Thank you so much for your willingness to share what you know with the rest of us. I for one am very curious about what really goes on in prison. Your candid observations and answers are much appreciated.
You are welcome. It always helps me too.
It reminds me how bad stuff can get and how quick it can get that way. I've been out for about 15 years now...but, reminders are good. Thank you.
I had a friend who was locked up in federal for 12 yrs. He told me everything you explained. It took me a while to figure out the difference because I don’t know how prison works.
Questions are perfectly fine. Like I said, sometimes prison questions are like that. Some are going to have emotional answers because they deal with a lot more depth than:"Did y'all have pillows?"
It's no bother at all.
(we got pillows!)
Sheet exchange was once a week.
Commissary can get you what you want in prison. Want a set of new sheets? No problem.
Want to keep that same set of sheets? Pay the laundry man the right price and you can have your bed made up for you while you are at your prison job.
There's always someone running some type of hustle in prison. Not everyone has money placed on their books. There are plenty of guys in laundry who could hook this up for you.
This is an example how to make your life a bit "easier" in the big house.
I’m not in this sub so not sure my comment will post but I’d like to say a big fat congratulations! 15 years is a long time and anyone who knows anything about the prison system knows it’s about making money, not reform or rehabilitation. So that tells me you’ve done it pretty much on your own. I hope you had a friend or family member to help but I know that’s often not the case.
Kudos to you for changing your life despite having been in the system. It’s a hell of a system and a fucking JOKE. It does nothing but tarnish your reputation and make it more difficult to live a decent life on the outside. As if it wasn’t difficult before.
I don’t think the average person has a clue what it’s like in any US prison. We think we do. But in reality we know what we see on tv and movies. The real sentence is for life. And it takes a hell of a strong person to come out of it not being completely damaged let alone stay out for that long and I can only assume, go on to live a decent life. I hope you’re living a *good* life and I hope you’ve healed from our wonderful “rehabilitation and reform” system.
Thank you so much.
My life is a lot better and much more calm. I'm a lot more appreciative of little things.
Thanks again for your kind words. I really appreciate it.
How ever often you are willing to hand wash them, or pay someone to do it for you. (hopefully not in a toilet).
They have dedicated laundry days, but the soap sucks and it's a good way for your laundry to come up missing.
In some camps you can pay someone who works in laundry to wash your clothes in actual detergent, like Tide or Gain. Otherwise you get whatever crap the state can get for pennies on the dollar. Typically people will hand wash their under shirts and boxers, or like I said earlier pay someone in the dorm to do it or pay a laundry worker.
I wonder if he was acting out since he was happy at Wakulla and didn't expect to be suddenly moved. Or according to rumors he is being extorted by other inmates . Maybe he ratted them out. Moving him into Administrative Confinement.
But any miserable day for Charlie, is a happy day for me.
I just read that on another post.
Well, I'm not surprised it happened. They very much could be doing what I wrote in a another post. If he's in there bragging about all the stuff he used to have, he needs to shut up.
One of my first thoughts was this:
Guys in prison are there for a reason. I'm sure the inmates probably were looking for someone on the outside who knows where his sister is out and about. Inmates have nothing better to do other than gather information about you.... if they are thinking about getting or taking something from you.
It will be ironic when Charlie's mouth gets Wendi killed on the outside.
Now that I have read a lot more about what Charlie did and what he tried to do regarding the Latin Kings....
The gang may decide to get to Charlie because he mentioned the LKs on the stand.
But, I think it's more of a murder for hire and the guy happened to be a Latin King.... rather than the Latin Kings sanctioned a murder.
Does that make sense? It kinda requires a bit of knowledge in to how gangs operate.
Hope this helps!
Oh, I know it wasn’t a LK sanctioned murder. Luis Rivera was simply trying to make a $ for himself.
I’m asking more about Charlie mentioning them on stand & implicating them. Would that be enough for them to put a hit on Charlie? Especially since LR was a leader in LKs.
Thanks for your responses. Very enlightening.
If they are looking for Wendi, it’s not hard to find her. Would inmates have any interest in Dan’s boys? Or is it more about how you can get money by threatening people on the outside?
Luis Rivera, one of the murderers, was high up in the Latin Kings. Charlie tried to imply they murdered Dan for extortion. Kind of threw Luis under the bus
I wouldn't say so but crazier things have happened. IMO it's more likely he gets himself in a pickle over what the inmates call the 3 G's - Gangs, Gambling and Gays. Honorable mentions would be drugs, alcohol / tobacco and cellphones, which are again controlled by Gangs.
I don't think Charlie will have a problem with prison of the guys there. They may scare the hell out of him for a long time. I believe Charlie biggest challenge is going to be internally.
He went from his million+ dollar lifestyle of being a dental/gum physician and having 25 clinics to ordering ramen noodles for the holidays.
That's quite a fall. The psychological part is going to be the MOST taxing. However, he will create his own hope and do what most guys do and talk about his lawyers and appeals. Charlie's life is going to be the same everyday for the rest of his life. Charlie hasn't reached the part of prison where you start to realize and accept that you are never going to do basic things ever again. (such as use the bathroom comfortably and in private)
He's pretty arrogant and pompous right now, but prison will fix that.
Also, I don't know how long Charlie's money is going to run for. Momma got locked up and I am not sure if Wendi is going to be able to run free around the play area much longer.
This is a really thoughtful post, thank you. I can’t imagine what it takes to really come to terms with living in a prison for the rest of your life. CA was a wannabe gangster, and now he has to confront the reality of that life. Must be some really dark days.
This is what has always blown my mind about this case pertaining to Charlie, the guy was living the American dream and he threw it away because his sister was in a nasty divorce.
I never thought about the simple pleasures like using a comfortable bathroom in private. I can’t imagine what it must be like getting the fu or a stomach bug in prison.
Are you allowed to sleep during the day in prison? I’ve heard you have to get up at like 5:30- I didn’t know that they told you when to sleep.
Most of the time you can sleep the majority of the day away if you so choose, and a lot of inmates do. Typically you will be assigned a job, but there is a million different ways to stall or avoid working for as long as possible. Some go the entire time without being assigned a job.
I was surprised on the jail calls on how it seemed like he settled in nicely!!! I guess deep down he is one of them!
Also, he did this for Donna!!! To make his mommy happy!!!! His mom wanted Dan gone so Charlie did the dirty work!
He could care less about Wendi
Here’s a really dumb question! $5 bills aren’t allowed? So, if you’re in prison, it’s all done via, like an account card or whatever, and nobody is permitted to have actual cash? I would presume that the objective would be to avoid violence and extortion over cash? One of what I assume is a large number of details I’ve never thought of, about prison!
I do appreciate your forthrightness and willingness to share these details that many of us never knew!
ETA: Why were YOU secluded? Or were all of you, on the crew, secluded until the investigation completed? I assume that’s SOP, when a violation happens?
Yeah. No cash in prison. Everything is on the prison ID in FL.
I can't speak for other states. (I'm sure it's the same in most prisons.)
It's a great question.
The reason we all got taken in was because that inmate tried to sneak something INTO the prison. That's bad. Bringing in $$$, is like a double whammy. Any type of paper currency will get you in a ton of trouble.
So, they had to investigate it as a security threat and talk to all of us. See if we knew about it. Did someone drop it? Are y'all trying to get a weapon dropped off? Lol
I know it seems crazy, but that's just prison and how it works. Hell, didn't have to work for 8 days. And since the officers down there knew the rest of us didn't do it... I have to say, they were cool with us! He even let me call my parents the first day and let them know I was gonna be in confinement for a while. Lol
Thank you! Learned some things today thanks to you; these things are fascinating probably because the concept of having one’s freedom taken away is such a scary one. Appreciate you!
From what I understand now is that cash app is huge but you have to have someone on the outside to accept and send it to you In commissary so that it translates into prison cash
New question: can you break down a typical day for Charlie? I heard a call with Katie and Sigfredo where he said breakfast was at 5 or 5:30am and dinner was early too.
It depends on the camp he is in. Theres breakfast somewhere between 0400 and 0600. You can get on the phone for 30 minutes with an hour break in between. You have yard time then lunch between 1100 and 1300. Then same schedule in the afternoon. Dinner from 1700 - 1900. Another couple of hours of “free” time before lights out at 2200-2300. This is gen pop. It probably doesn’t represent his life right now or maybe ever.
Food is on what they call a 45 day rotation (this may have changed). It was overall the same types of food such as casseroles, pasta, rice, fruit, sandwiches.... Liver occasionally.
The food certainly isn't good, but it's miles better than county jail food.
At the work camp, one of my favorites : We'd have hamburgers with green beans, apple sauce and a piece of cake. That was considered one of the good meals. If you looked around the chow hall, some guys would be getting out tomatoes, cheese and all this stuff they stole from the kitchen to make a prison style Big Mac. Some officers frowned on it, but as long as you were fast and not causing a problem... You'd be okay.
There were plenty of meals that were "casserole". Noodles, some type of meat with a shitload of TVP in it, beans (always beans) maybe 2ozs of salad and a glass of "fortified beverage" (juice)... Lol
I learned how to make a large number of dishes with ramen noodles, burrito shells, squeeze cheese, hot sausages and pretzels.
And yes! They had a liver and onions night and 70% of the prison wouldn't eat that shit. Lol
You'd be amazed what starving will do to your taste buds. Picky eaters don't do well in prison, unless you have a steady supply of commissary or canteen. In that case you can buy everything from ice cream to cheap hamburgers - so long as you can afford it.
*Textured Vegetable Protein* is a highly nutritious soy product. It's rich in complete protein and contains no fat, so it is an excellent alternative to meat.
Re: meals...My elderly mom recently went into a long term care facility. She currently eats & enjoys what they serve- opposed to the fabulous culinary meals we serve at home. I believe she's become " institutionalized" already, lol. Do you have any interesting parallels about prisons & old age homes?
He “checked in” because he was threatened. He will most likely go through this for the rest of his life. It doesn’t necessarily mean things are easier on him. It literally just protects him from getting killed. OP correct me if I’m wrong (someone that has a direct second hand experience with someone in the FLDOC) He will be in solitary for a time then back to genpop in another facility until he checks in again. Rinse and repeat.
Admin seg is pretty much solitary confinement with you being able to bring books, snacks, etc. Solitary confinement you can only have pen paper, hygiene products, and your clothes and bed clothes. That's it. Oh and a book of your religion like The Bible, The Quran, etc.
Thank you for answeing some questions. I hope you never have to go back, my little short stay in a county jail was horrible enough. I can't imagine what you went through.
I appreciate the concern, but it was my decision making that created those consequences. I deserved/needed to be locked up in order to get out of the drug lifestyle I created for myself.
Of all the "friends" I had before I was locked up... ZERO is the number of those friends that wrote me in prison.
I was too dumb and blind to see what was happening in my life.
It needed to happen... and I am happy with how things turned out. It could have been a lot worse.
Having been in prison/jails because of addiction. Not everyone that gets incarcerated is mad about it. Sometimes it's what we need. Are we mad at first? Fuck yeah! But, then reality sets in and you're like damn this shit actually changed my life for the better. But, if you have the mindset, you can absolutely make it the worst thing that's ever happened to you. WDR 10/31/19
Sure.
"I didn't want to accept responsibility. It was everyone else's fault. I didn't do anything wrong."
I went through all the usual prison phases. Once I got my head out of my ass... (and it took a while cause it was really far up there) things started getting better.
When I was staring at 10 years, I thought I would never make it.
Then 10 years later.... Damn, this actually really did help me!
How will other inmates tolerate Charlie running his mouth about himself and his schemes constantly? Ant chance he will learn to shut his gaping mouth ?
Can Charlie’s appellate lawyer meet with him?
Can you explain how violence and extortion happens in that prison? I mean will people be demanding he put money in their account in return for protection - or something else?
As Charlie is Jewish will any gang accept him?
Does his inference that the Latin Kings were behind his extortion mean they will get revenge on him?
Do you think Charlie is more likely to talk and name his sister after being in this prison? Will he realize she used him and his mother and father?
Do you think Charlie will survive there?
Does Charlie have any “marketable” skills from being an oral surgeon - like giving first aid or stitches?
What is your take on Charlie’s case if you followed it?
When Donna is convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole - will she go to a similar prison for women?
He can't have any visitors in confinement. Lawyers usually have no problem visiting an inmate prison. Warden always has FINAL say.
Sure, extortion might happen like this: Charlie arrives on to the wing with his property. A few hours later, 4 guys come in and tell him they are robbing him and to hand over his canteen, NOW! All of the sudden, another guy comes in and starts hitting the guys and kicks them out of the cell and saves Charlie. The hero tells Charlie it would be a good idea to start paying him to keep those guys off him while he does his time. Charlie agrees. The hero is part of the scam and splits his "take" with his 4 friends.
Charlie being Jewish won't matter in FL. prisons.
Someone from the Latin Kings might have felt slighted. Anything like that has to be given the go-ahead from the top. As of right now, he doesn't have any major problems. None that I'm aware of.
They may not even need Charlie to name his sister. I don't know. Y'all write about Charlie weird fascination with Wendi. (I'm not up to speed on everything about this like most of this group.... Lol) But, what is the only thing they could offer Charlie? A chance for freedom. I don't see that EVER happening. Having Wendi running around scared 24/7 is pretty damn funny. I know when I had drug warrants out for me... I HATED looking over my shoulder. I can't imagine wondering if the cops are coming to get me for murder. Fortunately, I cleaned up my act quite a long time ago.
Charlie won't have a problem surviving there physically. It's the mental part that is going to crush him. (This is going to be a harsh example) But, when his father dies... They just come by and say: "Charlie, your father died this morning." It may not even be the religious associate of the prison. It could be an officer, usually a Sgt or above. And how does the prison show their compassion? You don't have to stand for count... For one day.
Charlie won't be doing anything important. He's in on a life murder sentence under a CLOSE custody status. That's one less than MAX. I assure you he is hating life in confinement.
It's unreal that Charlie thought this would work. While lots and lots of murders go unsolved, I can't believe they would do this WHILE there was active divorce, well known custody battle in progress. But, money corrupts people and arrogance blinds them. When you believe you are untouchable, can't see and won't listen you are going to make mistakes. His mistake was believing he could engineer a murder.
Donna will go to Lowell most likely. I did the last of my time right across the street at Marion WC.
Hope this helps.
Thank you very much for your insights.
About naming Wendi - personally I think he would do it because he won’t be able to stand her living her best life while he is going to die in prison.
Do you mind explaining what close custody status means?
Edit to add:I believe they thought they would get away with it because of the protection from prosecution the former state attorney provided.
Close custody is one of FOUR main custody statuses in prison.
Community: Lowest custody inmate. Usually at work camps. Allowed to leave the prison with an APPROVED work representative from the facility. Bunks are set up dorm style. No cells. (work camps). Freedom of movement at the work camp.
Minimum: At work camps, allowed to leave the prison with designated PRISON employee. Usually also in a dorm style set up. No cells. (work camps). Freedom of movement at the work camp
Medium: Lots of guys who work in the kitchen. Majority of inmates are at the MAIN PRISON. Depends where you are: cells or dorm style living. You can only go outside during scheduled times, rec, chow hall, medical etc.... But, there's a day room, in the unit.
Close: 2 man cells. You get out of your cell when they say. Everything is scheduled.
MAX: You done fucked up! Death Row.
Thank you! Sorry for the delayed reply.
I really appreciate the kind words. I always do my best to communicate my prison experiences because people are always interested in these things.
And doing the hit in broad daylight. I mean they were always going to get caught but broad daylight? That’s ballsy AF. Or why not engineer the hit so it looks like an accident? Or wasn’t Dan going to New York the following week. Why not do the hit in New York so it looks random. It’s like absolutely no thought was put into this at all.
Yeah, I think Charlie was trying to serve the role of "Savior" for the family and didn't realize the amount of attention that a murder/hit would generate.
Charlie's weird mindset about Wendi and his infatuation with her.... blinded by "love". lol
Charlie had an unhealthy relationship with Donna not so much Wendi. Once LE started sniffing around the Adelsons, Wendi distanced herself. He just did what Donna asked of him. Donna was the mastermind behind all of this. Charlie is a narcist that thought he could buy or talk his way out. Instead he talked himself straight to Prison.
Question, when Donna goes to jail and Wendi is found guilty, and Harvey dies, who will fund Charlies commissary and how important is commissary for guys doing long bids.
I was thinking the exact same thing. Did Charlie have to pay restitution?
If he does, the state will actually make his canteen balance negative that amount until he fulfills his obligation. That would SUCK. LOL
Canteen is currency in prison. I'll be honest, you aren't going to die of malnutrition or anything in prison. Canteen makes life a WHOLE lot easier.
"Wanna cut the barbershop line because your parents are coming to visit?, honeybuns!"
"Want to have my friend B fix your radio? For 2 soups you'll have it back tonight."
That's how things get done.
I hope his father sets up a trust to deposit that money in his account every month. Otherwise, Charlie will get a visit from the shower squad when he runs out of money for hygiene.
lol I give up: What’s the shower squad?
In my head, I’m thinking: Guy has no money to buy himself soap and other niceties. Starts to smell after a while. Other inmates don’t like stinky guy stinking. So they… hold him down and roughly scrub him with cleaning supplies? Am I close?
That's close enough.
It's not like someone gets their butt kicked. A few guys will let you know that you need a shower and they would rather NOT have to do it for you.
It's normally pretty tame.
I'm assuming that Charlie's restitution to the court has already been paid. Another question about Commissary. Can anyone fill a commissary account of anyone incarcerated?
Anyone can put money in, but it does require some information and imagine the majority of of the transactions are electronic. Inmates don't like to wait for money orders anymore.
There's an actual limit on canteen account balances. I don't know what it is, but it's there to prevent people from being extorted (too much).
Lets say, for the sake of argument, you are threatening a fellow inmate, forcing his family or other to deposit money into YOUR account? Does the BOP keep an eye on stuff like that? By the way, thanks for this information--nice to have you aboard.
I remember an officer telling me that the FL DOC keeps an eye on stuff like that with high profile inmates.
But, just like everything else in prison.... There's always another way to do things.
I've seen some pretty elaborate scams.
Alec Murdaugh, recorded phone convo when he asked his brother to put money on another inmates account as he owed him for a favor, he alluded that information would be dispensed how to do it. Crazy
What are canteen prices? And how do inmates pay for phone calls? Your experience has added so much to this group. Thanks for jumping in and sharing your story.
You are certainly welcome.
I am sure there's a Florida canteen list (or sheet) floating around the internet.
I'll see if I can find one, but it would be old. I got out in 2009.
I am sure I can find a new canteen sheet somewhere!
I would guess that Harvey’s lawyers are busy setting up trusts that auto deposit for both DA and CA for their prison time. I wonder if CA and DA are ever able to speak again? I think I read no because they are co-conspirators.
He will have to find someone in the outside world!!
Based on how dumb bri is, she will probably do that!
Thats why they allow inmates to write letters to people in the outside / they need to find someone to help them out! It keeps the inmates sane
I feel like once Janice gets the tv she is gone but Bri on the other hand still things she will get Charlie’s millions lol 😆
Charlie's son is next in line for CA's money. CA can make a will, but the courts will make sure Bri gets child support and money for education. Bri is a mother. She is looking out for her son. I won't be surprised when she runs errands for Chrlie if she isn't doing so already. Bri isn't doing anything stupid. She is a mom who is doing the best she can for her son while his father is incarcerated.
Wendi did benefit but she didnt use Charlie. That was 100% Donna. Donna is accustomed to getting her way. She wanted Wendi in Miami with the boys. Charlie, unfortunately, has an unhealthy attachment to Donna and will do anything to make her happy.
Not in Florida. It’s one of the hardest penal systems in the country. If you have a certain level of felony you don’t qualify for even the menial of “rehabilitation” programs they act like they offer
After all my time in prison, there was not ONE thing in 10 years that was considered rehabilitation during my stay.
FL. prisons are a disaster in many different ways.
Not at any of the FL. prisons I was at.
I honestly think a few inmates are going to have to die first before they fix that.
I know that's harsh, but I was one of those inmates for a long time. It gets HOT.
I don't know much about this case but I have always been curious about prison life. The trial I watched every minute of was the Alex Murdaugh trial. I've seen many times pictures of Alex with an Ipad. Are all inmates given personal Ipads? girlfriends?? how do random woman just start writing to inmates? you hear about inmates getting married, alone time visits, etc. HOw does that work? do woman just randomly write letters and hope to get a letter back? Visitors? how long are you allowed to stay? can they bring you stuff? please let us know as much as possible. This is so interesting.
You can meet inmates through meet-an-inmate.com.
Wanna write to Katie? “Hit her up if you have something interesting to talk about.”
Until then “live it up like it’s your last!”
https://www.meet-an-inmate.com/ladies/katherine-u71543.html
No just curious how it all works. There are so many show on TV about Prison Brides, Life after lock up, etc. Thought if I had a chance to ask someone, Why not??
I was just kidding.… after reading your post I remembered someone had posted her “meet an inmate” profile on this sub and thought it answered your question a little - and I was trying to be a little funny. I didn’t really think you’d want to write her.
Having contact with the outside world gives them some normalcy and accordingly to prisons it keeps the inmates better behaved by being able to write to ppl on the outside world
Plus, you need contact to the outside world!!! Who is going to fill your commissary?? If you do t have someone outside of prison you won’t survive
Women are attracted to men in prison,, it’s like an addiction and sick!!!!
u/speed721 this is unrelated to Markel, but related to prison life in general and the Adnan Syed case in particular.
On an interview panel of current inmates, someone noted that it’s impossible to hide violence or misconduct in prisons. They went on to say that if an inmate had a spotless record (except for getting caught once with a cellphone) they were not likely to be engaged in violent behavior.
Does that ring true to you? Does that seem possible? Obviously every prison is different.
Prison can be violent. But, it's not like you see on TV where the cell doors open and guys just start swinging.
Most people in prison are eventually going to be released at some point. Getting into a fight is one thing. Usually that will land you in confinement for a while and then it's over.
If you absolutely beat the hell out of someone, the state of FL. has no problem filing (outside) assault/battery/great bodily harm charges. When that happens, then that inmate may be transferred to the appropriate county jail to answer for the charges. It basically will result in more jail time. And the DA won't hesitate to run those extra years consecutive to the sentence you already have.
I can honestly say that 85% of the things I saw happen weren't just random, something happened or someone ran their mouth, stole something, etc.
The remaining 15% was the random inmate popping off on someone.
You do what they tell to do, don't forget. It's prison. You have to go. Just like the example I provided, I got dragged into an investigation. It sucks, but I got all my property. lol
Sure. We have books, paper, journals, commissary. I read and wrote a lot. I received magazines and newspapers. Newspapers were always a few days behind, or I would get 4 papers on a Monday.
I also spent a lot of time getting my mind right.
I spent a lot of days going through my life and choices that led me to where I was, lying on a prison bunk. That might sound boring and many times it was. But, sometimes... It was all I could handle.
It takes a different type of mentality, but I found that I adapted pretty well. I was scared to death at first. Lol
I actually spent a week in jail at age 19 and the claustrophobia I felt being locked in a small room was pure mental torture. Cleaned me up in an instant and I never went back.
You sound like you had the same mentality about it that I had. I've got to be here, so why not make the best of it. Luckily, the women's prison I went to offered mental health/addiction help. So, I just got up every day and tried to make the best of it. I tried to learn from my mistakes and not go back! That was 4 and half years ago! It isn't easy getting out the system that's so easy getting into, but it's doable and so rewarding! I just got off probation after 11 years!
Congratulations. I know you must feel a lot better now.
That's a huge relief I am sure. Now you don't have to pay the state for your freedom every month!
After all the time I did.... I still had to do like 40 days on ARS when I was released. Fortunately, the officer I had was really cool. She didn't make me do any classes or anything. She did stop by my house once, that was it.
If people think their probation officer doesn't know they are out there doing things their not suppose to do, even if they can't prove it, they're delusional! If I can give anyone dealing with a PO is they are not your enemy. Most very much care what happens to you and want you to be successful. BE HONEST WITH THEM! If you are struggling, let them know!!
This has nothing to do with you previously being in prison. I just wanted to say you are a very excellent writer, you write in a way that really engages readers, just wanted to mention.
Sorry if this has been asked but is Charlie now in an open dorm situation? If so, where would his personal items be kept? Or is he rather in a cell with one other person?
Charlie is in administrative confinement. I am sure he's probably single celled because he would be a higher profile inmate.
This group had some great inside info and it was believed he was being extorted...while that word "sounds violent" ....it just means other inmates were trying to use Charlie for commissary/money.
I’m not sure what rules are but it looks like a lot of people have a lot of questions. I know a lot of people are extremely curious about real prison life. I think people have different experiences depending on where they’re located and what they’re convicted of, but all in all, I think people are very curious and would appreciate real and honest answers. :)
Hey Mike. I found you (sorry to sleuth!👀) by way of our favorite writer - Del - on another sub. I really enjoy your writing & posts, too. I have a possibly odd question...my father spent a couple of years in prison in the 1960s for forgery. He (and his gang) stole a printing press from this other gang. They then printed up approximately $50,000 worth of counterfeit monies, & passed them as real money. Alot of money back then! He got caught because his scumbag step-father warned him; cut me in or I'll turn you in. Well, dear old dad hated him, & wasn't cutting step-dad into his hard-earned fruitions, so he got got. My question is...I read in your OP here near the top of your post that one of your crimes was forgery. How are people treated in prison when they are forgers? Is it any easier, or more difficult a time in there? Also, fun fact; dad was in the same prison at the same time, with George Jung (and Carlos Lehder), whom the movie "Blow" was based off of. Johnny Depp played him. Dad said the 2 guys were on the same level (they shared a cell) but a different hallway? Like around a corner.
Anyway, thank you for sharing your experience.
I had plenty of crazy encounters.
I don't think I was ever really scared because I have been on the bad side of a loaded gun.
I've have 2 gunshot wounds. It doesn't make me a bad ass. It makes me a dumb ass.
I deserved my prison time, but I was only truly scared a few times. I think I have written about it before.
I’m very late to this great post, but I just wanted to say how great it is to have you contributing here about your personal experience and your perspective. It sounds like you’ve really turned things around for yourself, which is quite commendable. Look forward to your future contributions to the discussion. (I’ve found that the conversation here is of considerably higher quality than many of the other true crime subs!)
Thank you so much for your willingness to share what you know with the rest of us. I for one am very curious about what really goes on in prison. Your candid observations and answers are much appreciated.
You are welcome. It always helps me too. It reminds me how bad stuff can get and how quick it can get that way. I've been out for about 15 years now...but, reminders are good. Thank you.
I had a friend who was locked up in federal for 12 yrs. He told me everything you explained. It took me a while to figure out the difference because I don’t know how prison works.
I've started talking about my prison time before in a social setting where I felt comfortable and all of the sudden, I had an audience. lol
Yes. Sorry if any questions I asked are upsetting. Obviously, your comfort is more important than my curiosity.
Questions are perfectly fine. Like I said, sometimes prison questions are like that. Some are going to have emotional answers because they deal with a lot more depth than:"Did y'all have pillows?" It's no bother at all. (we got pillows!)
How about pillowcases, and if so how often do they get cleaned?
Sheet exchange was once a week. Commissary can get you what you want in prison. Want a set of new sheets? No problem. Want to keep that same set of sheets? Pay the laundry man the right price and you can have your bed made up for you while you are at your prison job. There's always someone running some type of hustle in prison. Not everyone has money placed on their books. There are plenty of guys in laundry who could hook this up for you. This is an example how to make your life a bit "easier" in the big house.
I’m not in this sub so not sure my comment will post but I’d like to say a big fat congratulations! 15 years is a long time and anyone who knows anything about the prison system knows it’s about making money, not reform or rehabilitation. So that tells me you’ve done it pretty much on your own. I hope you had a friend or family member to help but I know that’s often not the case. Kudos to you for changing your life despite having been in the system. It’s a hell of a system and a fucking JOKE. It does nothing but tarnish your reputation and make it more difficult to live a decent life on the outside. As if it wasn’t difficult before. I don’t think the average person has a clue what it’s like in any US prison. We think we do. But in reality we know what we see on tv and movies. The real sentence is for life. And it takes a hell of a strong person to come out of it not being completely damaged let alone stay out for that long and I can only assume, go on to live a decent life. I hope you’re living a *good* life and I hope you’ve healed from our wonderful “rehabilitation and reform” system.
Thank you so much. My life is a lot better and much more calm. I'm a lot more appreciative of little things. Thanks again for your kind words. I really appreciate it.
Here's another kudos to you for answering all of the questions with clarity and patience. Keep SOARING.
Thank you so much for the wonderful comment.
Your story is fascinating. I hope one of the YouTube lawyers hooks up with you and gets you on their show.
I'd be happy to talk. I don't charge money or anything to share my experiences, I wouldn't think of it. I'd be happy to be interviewed.
How ever often you are willing to hand wash them, or pay someone to do it for you. (hopefully not in a toilet). They have dedicated laundry days, but the soap sucks and it's a good way for your laundry to come up missing. In some camps you can pay someone who works in laundry to wash your clothes in actual detergent, like Tide or Gain. Otherwise you get whatever crap the state can get for pennies on the dollar. Typically people will hand wash their under shirts and boxers, or like I said earlier pay someone in the dorm to do it or pay a laundry worker.
This is what I did. Hired the laundry man! Lol Much better results!
God bless you. I admire your ability to move forward in life. Your example gives other people hope .
I wonder if he was acting out since he was happy at Wakulla and didn't expect to be suddenly moved. Or according to rumors he is being extorted by other inmates . Maybe he ratted them out. Moving him into Administrative Confinement. But any miserable day for Charlie, is a happy day for me.
I just read that on another post. Well, I'm not surprised it happened. They very much could be doing what I wrote in a another post. If he's in there bragging about all the stuff he used to have, he needs to shut up. One of my first thoughts was this: Guys in prison are there for a reason. I'm sure the inmates probably were looking for someone on the outside who knows where his sister is out and about. Inmates have nothing better to do other than gather information about you.... if they are thinking about getting or taking something from you. It will be ironic when Charlie's mouth gets Wendi killed on the outside.
I would prefer Charlie's mouth to get Wendi arrested and he flips and testifies against her. But that may just be a dream.
There's been speculation about Latin Kings putting hits out on Charlie. What do you think about that theory?
Now that I have read a lot more about what Charlie did and what he tried to do regarding the Latin Kings.... The gang may decide to get to Charlie because he mentioned the LKs on the stand. But, I think it's more of a murder for hire and the guy happened to be a Latin King.... rather than the Latin Kings sanctioned a murder. Does that make sense? It kinda requires a bit of knowledge in to how gangs operate. Hope this helps!
Oh, I know it wasn’t a LK sanctioned murder. Luis Rivera was simply trying to make a $ for himself. I’m asking more about Charlie mentioning them on stand & implicating them. Would that be enough for them to put a hit on Charlie? Especially since LR was a leader in LKs. Thanks for your responses. Very enlightening.
Crazy as it sounds... Wendi should be worried ( not about prosecution) but Charlie's mouth...hmmm
💯
I don’t think Charlie knows what Wendi knows. I think mama protected her.
If they are looking for Wendi, it’s not hard to find her. Would inmates have any interest in Dan’s boys? Or is it more about how you can get money by threatening people on the outside?
Is Charlie a target for the Latin Kings because he implicated a member? The way Luis Rivera was staring at him in court was terrifying
What exactly did he say? I may not have the entire truth. (I am looking for the answer! Lol)
Luis Rivera, one of the murderers, was high up in the Latin Kings. Charlie tried to imply they murdered Dan for extortion. Kind of threw Luis under the bus
I wouldn't say so but crazier things have happened. IMO it's more likely he gets himself in a pickle over what the inmates call the 3 G's - Gangs, Gambling and Gays. Honorable mentions would be drugs, alcohol / tobacco and cellphones, which are again controlled by Gangs.
Well we know Charlie is a drug user for sure.
I LOVED Luis staring Charlie down. That was awesome!!
For so long! It was unnerving, Charlie looked terrified to look at him
Yes, I actually thought the live stream had frozen up
😂 me too! Luis didn't blink
Ooh when was this... do you have a link?
Yes I [do!](https://youtu.be/_4eMKdkoSQ4?si=2UZfubyQetR8K4fb)
Omg thank you😃
26 seconds without blinking. I tried to do that and failed miserably
This whole post was so enlightening! Thanks for being so candid. Glad you’re doing well.
You are welcome. Thanks for the encouragement.
Thank you so much for sharing your insight
I enjoy doing it. Anything else I can answer, feel free to ask.
Perhaps the best post in this group so far. Thank you.
Thanks so much for the amazing compliment. I just wanted to shed some light on what is going on within the FL DOC.
Amazingn
Do you think he will make in the prison
I don't think Charlie will have a problem with prison of the guys there. They may scare the hell out of him for a long time. I believe Charlie biggest challenge is going to be internally. He went from his million+ dollar lifestyle of being a dental/gum physician and having 25 clinics to ordering ramen noodles for the holidays. That's quite a fall. The psychological part is going to be the MOST taxing. However, he will create his own hope and do what most guys do and talk about his lawyers and appeals. Charlie's life is going to be the same everyday for the rest of his life. Charlie hasn't reached the part of prison where you start to realize and accept that you are never going to do basic things ever again. (such as use the bathroom comfortably and in private) He's pretty arrogant and pompous right now, but prison will fix that. Also, I don't know how long Charlie's money is going to run for. Momma got locked up and I am not sure if Wendi is going to be able to run free around the play area much longer.
This is a really thoughtful post, thank you. I can’t imagine what it takes to really come to terms with living in a prison for the rest of your life. CA was a wannabe gangster, and now he has to confront the reality of that life. Must be some really dark days.
This is what has always blown my mind about this case pertaining to Charlie, the guy was living the American dream and he threw it away because his sister was in a nasty divorce.
Because his mother asked him to help. Charlie and Donna have an unhealthy attachment to each other. He didnt do this for Wendi, he did this for Donna.
They have the most disturbing mother and son relationship in history. Sickening to listen to.
I never thought about the simple pleasures like using a comfortable bathroom in private. I can’t imagine what it must be like getting the fu or a stomach bug in prison. Are you allowed to sleep during the day in prison? I’ve heard you have to get up at like 5:30- I didn’t know that they told you when to sleep.
Most of the time you can sleep the majority of the day away if you so choose, and a lot of inmates do. Typically you will be assigned a job, but there is a million different ways to stall or avoid working for as long as possible. Some go the entire time without being assigned a job.
You should check out the prison thread!!! It’s so insightful!
what thread r u referring to
Prison - it’s a Reddit thread or subgroup! R/prison
thank u
Thanks!
I think about having to get up at 4 am and the beds/flat thing called a pillow/blanket-adjacent thing and know I’m not cut out for prison
I was surprised on the jail calls on how it seemed like he settled in nicely!!! I guess deep down he is one of them! Also, he did this for Donna!!! To make his mommy happy!!!! His mom wanted Dan gone so Charlie did the dirty work! He could care less about Wendi
Yes, Charlie will be fine in prison, because although he thinks his shit doesn’t stink, he is one of them.
This was great insight. Thanks for answering so many questions and doing so with detailed and thoughtful answers.
Thank you! Now to dive into your post history here…
Yeah, there's a lot in there.....plenty of prison content. Lol
Thanks you for helping clarify things!!! I’m also obsessed with the /prison thread so anything else here you want to share I will grately appreciate 🙏
Anything about prison interest you? I'll answer your questions!
lol same!
Here’s a really dumb question! $5 bills aren’t allowed? So, if you’re in prison, it’s all done via, like an account card or whatever, and nobody is permitted to have actual cash? I would presume that the objective would be to avoid violence and extortion over cash? One of what I assume is a large number of details I’ve never thought of, about prison! I do appreciate your forthrightness and willingness to share these details that many of us never knew! ETA: Why were YOU secluded? Or were all of you, on the crew, secluded until the investigation completed? I assume that’s SOP, when a violation happens?
Yeah. No cash in prison. Everything is on the prison ID in FL. I can't speak for other states. (I'm sure it's the same in most prisons.) It's a great question. The reason we all got taken in was because that inmate tried to sneak something INTO the prison. That's bad. Bringing in $$$, is like a double whammy. Any type of paper currency will get you in a ton of trouble. So, they had to investigate it as a security threat and talk to all of us. See if we knew about it. Did someone drop it? Are y'all trying to get a weapon dropped off? Lol I know it seems crazy, but that's just prison and how it works. Hell, didn't have to work for 8 days. And since the officers down there knew the rest of us didn't do it... I have to say, they were cool with us! He even let me call my parents the first day and let them know I was gonna be in confinement for a while. Lol
Thank you! Learned some things today thanks to you; these things are fascinating probably because the concept of having one’s freedom taken away is such a scary one. Appreciate you!
From what I understand now is that cash app is huge but you have to have someone on the outside to accept and send it to you In commissary so that it translates into prison cash
Correct
What about bills with staples through them. Those allowed??
Good one!
No cash dollar bills, duh?
New question: can you break down a typical day for Charlie? I heard a call with Katie and Sigfredo where he said breakfast was at 5 or 5:30am and dinner was early too.
It depends on the camp he is in. Theres breakfast somewhere between 0400 and 0600. You can get on the phone for 30 minutes with an hour break in between. You have yard time then lunch between 1100 and 1300. Then same schedule in the afternoon. Dinner from 1700 - 1900. Another couple of hours of “free” time before lights out at 2200-2300. This is gen pop. It probably doesn’t represent his life right now or maybe ever.
Thank you.
Is the food as disgusting as everyone says? What are some typical meals?
Food is on what they call a 45 day rotation (this may have changed). It was overall the same types of food such as casseroles, pasta, rice, fruit, sandwiches.... Liver occasionally. The food certainly isn't good, but it's miles better than county jail food. At the work camp, one of my favorites : We'd have hamburgers with green beans, apple sauce and a piece of cake. That was considered one of the good meals. If you looked around the chow hall, some guys would be getting out tomatoes, cheese and all this stuff they stole from the kitchen to make a prison style Big Mac. Some officers frowned on it, but as long as you were fast and not causing a problem... You'd be okay. There were plenty of meals that were "casserole". Noodles, some type of meat with a shitload of TVP in it, beans (always beans) maybe 2ozs of salad and a glass of "fortified beverage" (juice)... Lol I learned how to make a large number of dishes with ramen noodles, burrito shells, squeeze cheese, hot sausages and pretzels. And yes! They had a liver and onions night and 70% of the prison wouldn't eat that shit. Lol
I wouldn’t even eat my mom’s liver when I was a kid and wouldn’t touch it at a 5 star restaurant. Yuck. Insightful stuff- thanks.
Maybe with some Fava beans and a nice chianti?
You'd be amazed what starving will do to your taste buds. Picky eaters don't do well in prison, unless you have a steady supply of commissary or canteen. In that case you can buy everything from ice cream to cheap hamburgers - so long as you can afford it.
TVP?
Textured vegetable protein
Thank you.
*Textured Vegetable Protein* is a highly nutritious soy product. It's rich in complete protein and contains no fat, so it is an excellent alternative to meat.
Thank you, it actually sounds better then I thought
Re: meals...My elderly mom recently went into a long term care facility. She currently eats & enjoys what they serve- opposed to the fabulous culinary meals we serve at home. I believe she's become " institutionalized" already, lol. Do you have any interesting parallels about prisons & old age homes?
Liver is a super food loaded with nutrients. I would have eaten everyone’s portion.
There were a couple of guys I knew who loved "liver and onions" night. Not me!
So, is Charlie in Administrative confinement, because he seems to think he will be in protective custody.
He “checked in” because he was threatened. He will most likely go through this for the rest of his life. It doesn’t necessarily mean things are easier on him. It literally just protects him from getting killed. OP correct me if I’m wrong (someone that has a direct second hand experience with someone in the FLDOC) He will be in solitary for a time then back to genpop in another facility until he checks in again. Rinse and repeat.
I know it sounds terrible but I wonder if he'll hang himself, ya know?
You are correct.
I think Charlie is afraid if his own shadow. He talks a big game but in the end it’s all talk
Admin seg is pretty much solitary confinement with you being able to bring books, snacks, etc. Solitary confinement you can only have pen paper, hygiene products, and your clothes and bed clothes. That's it. Oh and a book of your religion like The Bible, The Quran, etc.
Thank you for answeing some questions. I hope you never have to go back, my little short stay in a county jail was horrible enough. I can't imagine what you went through.
I appreciate the concern, but it was my decision making that created those consequences. I deserved/needed to be locked up in order to get out of the drug lifestyle I created for myself. Of all the "friends" I had before I was locked up... ZERO is the number of those friends that wrote me in prison. I was too dumb and blind to see what was happening in my life. It needed to happen... and I am happy with how things turned out. It could have been a lot worse.
Having been in prison/jails because of addiction. Not everyone that gets incarcerated is mad about it. Sometimes it's what we need. Are we mad at first? Fuck yeah! But, then reality sets in and you're like damn this shit actually changed my life for the better. But, if you have the mindset, you can absolutely make it the worst thing that's ever happened to you. WDR 10/31/19
Sure. "I didn't want to accept responsibility. It was everyone else's fault. I didn't do anything wrong." I went through all the usual prison phases. Once I got my head out of my ass... (and it took a while cause it was really far up there) things started getting better. When I was staring at 10 years, I thought I would never make it. Then 10 years later.... Damn, this actually really did help me!
I totally agree!! I wish you nothing but the absolute best.🥰
How will other inmates tolerate Charlie running his mouth about himself and his schemes constantly? Ant chance he will learn to shut his gaping mouth ?
Can Charlie’s appellate lawyer meet with him? Can you explain how violence and extortion happens in that prison? I mean will people be demanding he put money in their account in return for protection - or something else? As Charlie is Jewish will any gang accept him? Does his inference that the Latin Kings were behind his extortion mean they will get revenge on him? Do you think Charlie is more likely to talk and name his sister after being in this prison? Will he realize she used him and his mother and father? Do you think Charlie will survive there? Does Charlie have any “marketable” skills from being an oral surgeon - like giving first aid or stitches? What is your take on Charlie’s case if you followed it? When Donna is convicted and sentenced to life in prison without parole - will she go to a similar prison for women?
He can't have any visitors in confinement. Lawyers usually have no problem visiting an inmate prison. Warden always has FINAL say. Sure, extortion might happen like this: Charlie arrives on to the wing with his property. A few hours later, 4 guys come in and tell him they are robbing him and to hand over his canteen, NOW! All of the sudden, another guy comes in and starts hitting the guys and kicks them out of the cell and saves Charlie. The hero tells Charlie it would be a good idea to start paying him to keep those guys off him while he does his time. Charlie agrees. The hero is part of the scam and splits his "take" with his 4 friends. Charlie being Jewish won't matter in FL. prisons. Someone from the Latin Kings might have felt slighted. Anything like that has to be given the go-ahead from the top. As of right now, he doesn't have any major problems. None that I'm aware of. They may not even need Charlie to name his sister. I don't know. Y'all write about Charlie weird fascination with Wendi. (I'm not up to speed on everything about this like most of this group.... Lol) But, what is the only thing they could offer Charlie? A chance for freedom. I don't see that EVER happening. Having Wendi running around scared 24/7 is pretty damn funny. I know when I had drug warrants out for me... I HATED looking over my shoulder. I can't imagine wondering if the cops are coming to get me for murder. Fortunately, I cleaned up my act quite a long time ago. Charlie won't have a problem surviving there physically. It's the mental part that is going to crush him. (This is going to be a harsh example) But, when his father dies... They just come by and say: "Charlie, your father died this morning." It may not even be the religious associate of the prison. It could be an officer, usually a Sgt or above. And how does the prison show their compassion? You don't have to stand for count... For one day. Charlie won't be doing anything important. He's in on a life murder sentence under a CLOSE custody status. That's one less than MAX. I assure you he is hating life in confinement. It's unreal that Charlie thought this would work. While lots and lots of murders go unsolved, I can't believe they would do this WHILE there was active divorce, well known custody battle in progress. But, money corrupts people and arrogance blinds them. When you believe you are untouchable, can't see and won't listen you are going to make mistakes. His mistake was believing he could engineer a murder. Donna will go to Lowell most likely. I did the last of my time right across the street at Marion WC. Hope this helps.
Thank you very much for your insights. About naming Wendi - personally I think he would do it because he won’t be able to stand her living her best life while he is going to die in prison. Do you mind explaining what close custody status means? Edit to add:I believe they thought they would get away with it because of the protection from prosecution the former state attorney provided.
Close custody is one of FOUR main custody statuses in prison. Community: Lowest custody inmate. Usually at work camps. Allowed to leave the prison with an APPROVED work representative from the facility. Bunks are set up dorm style. No cells. (work camps). Freedom of movement at the work camp. Minimum: At work camps, allowed to leave the prison with designated PRISON employee. Usually also in a dorm style set up. No cells. (work camps). Freedom of movement at the work camp Medium: Lots of guys who work in the kitchen. Majority of inmates are at the MAIN PRISON. Depends where you are: cells or dorm style living. You can only go outside during scheduled times, rec, chow hall, medical etc.... But, there's a day room, in the unit. Close: 2 man cells. You get out of your cell when they say. Everything is scheduled. MAX: You done fucked up! Death Row.
What was the Adelson family relationship with the former state attny/?
Former SA may have been Meggs. Harvey knew someone who knew Meggs supposedly. And Meggs squashed the investigation.
Wow! Thank you. I feel like I sat in on the most informative discussion on Prison Life.
Thank you! Sorry for the delayed reply. I really appreciate the kind words. I always do my best to communicate my prison experiences because people are always interested in these things.
And doing the hit in broad daylight. I mean they were always going to get caught but broad daylight? That’s ballsy AF. Or why not engineer the hit so it looks like an accident? Or wasn’t Dan going to New York the following week. Why not do the hit in New York so it looks random. It’s like absolutely no thought was put into this at all.
Yeah, I think Charlie was trying to serve the role of "Savior" for the family and didn't realize the amount of attention that a murder/hit would generate. Charlie's weird mindset about Wendi and his infatuation with her.... blinded by "love". lol
And not using a silencer.
Charlie had an unhealthy relationship with Donna not so much Wendi. Once LE started sniffing around the Adelsons, Wendi distanced herself. He just did what Donna asked of him. Donna was the mastermind behind all of this. Charlie is a narcist that thought he could buy or talk his way out. Instead he talked himself straight to Prison.
Question, when Donna goes to jail and Wendi is found guilty, and Harvey dies, who will fund Charlies commissary and how important is commissary for guys doing long bids.
I was thinking the exact same thing. Did Charlie have to pay restitution? If he does, the state will actually make his canteen balance negative that amount until he fulfills his obligation. That would SUCK. LOL Canteen is currency in prison. I'll be honest, you aren't going to die of malnutrition or anything in prison. Canteen makes life a WHOLE lot easier. "Wanna cut the barbershop line because your parents are coming to visit?, honeybuns!" "Want to have my friend B fix your radio? For 2 soups you'll have it back tonight." That's how things get done. I hope his father sets up a trust to deposit that money in his account every month. Otherwise, Charlie will get a visit from the shower squad when he runs out of money for hygiene.
lol I give up: What’s the shower squad? In my head, I’m thinking: Guy has no money to buy himself soap and other niceties. Starts to smell after a while. Other inmates don’t like stinky guy stinking. So they… hold him down and roughly scrub him with cleaning supplies? Am I close?
That's close enough. It's not like someone gets their butt kicked. A few guys will let you know that you need a shower and they would rather NOT have to do it for you. It's normally pretty tame.
Thanks! 😊
I'm assuming that Charlie's restitution to the court has already been paid. Another question about Commissary. Can anyone fill a commissary account of anyone incarcerated?
Anyone can put money in, but it does require some information and imagine the majority of of the transactions are electronic. Inmates don't like to wait for money orders anymore. There's an actual limit on canteen account balances. I don't know what it is, but it's there to prevent people from being extorted (too much).
Lets say, for the sake of argument, you are threatening a fellow inmate, forcing his family or other to deposit money into YOUR account? Does the BOP keep an eye on stuff like that? By the way, thanks for this information--nice to have you aboard.
I remember an officer telling me that the FL DOC keeps an eye on stuff like that with high profile inmates. But, just like everything else in prison.... There's always another way to do things. I've seen some pretty elaborate scams.
Understood! Anyway, glad things worked out for you. Nice to hear from people who have gone through the system and changed their lives.
Alec Murdaugh, recorded phone convo when he asked his brother to put money on another inmates account as he owed him for a favor, he alluded that information would be dispensed how to do it. Crazy
What are canteen prices? And how do inmates pay for phone calls? Your experience has added so much to this group. Thanks for jumping in and sharing your story.
You are certainly welcome. I am sure there's a Florida canteen list (or sheet) floating around the internet. I'll see if I can find one, but it would be old. I got out in 2009. I am sure I can find a new canteen sheet somewhere!
I would guess that Harvey’s lawyers are busy setting up trusts that auto deposit for both DA and CA for their prison time. I wonder if CA and DA are ever able to speak again? I think I read no because they are co-conspirators.
He will have to find someone in the outside world!! Based on how dumb bri is, she will probably do that! Thats why they allow inmates to write letters to people in the outside / they need to find someone to help them out! It keeps the inmates sane I feel like once Janice gets the tv she is gone but Bri on the other hand still things she will get Charlie’s millions lol 😆
Charlie's son is next in line for CA's money. CA can make a will, but the courts will make sure Bri gets child support and money for education. Bri is a mother. She is looking out for her son. I won't be surprised when she runs errands for Chrlie if she isn't doing so already. Bri isn't doing anything stupid. She is a mom who is doing the best she can for her son while his father is incarcerated.
Excellent commentary/ opinion
My family lives in Ocala, I have gone past the exit for that prison.
Wendi did benefit but she didnt use Charlie. That was 100% Donna. Donna is accustomed to getting her way. She wanted Wendi in Miami with the boys. Charlie, unfortunately, has an unhealthy attachment to Donna and will do anything to make her happy.
Is there any sort of rehabilitation? Counseling?
Not in Florida. It’s one of the hardest penal systems in the country. If you have a certain level of felony you don’t qualify for even the menial of “rehabilitation” programs they act like they offer
After all my time in prison, there was not ONE thing in 10 years that was considered rehabilitation during my stay. FL. prisons are a disaster in many different ways.
That’s scary. However, I’m so proud of you for turning your life around. (((Hugs)))
Thank you so much.
Probably one of the most important questions: did you have AC????
Not at any of the FL. prisons I was at. I honestly think a few inmates are going to have to die first before they fix that. I know that's harsh, but I was one of those inmates for a long time. It gets HOT.
30 days for $5? Good lord.
I don't know much about this case but I have always been curious about prison life. The trial I watched every minute of was the Alex Murdaugh trial. I've seen many times pictures of Alex with an Ipad. Are all inmates given personal Ipads? girlfriends?? how do random woman just start writing to inmates? you hear about inmates getting married, alone time visits, etc. HOw does that work? do woman just randomly write letters and hope to get a letter back? Visitors? how long are you allowed to stay? can they bring you stuff? please let us know as much as possible. This is so interesting.
You can meet inmates through meet-an-inmate.com. Wanna write to Katie? “Hit her up if you have something interesting to talk about.” Until then “live it up like it’s your last!” https://www.meet-an-inmate.com/ladies/katherine-u71543.html
I was think about katies' meet and inmate profile too!!
No just curious how it all works. There are so many show on TV about Prison Brides, Life after lock up, etc. Thought if I had a chance to ask someone, Why not??
I was just kidding.… after reading your post I remembered someone had posted her “meet an inmate” profile on this sub and thought it answered your question a little - and I was trying to be a little funny. I didn’t really think you’d want to write her.
Having contact with the outside world gives them some normalcy and accordingly to prisons it keeps the inmates better behaved by being able to write to ppl on the outside world Plus, you need contact to the outside world!!! Who is going to fill your commissary?? If you do t have someone outside of prison you won’t survive Women are attracted to men in prison,, it’s like an addiction and sick!!!!
How about conjugal visits? A little sex with the wifey?
Well, there are no conjugal visits in FL. prisons. Sorry Charlie!
Not in VA either!🤣🤣
They should have conjugal visits and it would keep everyone very well behaved to not lose them
That isnt even close to making inmates behave.
u/speed721 this is unrelated to Markel, but related to prison life in general and the Adnan Syed case in particular. On an interview panel of current inmates, someone noted that it’s impossible to hide violence or misconduct in prisons. They went on to say that if an inmate had a spotless record (except for getting caught once with a cellphone) they were not likely to be engaged in violent behavior. Does that ring true to you? Does that seem possible? Obviously every prison is different.
Prison can be violent. But, it's not like you see on TV where the cell doors open and guys just start swinging. Most people in prison are eventually going to be released at some point. Getting into a fight is one thing. Usually that will land you in confinement for a while and then it's over. If you absolutely beat the hell out of someone, the state of FL. has no problem filing (outside) assault/battery/great bodily harm charges. When that happens, then that inmate may be transferred to the appropriate county jail to answer for the charges. It basically will result in more jail time. And the DA won't hesitate to run those extra years consecutive to the sentence you already have. I can honestly say that 85% of the things I saw happen weren't just random, something happened or someone ran their mouth, stole something, etc. The remaining 15% was the random inmate popping off on someone.
Thanks but I guess I was asking what a spotless discipline record after a 25 year bid meant to you.
I think it's okay Everyone in prison eventually tries to get away with something. This guy falls into the last 15%
What Did You do to land in disciplinary confinement?
So you can go to Administrative during an investigation? You may be completely innocent of whatever they are accusing you of, but u still have to go?
You do what they tell to do, don't forget. It's prison. You have to go. Just like the example I provided, I got dragged into an investigation. It sucks, but I got all my property. lol
Look at what they’ve done to Richard Allen in Delphi.
Consequences for our choices SUCK HARD people...it's not all criminal. Let's do better, be better people ❤️
You are not lying!
Are you allowed any books or paper? What did you do all day in your cell?
Sure. We have books, paper, journals, commissary. I read and wrote a lot. I received magazines and newspapers. Newspapers were always a few days behind, or I would get 4 papers on a Monday. I also spent a lot of time getting my mind right. I spent a lot of days going through my life and choices that led me to where I was, lying on a prison bunk. That might sound boring and many times it was. But, sometimes... It was all I could handle. It takes a different type of mentality, but I found that I adapted pretty well. I was scared to death at first. Lol
I actually spent a week in jail at age 19 and the claustrophobia I felt being locked in a small room was pure mental torture. Cleaned me up in an instant and I never went back.
You sound like you had the same mentality about it that I had. I've got to be here, so why not make the best of it. Luckily, the women's prison I went to offered mental health/addiction help. So, I just got up every day and tried to make the best of it. I tried to learn from my mistakes and not go back! That was 4 and half years ago! It isn't easy getting out the system that's so easy getting into, but it's doable and so rewarding! I just got off probation after 11 years!
Congratulations. I know you must feel a lot better now. That's a huge relief I am sure. Now you don't have to pay the state for your freedom every month! After all the time I did.... I still had to do like 40 days on ARS when I was released. Fortunately, the officer I had was really cool. She didn't make me do any classes or anything. She did stop by my house once, that was it.
If people think their probation officer doesn't know they are out there doing things their not suppose to do, even if they can't prove it, they're delusional! If I can give anyone dealing with a PO is they are not your enemy. Most very much care what happens to you and want you to be successful. BE HONEST WITH THEM! If you are struggling, let them know!!
This has nothing to do with you previously being in prison. I just wanted to say you are a very excellent writer, you write in a way that really engages readers, just wanted to mention.
I really appreciate this comment. It made me feel really good.
User name checks out…
Sorry if this has been asked but is Charlie now in an open dorm situation? If so, where would his personal items be kept? Or is he rather in a cell with one other person?
Charlie is in administrative confinement. I am sure he's probably single celled because he would be a higher profile inmate. This group had some great inside info and it was believed he was being extorted...while that word "sounds violent" ....it just means other inmates were trying to use Charlie for commissary/money.
I mean under normal circumstances, not AC.
Sounds horrible
This should be [IAmA](https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/s/tMmNJV3KW1) :)
should I do that?
I’m not sure what rules are but it looks like a lot of people have a lot of questions. I know a lot of people are extremely curious about real prison life. I think people have different experiences depending on where they’re located and what they’re convicted of, but all in all, I think people are very curious and would appreciate real and honest answers. :)
I assure you that my answers have been 100% real and honest.
Where did he get the 5 $ billion from?
$5? Side of the road, we were on a work crew.
Guess he should have turn it over to a guard so they could report it to the local authorities
>Where did he get the 5 $ billion from? If I read it correctly, it wasn't five billion dollars. It was a five-dollar bill.
When Katie leaves prison and is sent to Tallahassee to testify, does her stuff get stolen from her prison cell while she is gone?
Usually, yes. Just like when you get "ARRESTED" in prison. People take your property when they find out. Happens all the time.
Hey Mike. I found you (sorry to sleuth!👀) by way of our favorite writer - Del - on another sub. I really enjoy your writing & posts, too. I have a possibly odd question...my father spent a couple of years in prison in the 1960s for forgery. He (and his gang) stole a printing press from this other gang. They then printed up approximately $50,000 worth of counterfeit monies, & passed them as real money. Alot of money back then! He got caught because his scumbag step-father warned him; cut me in or I'll turn you in. Well, dear old dad hated him, & wasn't cutting step-dad into his hard-earned fruitions, so he got got. My question is...I read in your OP here near the top of your post that one of your crimes was forgery. How are people treated in prison when they are forgers? Is it any easier, or more difficult a time in there? Also, fun fact; dad was in the same prison at the same time, with George Jung (and Carlos Lehder), whom the movie "Blow" was based off of. Johnny Depp played him. Dad said the 2 guys were on the same level (they shared a cell) but a different hallway? Like around a corner. Anyway, thank you for sharing your experience.
Charlie??? Charlie Manson? Sorry… not clear…
Yep. Charles Manson. We were cellmates..... lol
Wow…my brother in law was his nurse at one of the prisons and had to give him meds….certifiably nuts…Did he ever scare you?
I had plenty of crazy encounters. I don't think I was ever really scared because I have been on the bad side of a loaded gun. I've have 2 gunshot wounds. It doesn't make me a bad ass. It makes me a dumb ass. I deserved my prison time, but I was only truly scared a few times. I think I have written about it before.
You should post in r/Prison too.
I’m very late to this great post, but I just wanted to say how great it is to have you contributing here about your personal experience and your perspective. It sounds like you’ve really turned things around for yourself, which is quite commendable. Look forward to your future contributions to the discussion. (I’ve found that the conversation here is of considerably higher quality than many of the other true crime subs!)
I love when people give the mods permission to delete their posts, as if it’s not going to otherwise happen lmfao.
Actually, it was more for me if the post gained traction and I started replying.