As a former inmate of the Idaho Department of Corrections, released from my most recent parole violation on February 2nd, 2022, my journey back into society has been marked by a series of challenges, particularly concerning my medical needs and obligations within the parole system. Despite my efforts to adhere to the terms of my release and prioritize my health, I have encountered systemic hurdles that threaten to derail my progress and undermine my rights.

Over the past year, I have undergone a series of surgeries and medical procedures, including three bilateral sacroiliac joint injections, an epidural, septum surgery, and numerous other physician appointments. These medical obligations have been extensive and demanding, requiring significant time and attention. However, despite my best efforts, these appointments have occasionally conflicted with my required sex offender therapy sessions mandated by The Connection, my mandated sex offender therapy provider.

Despite providing The Connection with medical documentation excusing my absences from therapy sessions due to medical appointments, I have been met with threats of parole violation if my medical obligations continue to interfere with my therapy obligations. This unjust ultimatum places an undue burden on me, forcing me to choose between prioritizing my health and complying with parole requirements. It is fundamentally unfair to penalize individuals for fulfilling essential medical obligations, especially when these appointments are scheduled during the workweek, overlapping with mandated therapy sessions.

I have had two separate incidents where local police officers were used as weapons against myself and my family. On February 4th, 2023, the Stamford Police Department was dispatched to my apartment due to a third-party complaint stating that my wife was in imminent danger and was being held against her will in her own home. The complainant stated that during a 15-minute period, I “wrecked my apartment, kidnapped my wife and held her in our home against our will, and cleaned everything up right before Stamford Police came to investigate said allegations”. Similarly, a few weeks after my Homeowners Association (HOA) sent a notice out to every unit owner in my building informing them of my status on the sex offender registry, the Shelton PD was dispatched to my condo. This time, the claim was my neighbor heard a man (myself) admitting that he smashed “Kayla’s Phone” (my wife) and that I would damage her phone more. During Shelton PD’s very thorough investigation, they found no evidence whatsoever to support these claims. The use of Stamford PD and Shelton PD as weapons to execute forms of harassment and intimidation is not only morally concerning but also illegal, further compounding my daily struggles and fear while I am on parole in an attempt to live my life as close to normalcy as possible.

Moreover, the retaliatory actions taken against me by my parole officer only compound the challenges I face. Fabricating a parole officer appointment that never existed and falsely claiming that I missed said appointment is a clear example of the systemic injustices within the parole system. This deliberate manipulation not only erodes trust but also highlights a troubling pattern of retaliation against those who assert their rights and challenge unjust conditions.

The additional requirement of pre-approval for holiday functions, such as Christmas dinners, through my sex offender therapy, further illustrates the emotional toll and restrictions placed on individuals seeking to participate in supportive events.

I am facing contradictory parole conditions imposed upon me by my Connecticut parole officer, making it nearly impossible to adhere to the terms of my release. Despite the existence of an Interstate Compact agreement between Idaho and Connecticut outlining supervision terms, my parole officer is enforcing restrictions on internet usage and smartphone possession that directly conflict with recent modifications to Connecticut’s sex offender parole regulations. This contradiction not only undermines the principles of the agreement but also places unjust burdens on my parole, hindering my ability to successfully reintegrate into society.

In addition to these injustices, I have endured harassment due to my criminal conviction. My sex offender registry information has been used to threaten my job, home, and my wife’s job in an attempt to harass, threaten, and intimidate myself and my family. Despite reporting these incidents, neither law enforcement nor my parole officer has taken adequate action to address the situation, neglecting their legal obligations to protect in addition to allowing this established criminal pattern to continue without consequence.

In addition to the aforementioned challenges, the weekly mandated sex offender therapy appointments have created a significant burden on my employment. The frequency of these sessions has prompted my supervisors to convene multiple meetings to discuss the potential termination of my employment. The strain imposed by these obligations not only jeopardizes my livelihood but also underscores the broader societal stigma and challenges faced by individuals reentering the workforce post-incarceration. This further highlights the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within the parole system to address the complex intersections of rehabilitation, employment, and reintegration into society.

These experiences underscore the urgent need for reform within the parole system. Parole officers must recognize and accommodate the medical needs of parolees, rather than punishing them for circumstances beyond their control. Additionally, measures must be implemented to prevent retaliatory actions and ensure that parolees are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

My story serves as a testament to the resilience and perseverance required to navigate the complexities of the parole system, particularly in the face of medical challenges and retaliation. It is my hope that by sharing my experiences, we can spark meaningful dialogue and advocate for change that prioritizes the rights and well-being of all individuals seeking to rebuild their lives after incarceration.

Share on Facebook

Tweet

The opinions expressed within posts and comments are solely those of each author, and are not necessarily those of Women Against Registry. Women Against Registry reserves the right to edit or delete any content submitted.