females wrong-
fully. Men seem to get all the recognition and help from
different sources. When will the outside world finally
realize that prosecutors, judges, and detectives don’t
care about gender when it comes to convictions? Yes,
females get wrongfully convicted as well as men. We
women want to be heard. We will no longer be silent.
In my case, detectives attended the autopsy and
brought with them a couple of pages from the patient’s
chart. The detectives put in the pathologist’s ear what
they wanted the cause of death to be. This pathologist
accommodated them by giving them the cause of death
needed to go forward with this case. Yes, at the trial,
the pathologist admitted he never read the patient’s
medical records until he was waiting to testify at the
preliminary hearing. That’s when he realized the pa-
tient had pill fragments in his stool, and that the pa-
tient never received any intravenous fluids at all while
he was in the emergency room. This all is very unusual
for someone in critical condition. The pathologist admit-
ted he never did any microscopic or toxicology examina-
tions on any tissues, fluids, or pill fragments during the
autopsy. This procedure is very unusual when an indi-
vidual dies for no apparent cause of death, except that
the official police supplied what they wanted the out-
come to be. The pathologist stated he could not deter-
mine the cause of death to a degree of medical certainty.
Given the scientific evidence, they could not prove I
had anything to do with this death. The prosecutor
failed to meet his obligation under the corpus delicti
requirements that a case may not go to the fact-finders
where independent evidence does not suggest that a
crime had occurred. The prosecutor wanted a conviction
of a nurse at any cost. It is not above them to manipu-
late or fabricate unsubstantiated evidence.
Unfortunately for me, the deception didn’t end here.
The prosecutor had a witness with cancer who was
gong to pass away prior to the trial. The prosecutor
wanted to preserve his testimony. Arrangements were
made with the defense for an oral deposition. There was
direct examination, followed by cross examination. Then
the deposition had to be ended because the witness be-
gan to get tired. The cross examination produced testi-
mony helpful to the defense’s case, thus, damaging to
the prosecutor’s case. This was a major piece of the pros-
ecutor’s case against me. The prosecutor asked that her
own witness’ deposition be suppressed.
IN MEMORY OF PEACHIE
by Trina Garnett, OO-5545, SCI Muncy
I never thought I’d live to see such a sad day. When the
sergeant came to my unit and told me Peachie had
passed away, I balled up in his arms and just cried my
heart out. I still can’t believe she won’t be coming down
to talk to me like she did each and every week, because
she knew I couldn’t walk well with my MS.
I was about 13 or 14 when I came to Muncy, and
Peachie took me under her wing. I didn’t know a lot
about life and the world I lived in. All I knew was that I
was supposed to stay here for life, whatever that meant.
Peachie taught me everything back then. I can remem-
ber not even knowing what a “monthly” was, so when it
happened to me, I thought I was dying. I ran screaming to
Peachie and she said, “It’s all right Trina, you’re okay. You
just got your monthly.” She explained everything about it
to me and she showed me how to take care of myself.
We used to have refrigerators in each unit and I’d go
get the ice cream out of the freezer and sit in a corner and
eat it. The inmates bought their own ice cream, but I’d
take any pint and eat it all by myself all the time. One
day Peachie was looking for her ice cream, cussing and
fussing about somebody stealing it. Some girl pointed at
me and accused me of it, but when Peachie saw me eating
it she told the girl to leave me alone, that it was OK if I
ate her ice cream. From that moment on, Peachie made
sure there was a pint of ice cream sitting in the corner of
the refrigerator for me; she knew I loved my ice cream.
She also knew I hated doing my detail, which was
sweeping and mopping the hallway, so she would get the
broom and mop out and help me. Sometimes I would
refuse to do it and she would do it for me and tell the
matron I did my detail. She taught me how to wash my
clothes on a scrub board, and I hated that, too. My little
knuckles would be so sore.
Peachie put me on her softball team and taught me the
game. I would hit the ball and it would go way out where
nobody was standing and I would jump and laugh at the
batter’s pad. She would yell, “Run Trina, run!” And I
would run and keep on running, because I thought that
was what I was supposed to do; then she would say, “No!
Don’t run no more!” and I would have to stop and run
back to the base. She was just so much fun.
I just want to say that I will forever miss you, Peachie,
and will always remember and love the good times we had.
If you can see me right now, “I love you Buddy Buddy!”

5
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Legal Chat
(See Legal Chat, continued on page 13)
MY PLEA FOR HELP
My brother-in-law and I were found guilty of two first-
degree murders we honestly had nothing to do with. After
sentencing, I began reaching out to everyone and anyone,
looking for help. With over 150 letters sent out, I’m feeling
very discouraged. We are still in our direct appeal stages.
Since trial, newly discovered evidence has turned up,
along with witnesses feeling bad about their lies and
willing to tell the truth. Our problem? The attorneys re-
fuse to act upon the information I’ve given them. They
refuse to even look into issues, though the proof stares
them in their faces.
Please, if anyone out there truly cares about seeing
justice done and can aid in any way, shape, or form, I’m
begging you for it. I don’t want to grow old and die in
prison for murders I didn’t commit. Our families and
children need and miss us. You can contact me at SCI
Camp Hill if you’re willing to help.
To all the innocent and wrongly convicted, my prayers
go out to you and your families. Remain strong and keep
fighting! Robert McDowell, Jr., our innocence will one
day be revealed; have faith and you’ll see. I will never
stop fighting for our freedom.
Gerald Drummond
JW-3732, SCI Camp Hill
CAN SOMEONE HELP ME OUT?
I’m locked up right now at SCI Albion with a 10-to-23-
year sentence. I have so much time because this is con-
sidered my second strike. My first strike came when I
was 17 years old, for an armed robbery. Of course, I did
not know it was a strike at that time. But I was sent to
Pine Grove with a 3.5-to-7-year sentence. So, I was certi-
fied as an adult.
Now I’m wondering if there is anything I can do to get
that strike removed from when I was a juvenile: that
way, I can lessen the time I’m currently serving. I was
thinking of filing something in court stating that a juve-
nile record cannot be used in court against an adult. I’m
not sure if that will work, since I was certified as an
adult. I was also thinking about stating the case law that
refers to a juvenile brain not being fully developed. The
problem is that I don’t know if or where I should start. I
have no idea what paperwork to file. I don’t even know if
I’m on the right track. I’ve been going to the law library
but I just can’t seem to get the help I need. If there is
anyone that could help me in any way, please feel free to
write me. I would really appreciate it. I only have four
more months to file my PCRA for my 10-to-23-year sen-
tence, so if you could help me before then I would greatly
appreciate it.
Also, is it cruel and unusual punishment for a juvenile
to receive a strike, since it could potentially lead to a life
sentence under the three strike rule? If I’m way off
course, please respectfully let me know.
Jarvay Davis
KQ-4882, SCI Albion
ATTENTION ALL ACTIVISTS!
Currently, a legislative bill has been drafted and is in
preparation to be presented to the Pennsylvania General
Assembly for consideration and vote (to be approved or
disapproved).
This bill proposes parole eligibility after 25 years for all
men and women serving “Life Imprisonment” sentences
throughout Pennsylvania, who were 18 years of age or
older at the time of their offense(s).
To support this bill, please add your signature of sup-
port, and ask your friends and loved ones to add their
signature of support to our online petition, which is ac-
cessible at www.PAsentencing.com.
Seek truth. Be aware. Make a difference.
George Rahsaan Brooks-Bey
AP-4884, SCI Frackville
Editorial note: You may also contact this organization at:
PAsentencing.com
PO Box 98158
Pittsburgh, PA 15527
412-253-5593
WHY NO PROPER TAX FORMS?
Why are the institutions not allowing us to possess or
obtain proper tax forms to file for tax returns on consum-
er/commissary goods that we purchase and pay good
money for? Are they not allowing us to file for tax re-
funds because they are filing them on our behalf, using
our records and our commissary receipts? What can we

6
Ann Schwartzman
Policy Director, The Pennsylvania Prison Society
Legislative Highlights
There are six expungement-related bills now before the Pennsylvania General Assembly. They are listed below. The
Prison Society supports expungement and giving individuals a second chance. We are reviewing the legislation to de-
termine the differences between them and their impact. We have not yet listed our position on the specific bills. Please
note that this list is current as of April 16, 2013.
BILL NO.
PRINTER NO.
DESCRIPTION CHIEF SPONSOR PPS POSITION
SB 328
PN 251
Second Chance Legislation: Record expungement is permit-
ted for non-violent offenders who have been free from arrest
or prosecution for at least five years. (In Senate Judici-
ary 1/30/13)
Sen. S. Kitchen
D-Philadelphia Cty.
Support
Expungement
SB 391
PN 433
Individuals who have second- or third-degree misdemean-
ors can apply for record expungement after seven or ten
years, respectively, if they have maintained a clean record.
Certain misdemeanor offenses are excluded.
(Re-referred to Senate Appropriations 4/9/13)
Sen. T. Solobay
D-Allegheny, Green,
Washington, and
Westmoreland
counties
Support
Expungement
SB 711
PN 733
Provides for record expungement if individual was wrongly
convicted. Adds provisions for wrongful convictions, eyewit-
ness identification, and more. (In Senate Judiciary
3/20/13)
Sen. S. Greenleaf
R-Bucks and
Montgomery
counties
Support
Expungement
HB 908
PN 1049
Criminal record may be expunged if offender has been free
of arrest/prosecution for seven years following the sentence
of the offense. Does not apply for a long list of offenses
(mostly violent). (In House Judiciary 3/11/13)
Rep. J. Harris
D-Philadelphia Cty.
Support
Expungement
HB 909
PN 1050
Automatic expungement for non-convictions or dismissed
charges after eighteen months. (In House Judiciary
3/11/13)
Rep. J. Harris
D-Philadelphia Cty.
Support
Expungement
HB 1140
PN 1398
Further provides for the definition of exoneration, expunge-
ment, and specific proceedings. Allows an individual (18
years or older) to file an expungement petition if they have
already been exonerated. Provides for automatic expunge-
ment when specified outcomes (i.e. a re-trial where defend-
ant was found not guilty) resulted from DNA evidence.
(In House Judiciary 4/9/13)
Rep. J. Roebuck
D-Philadelphia Cty.
Support
Expungement
HB 1004
PN 1178
Provides for consideration of race in sentencing capital cas-
es; no person shall be sentenced to death or shall be execut-
ed under any judgment based on race. (In House Judici-
ary 3/14/13)
Rep. R. Matzie
D-Allegheny and
Beaver counties
Support

7
[address of legislator]
Dear Representative__________:
I am writing to urge your support of HB 1004, regarding taking race into consideration in
death penalty cases. According to Amnesty International’s 2003 report US: Death by Dis-
crimination - The Continuing Role of Race in Capital Cases:
 Even though blacks and whites are murder victims in nearly equal numbers of
crimes, 80 percent of people executed since the death penalty was reinstated have
been executed for murders involving white victims.
 More than 20 percent of black defendants who have been executed were convicted
by all-white juries.
Furthermore, a 2007 report sponsored by the American Bar Association concluded that
one-third of the African-American death row inmates in Philadelphia would have re-
ceived sentences of life imprisonment if they had not been African-American. (See Evalu-
ating Fairness and Accuracy in State Death Penalty Systems: The Pennsylvania Death
Penalty Assessment Report)
Representative Matzie’s bill seeks to address this issue by giving capital case defendants
the ability to appeal their case if they feel race played a part in their sentencing. Such
evidence includes testimony of attorneys, prosecutors, law enforcement officers, jurors, or
other members of the criminal justice system.
This is important to me because [Add your own thoughts here, if you wish.]
Race should never be a factor when considering punishment as absolute as a death sen-
tence. I urge your support for HB 1004.
Sincerely,

8
Mailroom
HERE I RESIDE
Here I reside at SCI Muncy, 27 years old, serving a
2-to-4-year sentence. I walk this campus with a lot of my
fellow inmates who will not see society again. Many of
them I have become so close to that I love them uncondi-
tionally. Ms. Brenda Watkins, Ms. Naomi Blount, Ms.
Marie Scott, and last but not least, Ms. Sharon Wiggins,
may you rest in peace.
These four phenomenal women have kept me on my
feet since I walked onto this campus. They have helped
me change my life from destructive to constructive.
I was housed in the RHU for assault for 180 days. I
used to be Ms. Mechie’s cellmate. She is also doing a life
sentence. She helped me build a close relationship with
God as we prayed together each and every day.
I thought my life was over, during those long repetitive
days and cold nights locked in a cell. My mind wandered
aimlessly. These four women gave me direction. They
gave me hope for the future.
As for Peachie, I never knew this day would come so
fast. I only knew you for two years, but it seemed like for-
ever. You instilled so much knowledge and wisdom in me
that I know it will last. You will live forever in my heart.
You were my motivation when the Devil would have
me in an uproar, but you also taught me that I was
young and to get out of this place and let my wings soar.
You also told me that I never know what my future
holds, stay strong, get help, and lean toward God.
You told me that I was a strong black woman who
chooses her destiny, and to never let these people get the
best of me.
My nights are restless, just missing and thinking of
you. Now I feel I’m lost in the darkness, looking for a
light, asking God to help me fight. You always told me
that God has a special plan for me: just follow God and
He will lead the way. But I must say that after March
24, 2013, life is not for play. I must say that this lady
was a phenomenal woman!
Ayesha M. Platt
OR-4425, SCI Muncy
Editorial note: Ms. Platt sent us two letters that were very
relevant and easily tied together, so we combined them
into the one letter you see above.
SHARON “PEACHIE” WIGGINS
I spent 20 years with you, years with so many memo-
ries, good and bad. The good: you were always fighting
for everyone else, no matter the problem. The bad: how
these people would not free us. But you are free now, real-
ly free, no more pain, hurt, sorrow, worry, or tears. I love
you, but God loved you more. He saw your job well done.
You are gone, but never forgotten. You were always there
to listen to my problems and support me. I will never for-
get the many laughs together, living in the unit together,
and working together. I will never forget how you loved
tuna, chili, and jelly beans, or the meals you, me, and Nao-
mi shared everyday. But most of all, I will always remem-
ber how you tried to keep me on the right track, telling me
that I deserve more and not to be a fool. You would fuss at
me and I would always look up to you. I would always be
so stressed about my girls, Babe, Lesha, and Kim, and you
would say “You are going to kill yourself.”
This is not goodbye, for I will see you again. Until then,
I will miss you and think of you. I love you and I have a
vivid image of your face with that smile in my mind. You
made a lifelong impression on me and I thank God for the
time I had to share with you on this earth. Rest in peace,
my friend. You fought a good fight and you won the bat-
tle. Yes, I cried because I will miss you, but more so be-
cause I know you are free and I can’t wait to get there.
We are family.
You are me and I am you.
Sylvia Boyken
OC-3555, SCI Muncy
NOT “THE LAST WORD” ON
SHARON WIGGINS
This is not, not, NOT, “The Last Word” on Sharon Wig-
gins! No words can describe the total devastation I feel,
now that the initial shock of her passing has worn off.
Peachie, as so many of us affectionately called her, left us
in March, and I know I speak for countless others when I
say that life will never be the same.
How do you say goodbye to a woman who had an inte-
gral role in helping you grow, change, and realize your
purpose? How do you honor her contribution to your life,
this fight for freedom, and the battle to positively change
the next generation? In her words to me on many occa-
sions, “You stay strong, and you do something.”
Peachie was a pillar of this community, loved by the old
and the new, looked up to by many, never disrespected
because she carried herself with a cool poise and an un-
matched dignity. I admired her. I loved her. I was in awe
of everything about her.
In losing her, I could feel defeated, but I refuse to let
that be, for it would disrespect her legacy. She taught,
after many hard lessons learned, and if I’m even a small
percentage as successful in passing on knowledge as
Peachie was, then I will not have lost my mentor and
friend in vain.
The passing of the juvenile lifer law should have freed
her. Instead, death came first, and Sharon suffers no
more. We lost a champion, and we CANNOT lose sight of

9
our ultimate goal. Let us honor all those who supported
and fought with Peachie. Let us do more than we’ve ever
done before. Let us push for more support, for less fear,
and equal representation. Let us ALL grab the reins. The
only way to truly honor Sharon Wiggins is to tighten up
our boot straps and ride on!
Rest Peachie. You will forever be loved and missed!
Terri Harper
OB-7637, SCI Muncy
“FREE AT LAST, FREE AT LAST, THANK GOD
ALMIGHTY, SHE’S FREE AT LAST!”
Today, Palm Sunday, we lost our hero, Sharon M. Wig-
gins. Most knew her as “Peachie.” She came to prison a
juvenile at the tender age of seventeen. She was sen-
tenced to death! Through appeals and the NAACP
fighting for her, she was taken off death row and sen-
tence to life imprisonment.
Her true fight then truly began. Sharon broke the bar-
rier for women to be able to attend an educational pre-
release program; she was the only inmate sentenced to
life to be permitted to attend Williamsport Area Commu-
nity College [now the Pennsylvania College of Technolo-
gy] without an escort.
Peachie was smart and humorous. She helped many
obtain their GEDs. There was not one whom she helped
that failed the test! It was a well-known fact. People
would say, “If you want to pass your GED, go to Peachie!”
Peachie worked with the drug and alcohol unit, becom-
ing a Peer Facilitator. She tried to get the women to
learn from the mistakes that brought her here. Peachie
would take them through a journey of the criminal mind
to help them understand their own behaviors.
Peachie was candid and real. She would receive countless
letters from the inmates — sometimes she couldn’t remem-
ber who they were — that said, “Thank you, Ms. Peachie,
for all that you did for me while I was in Muncy. You were
a big inspiration to me, and I’ll never forget you.”
Peachie had much respect for her two friends, Foster
Tarver and Samuel Barlow, whom she grew up with, and
loved dearly. Her hopes and dreams were that the three
of them would someday be free from prison and reunite
as the new individuals they had all become.
Peachie was loved by many, and known by all. Like the
song from Cheers, “Everybody knows her name.” Peachie’s
death was quick, surrounded by friends who had become
her second family. She didn’t suffer, and won’t anymore!
Naomi Blount
OO-7053, SCI Muncy
REMEMBERING PEACHIE
It is with my deepest humility, as well as my highest
regard, that I sit and write this passage about such a
beautiful spirit, known to many as “Peachie.” She has
touched so many peoples’ lives in such a profound way.
She has gone above and beyond on countless occasions
for so many people, and it was done in a non-discrim-
inatory fashion because you were a human being with a
mission. She believed in justice and in peace.
I also believe that she died disputing an unjust cause,
and that is what she should be remembered most for: her
relentlessness to make a difference and bring about
change. So cry not for her…rejoice!
Peachie, I love you and will miss you dearly. I smile
today, for you were sustaining and being sustained by
the arms of your beloved.
Takesha Green, aka Weezie
OS-2309, SCI Muncy
PEACHIE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN
Sharon “Peachie” Wiggins; there is so much to say
about someone as special as she. She was someone you
could talk to about anything and everything. She had a
smile that could light up a room. She helped so many get
through rough times. When I first met Peachie and
learned her story, I knew right then and there that she
was a strong person inside and out. She made the best of
her situation, always had a smile on her face, and made
us all laugh. Peachie will always have a special place in
my heart and she will never be forgotten. We all love you
and miss you.
Shannon Chamberlain
OQ-6165, SCI Muncy
REMEMBERING PEACHIE
On March 24, 2013 we lost a four star general, a true
warrior in the face of adversities. I never knew what a
broken heart felt like until that moment I heard of her
passing. I think of all she’s done for me and my sisters
here at Muncy. I hope, as the troopers I know we can be,
that we continue the struggle, stay united, and fulfill her
dream of freedom. You are among other women of your
stature — Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, just to name a
few. So, rest in peace Peachie, my friend, my hero. Ride
into paradise, for you will forever be loved and missed.
Keep on teaching baby, we hear you.
Shavonne Robbins
OC-0204, SCI Muncy
(See Mailroom, continued on page 10)

10
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please attach a letter (or write on
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declaration. Thank you.
REST IN PEACE, PEACHIE
It’s so hard to say goodbye to someone as special as you
were. I know when I first came to Muncy in 1990, you
were one of the three people I met and I loved you from
that day on. You gave me the best advice of my life. My
heart is so broken, but I know you’re in a better place,
looking down on all the ones you loved. I’m just glad I got
to spend 22 years with you and to know and love you. I’ll
always carry your love with me. So, I won’t say, “Good-
bye,” I’ll say, “See you later.”
Telfa K. Wills
OR-1389, SCI Muncy
PEACHIE
My Pitbull, my fighter, my strength. Pitbull, I miss you
so much that it hurts. I am so angry because it was too
soon. I can still hear your voice saying, “What are you up
to now?”
I remember so much; seeing you walk around carrying
your cup, sharing your wisdom at the card table, or just
sitting and talking with the girls.
I remember when I first called you Pitbull, you came
charging at my door! I miss you so much, but I’ve come to
realize that you are in a better place, looking down on us,
smiling. Save a place for us because we'll see you real soon.
You will always be my “Fiddler from Roots.” You’re free
now! Love you.
Keosha King
OQ-0433, SCI-Muncy
RESPONSE TO “JUSTICE REINVESTMENT DIF-
FICULT TO ACHIEVE WHILE ENDORSING SOLI-
TARY CONFINEMENT” BY WILLIAM M. DI-
MASCIO, “GRATERFRIENDS” OCTOBER 2012
At this present moment I have been in isolation
(solitary confinement) for six years, seven months. I am
identified as a mental inmate with the Pennsylvania
DOC. But, I sit in solitary confinement without treat-
ment. Why? Because the RHU throughout the DOC
doesn’t afford a person confined in such units with an
opportunity to partake in rehabilitative measures. Isola-
tion is not designed to rehabilitate. Its sole purpose is to
control an inmate’s behaviors. Rehabilitation does not
control an inmate; it is utilized as a method to teach the
inmate proper coping skills and/or alleviate the inmate
from the pain and distress associated with the symptoms
of his or her mental illness.
Mr. DiMascio is 100 percent correct; justice reinvest-
ment is difficult to achieve. You waste money housing
people in isolation and you also destroy the lives of those
confined in such places both physically and psychologi-
cally. Once released from prison, those that have suffered
will be at risk of committing more criminal offenses be-
cause they do not possess the true ability to function in
society. Solitary confinement is a big problem for human
beings. People are sent to prison to serve time for alleged
crimes committed, not to be psychologically tortured. A
system cannot endorse a unit that psychologically tor-
tures prisoners, while at the same time supporting jus-
tice reinvestment. I agree with Mr. DiMascio: the issue of
solitary confinement needs to be addressed.
Christopher Balmer
GX-5754, SCI Greene
RE: FACILITIES CLOSING
In the March issue, an inmate questioned why Greens-
burg and Cresson were being closed and not old prisons
such as Huntingdon. Make no mistake, politics and budgets
rule, while common sense, right and wrong, no longer have
a place in the world of corrections. Staff believes we are
here for them and fail to see that they provide a service.
These two closings are being made, in part, because
populations from both will fit into the new SCI Benner. I
believe both were also selected because they had the
highest cost per inmate of all the SCIs in the state. That
is probably the reason very few Greensburg staff are go-
ing to Benner.
If the Feds were still pumping money into this state, as
they once did, prisons would still be going up and none
would be closing. They have taken from the inmates
about as much as they can: programs, education, work
hours, even envelopes. Now they are forced to pull a few
of their own teeth.
Huntingdon won’t be closed as it, Smithfield, and a
factory are responsible for the city’s growth and prosperi-
ty. Heads would roll should that prison ever be closed.
Politicians would be voted out.
Greensburg’s staff is praying that a number of
Walmarts and fast food restaurants go up in this area in
the near future. The skill set of DOC employees is great-
Mailroom, continued from page 9

11
The Prison Society’s Annual Business
Meeting will be on Tuesday, June 4, 5:00 p.m., at the
Arden Theatre: 40 North 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA ,
19106. The agenda includes the election of new officers
and the Board of Directors.
The Life Support for Women with an
Incarcerated Loved One support group
has been suspended until further notice.
Fight For Lifers West In
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has meetings every
third Saturday at Crossroads U.M. Church, located at
325 N. Highland Ave. in the E. Liberty section of Pitts-
burgh, 15206 (across from Home Depot) at 10:00 a.m.
until 12:00 noon. Contact FFLW at 412-361-3022 (leave a
message) or at fightforliferswest@yahoo.com for more
information. We really need lifers’ families and friends to
get involved. Our lifers need us more than EVER!
Announcements
Join us for a Benefit
Celebration of 226
Years of Service
Ticketed reception
June 4, 2013
6:00 p.m. — 8:30 p.m.
Arden Theatre
40 North 2nd Street
Includes a presentation of the Justice
Award to the Honorable M. Teresa
Sarmina, Judge in the Philadelphia
Court of Common Pleas
Tickets may be purchased online at
www.prisonsociety.org or by calling our
office at 215-564-6005, ext. 106.
ly limited. Maybe the DOC can continue trade programs
and allow their staff to attend.
Years ago when our coal and steel industries began to
decline, Pennsylvania governors, both Democrat and Re-
publican, realized that building prisons would provide
employment for those who lost their jobs. To fill them,
sentences were stiffened, judges sent more convicted to
state prisons for minor offences, and even our parole
board made decisions based on prison populations.
Initially, prison staff consisted of unemployed steel
workers and coalminers. They were hard working and, in
most cases, gave respect when given it. Now we deal with
their lazy, unprofessional, and unethical children. I feel
no compassion for prison staff at Greensburg or Cresson.
Jeffry M. Auve
GF-2874, SCI Greensburg
Batts, continued from page 2
The majority opinion from the Pennsylvania Supreme
Court in the Batts case reads, in part:
[A]t a minimum it should consider a juvenile's age at
the time of the offense, his diminished culpability and
capacity for change, the circumstances of the crime,
the extent of his participation in the crime, his family,
home and neighborhood environment, his emotional
maturity and development, the extent that familial
and/or peer pressure may have affected him, his past
exposure to violence, his drug and alcohol history, his
ability to deal with the police, his capacity to assist his
attorney, his mental health history, and his potential
for rehabilitation.
While the ruling in this case is promising for juvenile
lifers, we must wait to see the result of the other juvenile
lifer case currently before the Pennsylvania Supreme
Court: Commonwealth v. Cunningham. There are differ-
ences in these cases, and the two must be taken together
to determine if the Miller decision will be retroactive for
the nearly 500 juvenile lifers in Pennsylvania. The Batts
decision applies only to juveniles convicted before the
Miller ruling and whose cases were on direct appeal at
the time of that ruling (June 25, 2012).
According to Bradley Bridge, Esq., of the Philadelphia
Defender Association, “In determining the minimum
sentence, the trial court must consider the juvenile's in-
dividual characteristics, culpability, and potential for
rehabilitation…While Batts was a first degree murder
case, we expect that the same rules will apply to juve-
niles convicted of second degree murder.” Emily Keller,
staff attorney for the Juvenile Law Center, says, “We are
still waiting for the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to is-
sue their decision in Cunningham. The Cunningham
case raises the question of whether Miller applies retro-
actively to juvenile lifers seeking post-conviction relief.”

12
Literary
Corner
MY SISTER, MY FRIEND
by Rose Dinkins, OO-4613, SCI Muncy
A portrait was drawn of Peachie
Holding up large tablets, when
I saw it, I imagined her holding up
Us (lifers) on her shoulders
She was a visionary and her intelligence
was beyond compare. A tower of strength,
Always tirelessly fighting for our
Freedom and our belief of a better tomorrow
“I got you” she’d say
I know I will never, ever understand why she was taken
away so soon especially when her freedom was only a
touch away
Khalil Gibran said, “When you part from your friend,
you grieve not; For that which you love most in him may
be clearer in his absence.”
Not Peachie. She left it all on the table,
I love you and miss you terribly.
SHARIN’ MY PAIN
by Terri Harper, OB-7637, SCI Muncy
How do you handle the sorrow...
When once again, for someone you Love AND Admire,
there is no tomorrow?
Your inclination, no matter how wrong, is to ask “Why?”
And I’m trying...
To hold tight and not give in to the terrible sadness I feel
inside.
It was just yesterday she asked me to do her a favor but
didn’t have time to explain
I just knew a note would follow the request, but it was
all in vain.
For God had a Plan, and Only He knew Best
What was a hope, a dream, a wish for the rest.
Now those left to mourn have but memories...
Some in abundance... some powerful, but few.
The majority of mine were formed over bread, wings, and
cookies... a Battle or two.
She embodied intelligence, a quotient unmatched here,
And despite the path realized and the seemingly long
road ahead, death wasn’t spoken fear.
She chose to live each day, giving, supporting, and edu-
cating any who’d let her gift in.
Being Bleesed to be a part of her inner circle was as
sweet as sin.
A Mentor, A Friend, a Confidante...
A Daughter, A Sister, A Surrogate, An Aunt...
Loyal, Honest, Funny, Ready, Deserving...
Time on this earth ran out for her, and that's unnerving.
But from this Great Loss of one who truly impacted just
about half of my life
I Will NOT give up the Fight!!
Dear God, I beseech Thee,
Please grant Heaven to our dear departed Peachie.
REQUIEM FOR PEACHIE:
DEDICATED TO SHARON WIGGINS (1951-2013)
by Diane Metzger, OO-5634, SCI Muncy
It was an early Monday morning,
When I heard the awful news.
The Universe made its decision;
You weren’t given permission to choose.
You’d been waiting and fervently hoping,
Doing life for near forty-five years.
We’d had so many deep conversations
About hope and our pain and our fears.
How we’d both been just barely past childhood
When we came to this soul-killing place,
Not knowing how we’d ever do it,
Or the terrible horrors we’d face.
And, despite the innumerable missteps,
How we stumbled yet grew on the way,
We still faced each challenge with courage,
Winning victories that stand to this day.
And we lifer kids grew up together,
Sisters not in our blood but our souls.
As a sisterhood we became champions,
Not lone, for together we’re whole.
And when the news came of your passing,
My reaction was staggering grief.
When it came down to freedom and home’s loving arms,
That’s the way we thought you’d leave.
Now I sit here in anger, bereft and afraid,
And I silently scream to the sky,
Why can’t there be mercy and justice?
Why won’t somebody just tell me why?
No, this isn’t your everyday requiem,
Full of platitudes with every breath.
It’s a poem of tribute, and questions that ask,
What was solved by your untimely death?
So I swear to you, Peachie, with all that I am,
That your precious life wasn’t in vain.
We’ll continue to fight, with freedom our goal,
And all change will be made in your name.
I don’t know what happens when we leave this Earth,
But I hope that you’re resting in peace.
We will all carry on, with your face in our hearts,
And our love for you will never cease.

13
We have been receiving letters from prison-
ers who are asking about a new law that
states they will automatically be released
upon reaching their minimums. However,
there is no such law on the books. We asked
DOC Press Secretary Susan McNaughton
about this issue, and below is the response
we received:
“There is no new law or any plans to release
all inmates upon their minimum dates.
Inmates are eligible, upon reaching their
minimum sentences, to begin seeking parole
from the Pennsylvania Board of Probation
and Parole.
As a result of work by the DOC and PBPP to
improve internal processes, it is likely more
offenders than in the past – provided they
have completed all prescribed programming,
etc., and providing that the PBPP grants
them parole — could be paroled closer to
their minimums rather than many, many
months past their minimum dates.
Simply reaching their minimums is not a
guarantee of parole.”
do to make them give us access to tax forms and allow us
to file our own tax refunds for the consumer goods we
pay taxes on?
Tax codes mandate that taxpayers file yearly taxes.
Furthermore, no act was ever passed by Congress or is in
the tax code that prohibits inmates from possessing tax
forms. Not only did SCI Forest violate due process when
they confiscated several inmates’ tax forms sent via first
class mail, but they have also violated the tax laws and
are bankrupting the United States. Filing taxes helps
create revenue, which the tax laws enforce and encour-
age. Revenue helps create new money. Since we are pur-
chasers of consumer goods we are, in fact, taxpayers.
Is there anyone out there who is willing to assist me or
offer any advice to fight for my, as well as fellow in-
mates’, rights? Please notify me immediately:
Charles Paladino
HS-0937, SCI Forest
PO Box 945
Marienville, PA 16239-0945.
Also if anyone has reliable information as to an attor-
ney or tax consultant who will assist in this matter, it
would be (an understatement) greatly appreciated.
Charles Paladino
HS-0937, SCI Forest
NEVER ENOUGH
by Grace Hughes, OP-4656, SCI
Dedicated to my mother, who passed away on November 2, 2011
Sometimes I know the words to say,
Give thanks for all you’ve done,
But when they fly up and away,
As quickly as they come.
How could I possibly thank you enough, now that you
have passed away?
The one who made me whole,
The one to whom I owed my life.
The forming of my soul.
The one who tucked me in at night…
The one who stopped my crying.
The one who was the expert,
At picking me up when I fell short.
The one who saw me off to school,
And spent sad days alone,
Yet magically produced a smile,
As soon as I came home.
The one who made such sacrifices,
To always put me first.
Who let me test my broken wings,
In spite of how it hurts.
Who painted the world a rainbow when it was filled
with broken dreams and promises.
Who explained it all so clearly
When nothing’s what it seems.
Are there really any words for this?
I find this question tough…
Anything I wanted to say just didn’t seem enough.
What way was there to thank you,
For your heart, your sweat, and tears?
For the ten thousand things
You did for me for oh so many years.
For changing with me as I changed, accepting all my flaws.
Not loving me because you had to but loving just be-
cause,
For never giving up on me when your wits had reached
their end.
For always being proud of me, for being my mother even
though I didn’t deserve you.
And so I came to realize the only way to say, the only
thank you that’s enough is clear in just one way.
Look at me before you, see what I’ve become?
Do you see yourself in me?
The job that you have done.
All my hopes and all my dreams came to an end the day
you passed away.
My strengths nobody will ever see because the day you
passed all of me went with you!
Love,
Your daughter, Grace
Legal Chat, continued from page 5

14
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Incarcerated Parent, continued from page 3
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longer the little girl he knew; those six months forced me
to grow up in a way neither of us were prepared to han-
dle. Pop and I had a rocky relationship. Upon his release,
I put all of that aside and made an effort to have a solid
father-daughter relationship. I still harbored anger and
resentment toward him, but I figured we would deal with
that issue together at a later time, when he was sober
and our relationship stronger. We never got that chance;
on May 24, 2009, my father died of a heroin overdose.
Because I never got to tell Pop how I really felt, I still
carry a lot of anger toward him. I still look for an apology
that I know will never come. I NEEDED my father to
apologize for going to jail. I NEEDED him to apologize
for missing my high school graduation. I wanted him to
acknowledge that his actions negatively impacted MY
life, AND I WANTED HIM TO APOLOGIZE!
As I get older, I realize Pop was too high to recognize
the impact he was having. I’m beginning to accept this.
Acceptance is helping me heal and grow. Part of ac-
ceptance is just talking about how I feel, and being OK
with whatever emotion comes out. Pop lived by the mot-
to, “One day at a time.” I’ve begun to embody that, and
while I will probably never fully heal, I’ve begun not to
dread but accept it, one day at a time.
Michael Bardo
CP-9596, GRN
Richard S. Baumhammers
ET-8465, GRN
Stephen Edmiston
BC-7886, GRN
Leroy Fears
CQ-7760, GRN
Christopher L. Johnson
KT-5466, GRN
Harve Johnson
JG-7444, GRN
Noel Montalvo
FH-9391, GRN
Albert Perez
JB-2916, GRA
William Rivera
DN-4295, GRA
Manuel M. Sepulveda
FH-1368, GRN
Raymond Solano
FK-6135, GRN
Andre Staton
GR-3024, GRN
Patrick Jason Stollar
HM-3365, GRN
William Wright, III
DV-2181, GRA
GRA = SCI Graterford
PO Box 244
Graterford, PA
19426-0244
GRN = SCI Greene
175 Progress Drive
Waynesburg, PA
15370-8090

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