Robert A. Jones

Written by Robert’s sister Sandra

Robert committed a grievous error, a tragic one that he has paid for for over 28 years. He has been a model prisoner the whole time he has been incarcerated, he has served his time with distinction, taking classes through Bard College and almost getting a degree before being moved, he has taught construction classes in carpentry, studied the Bible and helped others, he has never had one infraction for any misbehavior and has served his time plus 10 years, with the parole board refusing to give him any hope of a release. He was a father to 2 young children who are now grown with kids of their own, and has spent half of his life in prison. As he nears 58 years of age at the end of August, the chances that any other crimes would ever be committed are slim to nil (the prison system itself declares that the best judge of future behavior is that of the individual's behavior while imprisoned, which should tell them something about Robert) and he has a support system waiting for him at home. He has worked hard at any job that he's been assigned and is such a positive influence to others. There is a huge need for workers and Rob is a skilled carpenter and looks forward anxiously to getting out to join the work force and becoming a productive member of society once again. Let this man join his family who are willing and able to support him should he ever need it, and let him return to his aging mother who needs his assistance more than anything in the world right now. The parole board is refusing to serve their purpose by considering all the changes that have taken place, instead spending valuable time going over the past. Robert cannot change the past, as much as he'd like to, but he'd like to have a future. He has served ten whole years beyond his completed sentence. Is this fair? Please do the right thing and let this man go. He has a family that would joyfully care for him and welcome him back into the fold.