(Above, Kimberly Simmons, one of only two women juvenile lifers released at the time, speaks at Juvenile Lifers for Justice rally in Detroit June 18, 2017.)

By Efren Paredes, Jr.

January 15, 2018

VOD note: This is an update from VOD’s previous article on the 6th Circuit ruling, at http://voiceofdetroit.net/2017/12/24/send-federal-troops-to-liberate-michigans-juvenile-lifers-6th-circuit-ruling-inadequate/ 

Efren Paredes, Jr.

The U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals (COA) recently made an important ruling on behalf of Michigan prisoners who received mandatory life without parole (LWOP) sentences when they were juveniles (“juvenile lifers”). The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2012 that mandatory LWOP sentences for juvenile offenders are unconstitutional. The high court subsequently issued another opinion in 2016 which made their 2012 ruling retroactive and applicable to all 2,500 prisoners in the nation serving the draconian sentence.

The recent U.S. Sixth COA ruling states that these prisoners will now be required to receive good time and/or disciplinary credits depending on the year of their conviction. This will change when they become eligible to pursue a meaningful opportunity for parole consideration based on positive behavior.

Juvenile lifers are also now eligible to participate in rehabilitative programming that they have been denied for decades. Previous to the court’s ruling prisoners serving shorter sentences have been provided an array of programs that juvenile lifers have been denied. The programs they will now become eligible for include Violence Prevention Program, Cage Your Rage, Thinking 4 Change, vocational trades, etc. The new court ruling ends these discriminatory practices and recognizes the right of juvenile lifers to equal protection.

The U.S. Sixth Circuit COA ruled against the issue raised by attorneys representing juvenile lifers seeking a categorical ban on imposing LWOP sentences on juvenile offenders on procedural grounds.

It is an issue that will persistently be raised in the U.S. Supreme Court by attorneys representing juvenile lifers from various states until a total ban is granted and the issue is finally resolved. Attorneys have already begun petitioning the high court seeking the ban and more are preparing to do so.

While the recent U.S. Sixth Circuit COA ruling is not a panacea to unravel all the juvenile lifer legal challenges before them it is a major decision that will have a profound impact on re-shaping the contours of Michigan criminal justice reform relating to juvenile offenders.

The U.S. Sixth Circuit COA ordered Judge John Corbett O’Meara of the U.S. District Court in the Eastern District of Michigan to expeditiously resolve the matter consistent with the court’s ruling. Judge O’Meara will now draft a court order specifying the details of what the State of Michigan must do to comply with the appellate court ruling as early as this month.

The Michigan legislature will also be required to revise MCL 769.25 to reflect the changes made by the U.S. Sixth Circuit COA as well. When they do it would be wise to also do two additional things that would make the sentencing process more reasonable, conserve valuable time and state employee resources, and save taxpayers millions of dollars when resentencing the remaining 260 juvenile lifers.

Earlier map of states banning JLWOP. SInce then, six more states have joined the movement.

First, it should join the [30] other states across the country and the 192 nations of the world [all but the U.S.] who have banned LWOP sentences for juvenile offenders. In the past six years nineteen states have abandoned LWOP sentences for juvenile offenders and the number keeps growing. The U.S. Supreme Court is likely to categorically ban the practice in the coming year.

Our state legislators should stand on the right side of history now rather than be compelled to make the right decision later. Remaining obstinate and tone deaf to this issue will burden taxpayers with millions more dollars in wasteful spending for repeating hundreds of resentencing hearings. It would also force victims’ families to continue down the painful road of reopening wounds and revisiting tragedies in their lives through unnecessary court hearings and appeals. Many of these families have been trying to move on with their lives without exacerbating their pain and being encumbered with decades of court hearings and appeals.

Second, the legislature should revise the sentencing guidelines for juvenile lifer term-of-year sentences from a 25- to 40-year minimum to a 15- to 30-year minimum. They should also revise the currently allowed maximum term-of-years from 60 years to a maximum of 40 years. If the 60-year maximum term is not reduced there will be additional years of protracted costly court battles asking courts to rule that 60 years is a veritable death sentence since it exceeds the life span of the average juvenile lifer. Other states have already ruled that such sentences are inordinate and deemed cruel and unusual punishment.

Alternatively, the legislature can convert the sentences of the remaining 260 juvenile lifers awaiting resentencing hearings to sentences of 15-year minimums to 40-year maximums all at once. It would save the state millions of dollars for resentencing hearings. Since nearly all the juvenile lifers are indigent all court expenses including attorney fees, expert witnesses, etc., will be paid for by taxpayer dollars. Conservative estimates place the price tag around $26 million to pay the fees for the 260 prisoners still awaiting resentencing.

Families AND victims of Michigan juvenile lifers who testified at state legislature before Miller decision in 2004. They asked legislators to bar juvenile life without parole period.

This move alone would not release a single prisoner. It would only give the Parole Board jurisdiction to begin reviewing their cases for release consideration annually after they have served a minimum of 15 years. The Parole Board would utilize their wealth of resources to decide when the prisoners merit release based on their conduct just as they do for over 10,000 other prisoners they safely release annually. The Parole Board will not release prisoners until they are satisfied they pose no risk or danger to public safety.

“Only the rarest child” should be sentenced to die in prison. — USSC; this family attended Juvenile Lifers for Justice Rally June 18, 2017.

In fact, the Parole Board could keep juvenile lifers incarcerated for up to 40 years under this sentencing scheme if the Parole Board is not comfortable releasing them until that time. By then most juvenile lifers would range in age between 55- and 57-years old after being behind bars since their mid-teens.

If we are to illogically believe that juvenile offenders are not capable of change, by that same standard we will have to believe no adult is capable of change and deserves a second chance either. After all, each adult who receives a second chance in life was once a teenager. Michigan should become a leader in criminal justice reform rather than lag behind other states. We can not lead from behind. We are being looked upon with shame and disappointment for our woefully failing record of human rights abuses against juveniles, the poor, and people of color.

It is a stain we can begin to slowly wash away by making decisions that respect the concept of redemption and inherent dignity of youthful offenders.

(Efren Paredes, Jr. is a blogger and social justice activist who appears as a weekly guest on Detroit Superstation 910 AM. You can learn more about Efren at www.fb.com/Free.Efren and www.4Efren.blogspot.com.)

UPDATED COMMENT FROM CORTEZ DAVIS-EL, VOD STAFF WRITER

Cortez Davis-El, still incarcerated at Thumb

After reading the opinion from the 6th Circuit in the Hill v Snyder case, I have conflicting feelings. While I would like to be excited and thankful, I’ve been built up just to be let down so many times I don’t want to give in to the excitement and be hurt in the end. Having said that. I think that the opinion was a well written much needed boost of hope.  I would have liked for the 6th Circuit to end this debate instead of remanding the case and issues back to the Eastern District Federal Court.

However, like many, I am happy that the process is moving forward and there is a great possibility that I will soon be able to contribute to society in a very positive way. Early on I didn’t know if I would ever get the chance to be a servant of my community, but I started preparing myself just in case and this decision continues to raise my hope and level of urgency to be prepared to serve on day one for being released.

VOICE OF DETROIT: While we are happy to see there is significant movement in the battle to release Michigan’s juvenile lifers, we would like to see the U.S. Supreme Court order the immediate release of juveniles serving more than 15 years under this unconstitutional statute, not subject to parole board review. Michigan’s parole board cannot be counted on ever since former Gov. John Engler made it an appointed board which declared that “life means life.” Any juvenile lifer who goes before this board must admit to guilt of the charge for which they are serving time. Estimates of innocent prisoners incarcerated in Michigan range from 20-40 years.

Stephen Marschke, first parole board chair appointed by Gov. Engler. He coined the phrase: “Life means life.” He is still suspected to have drowned  a Black teenager outside Benton Harbor when he was Benton County Sheriff.

Although Michigan’s Parole Board has released most of those juveniles for whom prosecutors recommended “Term of Years” sentences,  many such as Cortez Davis are still serving more time ranging from two years to decades until they reach the state minimum. 

Prosecutors recommended renewed life sentences for another 247 out of 363 state juvenile lifers, whose cases have not yet been heard, a gross violation of Miller v. Alabama and Montgomery v. Louisiana, which held that “only the rarest” child should be sentenced to die in prison.

Additionally, the Supreme Court has not yet provided for consideration of issues of innocence to be considered so that convictions and sentences can be outright dismissed. In Charles Lewis’ case, 41 years of his official court files have gone missing. Most significantly, all but a small portion of the transcripts of his first trial, for the killing of an off-duty cop in Detroit on July 31, 1976, are gone. Lewis was 17 years old.

His first Recorders Court judge, a noted racist named Joseph Maher, illegally dismissed his first jury after they had reached a verdict and it was handed over to Maher, as Judge Deborah Thomas later stated after reviewing the full first trial transcript. Maher did not read it into the record; instead he dismissed the jury without cause.  She said Maher’s action should have meant an acquittal, with no additional trials allowed under the double jeopardy statute.

Charles Lewis has been in prison for over 41 years, since the age of 17, framed up for a murder he did not commit. He has taken college, culinary arts and many other courses, and become a highly skilled jail-house lawyer.

Only months after Lewis was convicted, the Michigan Supreme Court held in People v. Benton, 402 Mich 47, in 1977, that a judge cannot sua sponte dismiss a jury; that there must be a proceeding on the record for cause, and that the DEFENDANT himself must agree to the dismissal.

“Fred Benton was charged with armed robbery,” Lewis wrote to VOD. “He was tried before Geraldine Bledsoe Ford and she dismissed the case for ‘manifest necessity.’ She re-tried him with a jury and he was found guilty of armed robbery and sentenced to 10 to 15 for the robbery. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled in his case that even though the case had been tried a second time and he was convicted that the second trial violated the double jeopardy rights of Fred Benton and they ordered his immediate release.”

See http://voiceofdetroit.net/wp-content/uploads/People-v-Benton-2-2.pdf

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Cab driver Jerry Bell, Jr. assaulted by armed guard at E. Warren CVS store

Detroit police have store videotape, tell Bell they are seeking charges

Incident follows killing of CVS customer in Dallas by guard in July, 2017

By Diane Bukowski

January 6, 2018

Jerry T. Bell, Jr., 43, files to run for a seat on the Warren City Council in the 2019 elections, at the City Clerk’s office, Sept. 20, 2017.

DETROIT — Jerry T. Bell, Jr. says police investigators have told him they want to bring criminal charges against a gun-toting guard from the CVS store on E. Warren at Mack in Detroit, near the border of Grosse Pointe, based on the store’s videotape of an incident involving the guard and Bell.

Bell is a 43-yr. old cab driver,  father and grandfather who lives in Warren. He is also a candidate for the Warren City Council in upcoming elections. He has been challenging what he says is the racist gerrymandering of Warren’s council districts.

Bell says the guard assaulted him Friday, Dec. 29 as he was leaving the store to get cash from his car to pay for prescriptions from Harper Hospital. He had been treated there overnight for a dangerous spider bite infection, which had caused his foot as well as his entire body to swell. He told VOD that doctors at Harper immediately put him on intravenous antibiotics and said he could have died from the infection.

“But then I was afraid I was going to die at the CVS afterwards,” Bell said. 

CVS Pharmacy E. Warren and Mack

“I stopped at that CVS to get my prescriptions filled on my way home to Warren,” he explained. “I told the pharmacist I had to go back to my car to get more money to pay for the scripts. On my way to the front door, a CVS guard put his hands on my chest, grabbed my jacket, and told me, ‘I can’t let you leave with that.’”

Bell was wearing torn-up gym shoes to fit his swollen foot and was still somewhat disheveled from being in the hospital. 

Bell says the guard had a gun on his hip, and started to reach for it. 

“All I could think of was what happened when George Zimmerman confronted Trayvon Martin,” Bell said. “I feared for my life. He was endangering not only me, but customers and clerks in the store. I kept thinking, ‘What should I do?’”

Bell said he shook out his coat and his shirt to show the guard that he had no stolen items. He said he left, but went back inside to file a complaint with the manager. He said the manager talked to the guard, then told Bell, “There’s no reason to get all hostile, it was just a misunderstanding.”

DPD Fifth Precinct

Bell said he went straight to the Fifth Precinct to file a police report. Fearing for his life, he did not go back to the store, but had a friend pick up his prescriptions the next day. A lawyer accompanied his friend, but the assistant manager for the day, named “Jim,” refused to discuss the matter with them and appeared hostile.

Ironically, Bell was shot multiple times several years ago in his cab by a customer, and was severely disabled for several months. He only survived by speeding to the nearest police headquarters.

VOD contacted CVS corporate headquarters by email to ask the following questions: 

• Since when have CVS guards been allowed to carry guns? Are they in fact allowed to do so?
• What is CVS policy for the behavior of security guards?
• What action, if any, has been taken against this security guard by CVS? Has he been disciplined or fired?
• Mr. Bell tells us that a CVS representative called him to apologize. Does CVS consider this sufficient compensation for what appears to be a life-threatening incident?
• What actions does CVS expect to take with its security staff to avoid such incidents in the future?

Gary Serby, CVS corporate communications director

Gary Serby, director of corporation communications for CVS, ignored most of the questions in a terse reply.

“CVS Pharmacy is aware of this alleged incident and we are cooperating fully with the police in their investigation,” Serby responded. “Our initial findings do not support the customer’s allegations, however the security guard, who is employed by an independent security agency, has been suspended from working at any CVS Pharmacy stores until the conclusion of the investigation.”

The incident comes on the heels of the killing of an alleged shoplifter in Dallas by another CVS “loss prevention officer,” Julio Ruvalcaba, July 9, 2017. Ruvalcaba chased the shoplifter down the freeway in his car. When the man’s car crashed, Ruvalcaba got out and shot him to death. Ruvalcaba was charged with murder. See http://www.nydailynews.com/news/crime/cvs-security-staffer-chases-fatally-shooting-shoplifter-article-1.3320358/

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NEW YEAR 2018: FIGHT FOR JUSTICE FOR ALL OUR INCARCERATED  BROTHERS AND SISTERS

Cortez Davis El

BY CORTEZ DAVIS EL

VOD Staff Writer

Jan. 1, 2018

The men at the Thumb Correctional Facility began the annual Kwanzaa Cultural Celebration early this year. They were blessed with the presence of the Honorable Judge Bruce Morrow and Frank Murphy Hall of Justice General Counselor, Attorney Valerie Albright.

Attending this event was a must for so many men that cling to the hope and promise of what tomorrow might bring. Listening to a judge speak and share words of wisdom and encouragement while fighting for your freedom is rare, but welcomed.

Without knowing who Judge Morrow is, one would believe that he was a super star from the warm reception that he received. There was laughter and nonstop smiles of joy throughout the evening and the days that followed. Before Judge Morrow got into his message, he introduced the men to the Beautiful Spirited Angel, Valerie Albright.

Atty. Valerie Albright, Office of the General Counsel

Mrs. Albright’s message, although short and sweet, was deeply felt and it hit home for many. She is a reminder of the joy that is absent and the joy that is possible. Mrs. Albright reflected on her two year old son and stated “the same light that I see in him, I see in the eyes of the men here. ”

That statement ignited a sense of urgency in the hearts and minds of all that paid attention to the compliment. Her words were like being touched by an angel. To a degree, you felt healed and energized and ready to be the change that is needed in the world.

Judge Morrow once again took the podium and began to share his message. He made listening fun. He started by showing various images of well-known products. The men were happy to share their knowledge and ability to identify each product. However, the message was really about what you see and how you are seen by others. The men engaged Judge Morrow and as a result the mind was opened and the desire to think was unlocked.

The Honorable Bruce Morrow opened up about who he is and what his 26 years of service has been about. He left no doubt that he is a reflection of the spirit of God and serves His people by the service that he gives on and off the bench. The first principle of Kwanzaa is Umoja which means unity. Both Judge Morrow and Attorney Valerie Albright helped us to understand what it means to have unity and why unity is important.

Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Bruce Morrow

Judge Morrow stated ” content and context is always important ” and this was felt deeply especially when our superstar and in that moment, the voice of God, read from Genesis 24 to remind us that true and lasting unity begin with unifying with God first. When most people that are incarcerated think about judges, they tend not to think of them as human. Judges are most often seen as the enemy or the cause and effect of the problems in the lives of the incarcerated.

However, being up close and personal with Judge Morrow and being able to speak freely and embrace him as if he was a long lost friend, relative, or neighbor allowed us to see him as someone that feel, love, and worship just like us. The prisoners were able to see him, the man not just the judge. There was no fear or negativity displayed in Judge Morrow. There was only the reflection of spirit of man helping the hopeless restore that which was lost, their faith.

Having this honorable judge in the midst did more for the self esteem and morale boost than one could ever have hoped for. Being able to witness and feel the energy of this event was nothing short of mind blowing and the men are grateful to have someone that takes an active interest in their positive development the way that Judge Morrow does.

Judge Vera Massey Jones in 1990. Four years later, she declared JLWOP unconstitutional in Cortez Davis El’s case, 18 years before the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Miller v. Alabama. She reiterated her stand in 2012.

Judge Morrow gave honors to the men that are changing their lives for the better in spite of the environment and circumstances that we are. It felt really humbling to have someone, a judge nonetheless, actually see who we are today, opposed to who we were yesterday.

I could not help but to think about another great judge that that took an interest in the positive development of a prisoner that lost his way early in life. The Honorable Judge Vera Massey Jones touched this writer’s soul and is partially responsible for the man that I am today. She saw beneath the rock soil of my carnal nature and saw my value long before I knew that good is in my power.

This is also what Judge Morrow is doing for the prisoners that look at him as family. To judges like The Honorable Bruce Morrow and Vera Massey Jones and to attorneys like Valerie Albright, thank you for your strength, support, and concerns. You will never be forgotten and your message will always inspire greatness in the lives that you’ve touched. Just like you all are able to see the true essence of who we are, we are now able to see it for ourselves and recognize it in others just as you do. Thank you all for being the message that you bring and for being a real inspiration to so many that is now able to see the path of wisdom.

Judge Vera Massey Jones’ 2012 order to resentence Cortez Davis.

SOJOURNER TRUTH

Southern state rejects Moore’s support of slavery as well as his attacks on women

During slavery, sexual assaults on women, especially Black women, were hailed as part of white supremacy

BY CORTEZ DAVIS EL

VOD Staff Writer

December 14, 2017

Cortez Davis-El

Tuesday December 12, 2017 marks a very important and historical moment in America’s Democracy. Why was the special election in Alabama so important and what does it mean for the rest of the country?

Alabama Senate Candidate Roy Moore was accused of sexually assaulting at least two young girls years ago as an Alabama District Attorney. In spite of these allegations Roy Moore continued to pursue a seat in the U.S. Senate.

One of the things that people in the urban communities were frowning upon aside from the sexual allegations are the remarks made by Moore that America was at it’s greatest during the time of slavery.

During that dark period in our history, sexual assaults were common practices among the so called elite, women did not have a voice, and bigotry was readily accepted. Those times are meant to be a thing of the past and the citizens of Alabama, the fifth most Republican state in the Union rejected the back peddling offered by Moore.

The rejection of Moore is an important move because Alabama rejected making Americans that find love with people of the same gender live in fear of prosecution.

Alabama rejected the notion that Muslims should not be allowed the privilege of holding office simply due to the fact that they can’t be sworn in with a Christian Bible.

Failed Senate candidate Roy Moore

A rejection of Judge Roy Moore was a rejection of the government making decisions that affects a woman’s right to choose what is right for her without fear of persecution from people that want to control her body. Nothing in this world is more important than women and children and Alabama has made that abundantly clear. No matter who the woman or child is, they should always feel the safest when there are men around.

If you are trying to relive the moments when America was at it’s greatest, then it is time for us to go back to the time when men protected and defended the honor of women and children. If there was never a time when America did that, then maybe it’s time to create that environment and teach the young boys how to be men that are respectful of women.

Now that Alabama has rejected so much with the electing of a Democrat for the first time in two and a half decades, the rest of the country should follow that example in the 2018 mid-term election. Everyone that is in office that supported a candidate that was accused of sexually assaulting a woman or child should meet the same fate as Judge Roy Moore.

America should make it crystal clear that sexual abuse will not be tolerated in our society or in our elected officials. If you are a supporter of someone like Moore or Trump and you defend them by shaming their accusers, then speaking for the people is something that you are not qualified to do. You should be repealed and replaced with someone that will not tolerate sexual assaults nor side with the abusers. This was truly an election for women and with any luck, the rest of America will follow the example in 2018.

Maps courtesy of Quartz Magazine

Killer cop Michael Slager stands over the body of unarmed father Walter Scott, 50, after traffic stop for defective tail-light April 4, 2015.

By Danette L Chavis – National Action Against Police Murder!!

Dec 8, 2017 — Ex-police officer Michael Slager was sentenced to 20 years in prison, plus two years of supervision after his release, by U.S. District Judge David Norton. The sentence comes two years after the fatal shooting of Walter Scott, who was running away from police after being stopped for a broken tail light. The officer had claimed that Mr. Scott had taken control of his taser and that he “feared for his life”. But the video which recorded the shooting shows Mr. Scott running away from police and being fired upon, striking him 5 times including 3 in the back. The officer then handcuffs him as he lay there bleeding.

The officer who had been trained against the use of lethal force, not only murdered the father of four as he was running away from him, but lied accusing the victim of taking control of his taser and “fearing for his life”. Then he stood before the judge and the victim’s family in court and claimed that he wished that he could “go back in time and change the events” calling it “a very tragic situation” – not an outright murder he himself committed! He claimed to be “taking responsibility for the actions of April 4th 2015” without claiming he himself caused it, or admitting that lies that were told in an attempt to justify those actions after they had been taken. But all the same expects some leniency for the “guilty” plea he’s entered into court.

Michael Slager; Walter Scott

The truth is, his pleading “guilty” to violating Walter Scotts civil rights, was agreed to in exchange for state prosecutors “dropping their case” against him after the murder trial ended in a hung jury – for which if he was convicted could result in 30 years in prison.

So he pleads guilty at the federal level regarding a civil rights violation and receives 20 years instead. The family of Walter Scott calls it justice and say that history has been made concerning it. I see a “repeated” history, one of cops murdering the unarmed, lying about it, and a system that aids them in avoiding the penalty rightfully owed!

Sign Petition to U.S. Justice Department now! 

Click on: https://www.change.org/p/national-action-against-police-brutality-and-murder

KILLER COPS RARELY CONVICTED WHILE LIFE SENTENCES SKYROCKET FOR OTHERS

The number of people serving life in U.S. prisons at an all-time high

Two-thirds are people of color; 12,000 are juvenile lifers

From Sentencing Times, a publication of the Sentencing Project

Fall, 2017

As outlined in our report May 3, 2017, “Still Life: America’s Increasing Use of Life and Long-Term Sentences,”  206,000 people were serving life with parole, life without parole, or “virtual life” sentences of 50 years or more in 2016—one of every seven people in prison. Two-thirds of these serving life are people of color. 

For full report, see http://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/still-life-americas-increasing-use-life-long-term-sentences/

The number of people serving life is nearly five times the figure in 1984 despite evidence that continuing to incarcerate those who have “aged out” of their crime-prone years is ineffective in promoting public safety. The expansion is an outgrowth of “get tough” crime policies that characterized sentencing policy in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

Along with the spread of mandatory sentencing, Report author Ashley Nellis found that while the majority of people serving life sentences were convicted of murder, the punishment is not reserved for the “worst of the worst.” Over 17,000 people convicted of non-violent offenses are serving life or virtual life sentences, and 12,000 people were under 18 at the time of their crime, when they were still maturing into adulthood.

These figures come at a moment when calls to end mass incarceration abound throughout the nation. Yet the increasing use of life imprisonment suggests that substantial reductions in incarceration will be limited unless policymakers address the punishments at the deep end of the system for crimes that include violence, along with the more politically palatable offenses involving drugs.

In a second report, “Delaying a Second Chance: the Declining Prospects for Parole on Life Sentences,” research analyst Nazgol Ghandnoosh reveals just how elusive parole has become for eligible lifers. Based on a national survey with responses from 31 states and the federal government, this analysis found a variety of policy choices and practices that have caused paroled lifers to serve much longer prison sentences than their counterparts in the past.

(Full report at http://www.sentencingproject.org/publications/delaying-second-chance-declining-prospects-parole-life-sentences/.)

Life in prison means death in prison.

Specifically, in eight jurisdictions for which data are available since the 1980’s, average time served by lifers with murder convictions doubled from 11.6 years for those paroled in the 1980’s to 23.2 years for those paroled between 2000 and 2013.

In a supplemental document, Grandnoosh reports on how these patterns are echoed in other states, and identifies specific policy changes that have contributed to the increase in time served.

“Delaying a Second Chance” identifies factors producing longer prison terms for parole-eligible lifers:

• Gubernatorial authority: Governors in some states have appointed parole board members committed to reducing parole grants and limiting parole boards’ decision-making authority.
• Parole board procedures: Most states afford only limited rights to incarcerated individuals during parole hearings.

Elderly, infirm Michigan prisoners

The Sentencing Project’s research on life sentences concludes that unnecessarily long prison terms are costly and impede public investments in effective crime prevention, drug treatment, and other rehabilitative programs that produce healthier and safer communities.

The Sentencing Project’s research on life sentences concludes that unnecessarily long prison terms are costly and impede public investments in effective crime prevention, drug treatment, and other rehabilitative programs that produce healthier and safer communities.

Prisoners in Lakeland Correctional Facility yard. Charles Lewis has spent 41 years since the age of 17 in this and other Michigan prisons for a crime he did not commit.

Why are Charles Lewis and 246 other juvenile lifers being held for re-sentencing to life without parole, violating U.S. Supreme Court ruling?

Pros. Kym Worthy recommended that Gregory Darren Greene, killer of his four children/stepchildren, and previous wife, serve 45-100 years

BY CHARLES LEWIS

November 30, 2017

Charles Lewis today, 58

Charles Lewis at 17

In June of 2012 the United States Supreme Court in Miller v Alabama ruled that life without the possibility of parole for those under eighteen was cruel and unusual punishment and unconstitutional.

On October 17, 2012, Third Judicial Circuit Court Judge Edward Ewell Jr. ruled in People v Charles Lewis that Miller should be applied retroactively. Wayne County Prosecutor, Kym Worthy, waited six months then filed an out of time interlocutory appeal in the Michigan Court of Appeals to block my resentencing. We appealed all the way to the United States Supreme Court and won.

In Lewis v Michigan the US Supreme Court reversed the Michigan Supreme Court. The Michigan Supreme Court reversed the decision of the Michigan Court of Appeals and remanded my case to the trial court for resentencing.

On remand to the trial court my case was mysteriously reassigned to Judge Qiana Denise Lillard. Judge Lillard wasn’t born when I got arrested August 1, 1976. No reason was given for taking the case off of Judge Edward Ewell Jr.’s docket and placing the case on Judge Qiana Denise Lillard’s docket.

Wayne Co. Circuit Court Judge Edward Ewell, Jr.

Judge Qiana Lillard at party/Lillard Facebook 

It should be noted that Judge Edward Ewell Jr was the first Judge in the country to acknowledge and comply with Miller v Alabama.

On October 17, 2012 when Judge Edward Ewell Jr, granted my motion for resentencing Judge Qiana Denise Lillard was an assistant Wayne County Prosecutor. How does a criminal case get reassigned to an ex-prosecutor turned Judge? If you find the answer to that mystery let me know.

Judge Qiana Lillard’s reassignment to my case was a direct violation of MCR 2.003. Can a judge that worked as a prosecutor while your case was being prosecuted be fair and impartial? That is like asking can a fox guard a chicken coop? Kym Worthy requested life without parole for me, Charles Lewis. I’m presently fifty eight years old and I’ve been locked up forty one years. Her reasons for asking for life without parole are unclear. Kym Worthy has never said exactly why she has recommended life without parole for me.

However, Kym Worthy recommended 45 to 100 years for Gregory Darren Green. Gregory Darren Green is currently serving 45 to 100 years for the brutal murder of four children. Gregory Darren Green tied up two small children and gassed them to death. Then he tied up two teenagers and tortured their mother in front of them. He then shot them to death in front of their mother.

Pros. Kym Worthy

Gregory Darren Greene

I forgot to mention that Gregory Darren Green as an adult killed his first wife and went to prison. He committed his last four murders after he was released from prison. Kym Worthy recommended 45 to 100 years for Gregory Darren Green’s fifth murder as an adult.

Here is the contrast between Charles Lewis and Gregory Darren Green.

Forty one years ago I was charged and convicted of committing a murder during an attempted robbery. Fifteen year old Jeffrey Mulligan, sixteen year old Mark Kennedy and sixteen year old Ronald Pettway were all granted immunity from prosecution to testify against me. The three juveniles testified that I shot and killed an off duty police officer during an attempted robbery because I thought that he was reaching for a gun.

Chadney Allen, 19, and Kara Allen, 17, and Koi Green, 5, and sister Kaleigh Green, 4, killed by Gregory Green/Family photos

The slain off duty police officer’s partner testified that he was talking to his partner when he was shot and killed by Leslie Nathaniel. Also, five college students testified that they witnessed the fatal shot that killed the deceased come from Leslie Nathaniel’s white Mark IV.

I recently had a bond hearing. At the hearing Assistant Wayne County Prosecutor Thomas Dawson said that I didn’t show any remorse for what I did. I silently wondered to myself if he had any idea why I was locked up. Kym Worthy has recommended life without parole for me because I filed a motion for a sentence that complies with Miller.

In contrast Gregory Darren Green was offered less time for his fifth murder than Kym Worthy offered me, a juvenile lifer. Today two Black women stand between me and freedom, Qiana Denise Lillard and her suspected aunt/ex boss, Kym Worthy stand between me and freedom.

Wayne County juvenile lifers; Worthy has recommended LWOP for that 67 of them.

Shawn T. Blanchard speaks at Think Tank Bookclub and Workshop

Author of ‘How ‘Bout That for a Crack Baby: Keys to Mentoring and Success’

Cortez Davis El

BY CORTEZ DAVIS EL
VOD Staff Writer

November 28, 2017

Reform for the incarcerated comes from two unlikely sources, prisoners Jose Burgos and Doug Little, while Michigan is still debating what reform will look like in the days, months, and years to come. Those that need reform to take shape are held in limbo due to a power struggle among the so called elite on capitol hill. Everyone claims to have the answer to the problems, but nothing is getting done because there are a lot of big I’s and little U’s. Everyone wants to be in charge and no one wants to follow, so nothing gets done. However, that’s where Doug and Jose come into action.

Doug Little and Jose Burgos co-founded The Think Tank Bookclub and Workshop. This program is designed to promote reading and critical thinking among those that will one day return to society. The men mentor one another as a representation of positive reinforcement which is something that all people need in their lives. While the program is fairly new to the Thumb Correctional Facility, it has already gained the attention of an author of one of the books explored in the program.

Jose Burgos

Doug Little

Doug Little introduced the book “HOW ‘BOUT THAT FOR A “CRACK BABY “ by Shawn T. Blanchard to the group of men involved in the program. The book was an eye opener for many as it showcased the struggles of someone that ultimately turned his obstacles into opportunity that led to success. All that read the book were able to see themselves in it and take from the life of the author a new found outlook moving forward.

To have Shawn T. Blanchard, author, business man, mentor, community leader, and a rising star in the political arena take the time to share his life with the public is humbling to say the least. However, much more than that was done for the men at the Thumb Correctional Facility. The founders of the Think Tank Bookclub and Workshop, led by Doug Little reached out to the rising star Shawn T. Blanchard and invited him to come speak to the entire prison population. Setting himself apart from the norms of public life, Mr. Blanchard accepted the invitation and touched the lives of all that attended the event.

The goals are always to spark an interest in education and self improvement. With the help of all involved the goals were met with the added bonus of raising the self esteem of those that suffer from mental slavery and a lack of self acceptance. A big thank you is due to Doug Little and Jose Burgos for creating the learning and growing environment and to the great Shawn T. Blanchard for being the face of what life can be for those that are willing to sacrifice the street life for hard work and true respect.

While many prisoners are waiting on a miracle from Lansing and prison officials, men like Doug and Jose know that miracles from career politicians may not ever come. It is the prisoners themselves that are returning to the communities and therefore it is their responsibility to champion the transformation that is needed to be successful upon release. Reform at the Thumb Correctional Facility is being pushed by prisoners for prisoners and Doug Little, Jose Burgos and many others are at the forefront of making a difference for the good of society and humanity as a whole.

Each one teach one is the mindset of the men that want to close the revolving doors to prison and with the help of leaders like Doug Little, Jose Burgos, Shawn T. Blanchard and many others that have survived the struggles of horrible lives, people in prison can restore the concept of rehabilitation and use their time to better themselves and their environment. We will not wait for help to come because we are who we are waiting on. Doug Little, Jose Burgos and many others are perfect examples of what the system can do when the people in it want to transform themselves and the people around them.

Related VOD articles by Cortez Davis-El:

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2017/05/09/cruel-unusual-juvenile-sentences-continue-cortez-davis-gets-25-60-not-legal-10-40-yrs/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2017/07/07/real-men-help-children-overcome-recklessness-and-other-problems/

http://voiceofdetroit.net/2016/09/27/mich-citizens-support-2nd-chances-for-juvenile-lifers-state-county-prosecutors-induce-fear/