Notes From The Inside
by Scott

Hey there. I got your letter today. Thanks for taking the initiative to write me. letters always bring a smile to my face, especially one with pictures. Of course I remember you...I was in a bad way then and in a bad relationship. I'm happy to hear I didn't piss you off or make a bad impression on you. That was August 1998. I got arrested in March 1999, just 6 months later. So I've been in 2 years now.

I will never get used to being locked up, but it is easier now. I was charged and convicted of Distribution of Heroin and received a 6 year sentence. I'm up for parole in October 2002. My maximum date is 10-1-04, but I should be paroled. Only 19 more months, then with 2 years of parole. I got moved here to N.J. before I got your first letter...Now I will try to explain why I've been getting shipped around.

You see Washington D.C. is a Federal City. It's run by congress so we are considered 'Federal Inmates.' We used to have our own prison for D.C. Inmates at Lorton, Virginia. But, Lorton was really corrupt and had alot of problems. So the Feds decided to shut it down and transfer us all to Federal Institutions all over the country. First they are sending us to contracted prisons then putting us in Federal Facilities.

After I left Lorton (Nov 2000) I got sent to a supermax in Sussex, Virginia. I was only there 3 months. Thank God. That place was crazy. We were locked down most of the time. Our only rec was 90 min. in the morning then 90 min. in the evening otherwise we were in our cells. We ate in our cells, everything. The CO's all had guns. Shotguns with beanbags, and rifles with rubber bullets (on the inside) The guns on the outside were real. All movement outside of our block, we were shackled and handcuffed. They deprive you of your senses. No contact. It really sucked.

Igot lucky and my name was called for a Federal Institution. This place is Med/Max Level 4. The Feds know how to run a prison. Hell they've been doing it for over 200 years. The Feds is where the big boys are. They have prisons all over, even Guam. Tim NcVeigh, John Gotti, the unabomber these are the people in the Feds. I've already met some real mafia guys. And well little ol' me is here. I'll be dammed.

This place is about control also. But, its alot better. I go to work Monday through Friday 7:30am to 3:30pm. I work in the paint shop. We have control movement. Which means that at 10 of every hour (unless were not at work) We can leave our housing and go to different activities. Like the library, rec yard, weight room, music room, chapel, etc. We get locked in our cells every night (sunday thru thur) at 11:30pm. On Fri & Sat at 2:30am for late night. We have 3 count times when we are also locked in. The cell sizes are different. I'm in a 3 man cell.

I don't want to make it all sound so rosey.I've seen some sick shit. Quite a few stabbings and murders. There is man rape but I have not witnessed any, but I know about it. I've seen people get robbed, beatdown, shitdown, you name it I've seen it. Myself I get along fine. You see I'm a good person at heart and I try to get along with everybody. I have been in a couple of fights. We are always on constant alert for a fight. You pretty much have to fight everytime when challenged. If not you will be taken advantage of everyday. They have a saying on the inside- you can either fuck, fight or do laundry and if you do laundry you will be fucking by the end of the month.

I'm mostly a loner. Because there is alot of racism in prison. I wasn't raised and don't believe in it. I get along with everybody. A lot of the whites call me 'nigger lover' but fuck those rednecks. I'm not a violent person and i don't like violence...

Your website sounds cool. I would love for you to post some stuff I send you. I do love to write. Mostly poems and short stories. I write alot. Its an easy outlet for me to express my feelings. One day I will be a published author. I've actually had a couple of poems published. One by the Washington Magazine, in the March 5th 1995 issue. I will send you alot of poems. I will send some of my art also.

I love the pictures. You can send me all the pictures you want. Whatever you want to send. We can also get pictures taken here and when I get some I will send you some.

All my piercings are still okay even after 2 years. My PA and my tongue were so big I dont think they will ever close up. I've been stretching my ears out. But I have to improvise here. I cut up magic markeres for plugs. My left ear is about 00 my right about 4 gauge. Some time the CO's fuck with me about them...We have a couple of real good tattoo artists here and I might get a couple of pieces. I have 13 tats now.

Yes I'm staying out of trouble. I do my time nobody elses. There are alot of drugs on the inside but I stay away from them. They will only bring trouble.

I read a whole lot. I love to read. If you have any suggestions let me know...

I will fill you in on me. I'm 30 years old. Was born and raised in Washington, D.C. My mother is Irish, my father is Portuguese and English. I was raised catholic and went to catholic school for awhile (up to 8th grade) I went to a school of the arts in D.C. for high school. I play saxaphone and other instruments and like I said earlier I also write. I all ready told you I have a son. He lives with my mum. I love my son and have a great relationship with him. He knows everything about my situation. I've told him. He's very mature for his age and is in a good home. It's hard on him though but he's very understanding.

Any other things you want to know just feel free to ask me. You can ask anything. I'm not shy. Once again thanks so much for writing. It means alot. Inside I'm sending two poems I hope you like them. I will send some art soon. I look forward to hearing back form you. Take care. Until..

PEACE
Scott