Alright guys, I am not up too much on Texas stuff and am needing some help in what to do here. I got a letter from my brother-in-law and I am going to write some of it so you will know what he is asking. I need to give a little back ground though so you will understand what is going on now. Several months ago he wrote me asking me for help. He is a diabetic and he said they were refusing to give him his injections. I called the infirmary and they said they couldn't tell me anything without his permission. I wrote him and asked him to give me permission to his records. He said that he did so I called back and they said there still wasn't a permission slip in his records and that they can't force anyone to take their shots. He was not telling me the whole truth.

Well, he got into trouble for me calling and they transfered him to three different units in four weeks. Now, comes to the letter he has written and again it is for help.

This is what he said:

"This problem with personal property. When I was shipped from the Connally unit, I left my personal things behind. They were to ship them right behind me. All that was good. So when my property did make it to this unit, this is where my problems happen. They took my clip-on fan, my electric razor, my clock radio, my headphones and my watch. The property room officer on this unit (Michael) said all my numbers were scratched off so she, Ms McCllure said she couldn't give me my property. This is all my stuff. I paid for these, So what I need you to do is call down here. Talk to the senior warden, warden Velasquez, tell him about what I am tell you and tell them I need my property. I would appreciat it very muchy if you do this for me. I am asking you because I know they will listen to people on the outside."

Now, I know after the recent discussions about the system listening to us, that last line is kind of ironic. However, I am afraid if I call again and make waves like I did the the insulin shots they are going to screw with him again. Any suggestions on how I should handle this?

Thanks
Joy

Joy, I have only had experience with the county jails here in Texas but I know that Stephen had left some things behind when he ws transferred and you can kiss those things good-bye..it didnt matter that he had bought those things ..and no amount of my calling helped..the warden where he is now allowed me to bring him some new things that were neccessities due to the fact that his money did not follow him either...Sorry I cant give you any encouraging words but perhaps someone else can..SHortie!! we need your help!! haha! she knows alot about the Texas system I am sure she will shed some light on this!

This is what I know. Any property (radios, fans etc) has to be purchased from the (prison store) I can't think of the correct term for store at this moment and marked with his ID number. If he does not have a receipt of purchase (from a withdraw from his trust fund) and the property properly marked it is considered contraband. There are ways to buy black market radios and TVs off the yard but when they move they have to understand it will be confiscated. The confiscated contraband is sometimes given to the prison guard "pets"

With the numbers scratched off his property he can pretty much kiss his stuff goodbye and any call you make for him on his behalf will do no good. Sorry about the bad news.

Joy,I am very sorry to say,but Torrey is right.It is a sad fact of the Texas prison system.If the numbers were scratched off of his belongings,the best you can do is have him buy new ones,and make sure they are properly marked.God Bless...................................Spencer

Thanks guys, that is what I kind of figured, but how do I tell him that? He seems to think I can work miracles. However, the last time he asked for my help, I got him into trouble. Yes, he now is getting his insulin shots, but look what they did to him for making a fuss over it.

It's a Damn if you do and Damn if you don't situation. (sorry for the language, but that is how I feel)

Thanks for listening
Joy

Let me say this if he bought it right it will be on his property slip. We already had to deal with this.. Call the property officer and find out what he has on his slip.. They have to honor it and if it is not on there then he is out of luck.. They keep strick records to avoid problems with theft.. Anthony got his stuff back so it does not hurt to look into it. Do not give up so quick with out even trying.. You would be suprised at the result if you put in the effort and keep the right attitude and talk to the right people.. It can be done.. Just don't piss them off.

Shortie, you mean that even if they have scratched off the numbers like he said, but it is listed as having had it, they have to give it to him? Hey, it's worth a try. Thanks

Joy

That is the case because the serial #'s are suppost to be on there property list.. SO they f'd up by that account.. They can not change those records because the inmate has to sign them.. SO let's pray they are on his property list.. Call the property room and get on them.. Let them know there is somone out here who gives a damn.. Trust me in texas that can make all the difference..

I've been calling but they have been on lock down and going through a shake down for a couple of weeks. However, it's supposed to be over and I should be able to get ahold of her Monday morning. "Just keep trying back and maybe you can catch her in her office". Well, for a person who works 3rd shift, that is very hard to....I do like to sleep some time. Anyway, that is the update for now. I will continue to call back. Thanks for helping me out Shortie. I will try to keep my cool and not piss them off, but I have decided to keep climbing the ladder if I don't get satisfaction with her.

Later
Joy

That is how you do it.. Remember the pecking order and all will be well.. I know she would want to make sure he get's his stuff back like now.. She is trippin if she thinks she can just keep his stuff. that is not true..

Ok, ok, ok.....I'm just letting off some steam right now until I can get a hold of the Warden. I finally got ahold of the property officer and this is what she said....Yes it is listed on his property list, but the seri#'s are scratched off and it is contraband and "she won't let contraband on her unit". I asked her if at the last unit he was in did the property officer sign that this was his stuff and took it into their custody while he was being moved. She said yes. I then asked her how between that unit and this unit the #'s got scratched off. She said they didn't do it, but they are not there and he is not going to get it.

You know guys, I am getting worried about him. This all started last summer when his father died. I know this is going to be a long story, but I would like some opinions here if I have a reason to be concerned.

Like I said, it started last summer, well actually last march when his father died. Juan was home at that time, we got the call from Cuba early Saturday morning that his father had died. He was in Kennedy, TX at that time. I tried calling down there and was told that I would have to talk to the Chaplain, he is the one that handles death notifications. So, I asked to talk to him. He was on vacation and I would have to wait until he came back. They could only contact him in an emergency and this was not an emergency. Juan and I spent the whole day Saturday arguing with these idiots. So, I called Sunday morning thinking a chaplain of some kind would be there to give services. Nope, no one was there. However, they offered to go "to the offenders cell and tell him for us". Ok, I'm very angry by now so I though, there is always a "First Baptist Church" in every town and with a prison as big as this, there should be some kind of prison ministry. I called information, got a number for the First Baptist Church, got a hold of the Pastor, explained the situation and he was outraged. he said he knew the chaplain personally. The chaplain happened to be on his tractor at that moment plowing his field (he had is cell phone on him) the pastor called him and within the hour the Chaplain was in his office and my brother-in-law was there so that Juan could talk to him about their father.

Ok, within a few months from that incident, I got a letter from Lazaro again asking for help. He is diabetic and he said they were refusing to give him his insulin. He asked if I would call the infirmary to find out why. I did and I was told they couldn't reveal any information with the "offenders" permission. He had to sign a release form. So, I said ok. I wrote Lazaro and told him. He wrote back saying he had signed the form. I called again and was told that he never signed anything and that they can't "make someone" take their insulin if they didn't want it and I needed to get my information straight. Well, within a few weeks I got a letter from Lazaro saying they had started his insulin shots again.

Again, about a month later I got a letter asking for more help. He said there was a prison guard there threatening to kill him and wanted me to help him get out of there, try to get him transfered to another unit because he was afraid for his life. I didn't hear from him for a long time and was getting worried. Soon after that letter they started transfering him to 3 different units within a 5 to 6 week period.

Now, I get this letter. I am really worried about him. He is from Cuba and is there for a sexual crime against a child. I am not sure of all the details, neither Juan nor Lazaro talk about it except that he had been in prison and a week after he got home on parole his wife, who had found someone else accused Lazaro with some kind of indecent sex crime against her 17 year old daughter, (his step daughter). he went back to prison. So, I know that he has several strikes against him right now. The perfect target.

So, there is my story. I have calmed down some. They said the Warden will be in his office around 10 this morning so I will call back. I just needed to type and get some frustrations out before I call him.

Thanks for listening.
Joy

Ok guys, I called and talked to the Major. I'm still not sure all the terms and who a "major" is, but he seemed a lot nicer. He said he had received a complaint form from Lazaro, (I can't remember the name of the form) and he was investigating it and took my name and number and will call me back. However, there is one thing that I find very odd. Both from the Property Officer and the Major, I never mentioned Lazaro's name or number but they both knew exactly who I was talking about. I just said my brother-in-law was recently transfered there and there was some discrepenacy as to his property and I was calling to find out exactly what was going on. They both knew exactly who I was talking about.

Does that seem odd to you? Somethings up here.

I'll let you know.
Later
Joy

Hello Joy,
Sorry about your fustrations. You are doing a good job with your persistance.
To answer your last question No that is not odd they knew exactly who you were talking about. They know because they have been caught doing something wrong. They are all talking about how to cover thier asses.

I believe they know who you are just by the sound of your voice and what you want before you ask.

When I called recently about information on visitation the person I finally spoke to knew who I was . I think he and everyone in that worked there had read my visitation form.

YOu and Lazaro are probably the entire conversation when they have lunch together.

It's nice to know that my life is worth talking about!:D

I know that they also probably have done a back ground search on me by now and when they do they will be a little surprised. I served in the U.S. Military in Military Intelligence which meant I held a Top Secret Clearance for a while. No records, no trouble and an American Citizen.

I hope this information will keep him alive.

Joy

Alright, I made my first call and actually got to talk to someone on April 9. Today is the 17th and do you think I have any information yet? The first time, very helpful guy, the Major. Very understanding, supportive and he will get right back to me as soon as he investigates what is going on.
Ok, gave him a few days. Called back Monday, April 15, was connect to a different Major. Very helpful guy, very understanding, supportive and he will check into it and give me a call back that afternoon.

Today, April 17, talk to a woman who knew the names of the two majors...have had a locked down, one has medical problems and have been off for a few days...she took information and will talk to the last Major I talked to and call records to see exactly what is on his property list, etc.et.c Very helpful, very understanding, supportive and she will get back with me by Friday.

OK>..........Anyone want to take a bet on if I hear back from her?

:argh

Joy

Well, whoever took the bet that I would hear back today lost. Actually, I am starting to get worried. I keep getting "put off" by these people who seem to have a carring attitude. Yet, since I started calling that first time, I have not gotten a letter from Lazaro, which is unusual. He is so good in writing. He ALWAYS answer my letters right off. I have written several and I havn't gotten them back, yet I havn't heard from him.

I am afraid for his life. Before they started moving him after the complaint about his insulin...he wrote me a letter asking me to help get him out of their because their was a guard that had threatened to kill him.

I really am not sure what to do, if I pursue this further it may hurt him...yet if I don't, I am starting to believe they may kill him. Please, anyone with ideas? Please?

Joy

You need to call the chaplin and have him check on your brother in law.. Then if that does not work photocopy those letters and send them to the warden and let him know that you are not ok with the fear that he is being subjected to.. that makes the warden accountable if something happens to him.. SInce he was informed of a complaint and yet did nothing.. Let me know what happens before you do that but for sure contact the chaplin ok call and see what is going on..

Finally got a letter from Lazaro today. He's doing alright and hanging in there. He still hasn't received his property and I called again today. Of course, got put off again. This is really starting to tick me off. Not gonna quit though.

Joy

Hey joy,
Just keep calling and act like a polite and understanding bill collector. LOL

Major Fox, at the Michael Unit in Tennessee Colony, TX called me today to say that a judgement was made. Lazaro will NOT get his property back. He said there is no proof that Lazaro purchased it and if, in fact, they were to bring him to the office, he would say that he purchased his items from another inmate which is contraband and is not allowed.

Would you like to know what they took from him?

A fan
A razor
A watch
A radio

The letter I got today had several letters written to me over a few days, he put them all in one envelope, and he had to borrow that one. They took everything. I would send him stationary and envelopes from stores, he loves getting different colors. They took that too.

I am going to find out how much a fan costs and at least get him one of those for this summer.

I have told Lazaro about you guys and the support. He is so greatful. He also wanted me to post his address some where for a Pen Pal. He is very lonely. Remember, he is from Cuba and the only family he has right now are both in Prison.

Here's his address if any of you know a good place to post it.

Lazaro Toca #624038
P.O. Box 4500
Michael Unit
Tennessee Colony, TX 75886

A quick note, he is Cuban and spanish is his main language. He doesn't write English though and has someone write his letters for him. So, if someone out there speaks spanish and would like to write him, I know he would be grateful. But don't worry about the English. We communicate great!!!

Thanks for listening
Joy

Joy this does not surprise me. But good for you for your great efforts. Richard has lost his prpoerty every time they move him. It is so bad he does not buy anything anymore. He has not had a TV or radio in 10 years.


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Translation Results by SDL International --
Esto es un programa maravilloso que traducirá el idioma. Es fácil de usar pero yo no estoy seguro cuán preciso es.
----------- Your Original Text ----------------
This is a wonderful program that will translate language. It is easy to use but I'm not sure how precise it is.

honey I understand your frustration in all this but you are doing the right thing i promise

anthony lost his once but he got it all back.. we had proof that the bought it so they had to give it to him.

Hi there - sounds as if you are receiving the same political correct run around that TDCJ is so famous and good at doing. First I try to educate people, do not call, they just pass the buck. If one tells you something then if they are called on it they completely deny it happened even in a court of law. Plus they have caller ID is how they know who you are when you call....they deny this but they do have it. Write a letter, send it Certified Return Receipt Requested - this is proof that it got there....if you want it to just go to the Warden send it Registered Certified because then the Warden is the only person that can sign and get the letter. You get that little green card back, put it in the file with the copy of the letter you sent. Always on the Letters document copies - cc: to party you are sending copies to. Depending on what the issues and problems are who the copies go to which I can help more on that later. This way you have documentation. Second, all loved one of prisoner should get a Power of Attorney from the inmates as soon as he goes into the system or is arrested in the city or county jail. This general POA gives you authority to see about his/her personal needs, medical needs, and so forth. You can get an attorney to draw it up or you can buy the form at the office supply for a couple of dollars ...some legal sites have some of the forms on it that you can print out. The inmate has to turn in a request for Notary Service when you mail him/her the form...once it is notarized the inmate mails it back to you....take it to your county clerk's office, have them to file it, give you at least two to three certified copies. Then you mail one certified copy to TDCJ in Austin, TX, they will put it in the inmates file, make just a regular copy of the Certified copy, mail to the Warden at his/her unit. Write a cover letter to the Administration in Austin, Texas saying, please place this POA in the inmates file (be sure you give full name, TDCJ ID Number, Unit Location) - on this letter put a cc: to the Warden of his/her unit so the Warden will know that you have sent a permanent copy to Austin....getting my drift here?
They ALWAYS tell you the inmate refused signing the form just as a delay tactic and to discourage you from trying to help the inmate. Always remember nearly ALL the guards have the attitude that all inmates are animals and that they should all die....this keeps your blood running so you can fight the political b...s...
On the problems you have about his property....ALL inmates are REQUIRED at ALL Times to have property papers on all purchase items like the fan, radio, and so forth. They must show these property papers any time there is a lockdown or the property will be confiscated as contraban. They have to have property papers on their shoes if they are not the ones the prison issues....ALL INMATES KNOW if they do not have PROPERTY PAPERS on all items not only will they loose their stuff but they will also be issued a CASE on this issue of not having property papers plus they try to retalliate against the inmates to force them to tell who gave them the property. ALL inmates usually keep their property paper in a totally separate location (Bible is a good source plus put the addresses they need in the blank pages of their bible) from all other papers that the guards may come in and destroy and they are famous for destroying the property papers so they can not have the stuff.
Anytime a love one sends you an issue or problem that they say they have filed a complaint have them to send you the I-60 or Grievience they filed or send you a copy of what they filed (many inmates handwrite out duplicates just to have a file copy for back up until they get response from grievance officer) Inmates should ALWAYS send all paperwork out to their family, family should make copies of what the inmates need and mail the copy into the inmate and keep the orignial in their file that you keep on them. When you start asking for this paper work then different things starts happening.
The medical is a BIG issue and they are doing this to ALL inmates all over the system because they don't want to have deal with it because it takes too much time and work. You have to remember that the guard have to issue a lay in slip everynight to the inmate if on medical restrictions, or a slip to go get medication....why in the name of the computer age....why can't they document it on the computer, save a lot of wear and tear on all involved...have a permanent file on the computer as to what has to be done each day and issue one lay in until further notice, etc.....too simple I guess to do it in an effecient manner. Anyway this is why they don't usually get their medication. Then the guards mark on their check list that the inmate received it and this saves the guard from doing all the moving around and paper work(same stuff on food at lockdown, showers, etc)....never believe they are doing what they say they are doing (I am speaking of the guard and the last person that knows is the Warden for sure because he is out of the unit shacking up with his day girl usually)
Senator Kenneth Armbrister, Chairmain of Committee of Corrections, 3205 E. Mockingbird Lane, Victoria, Texas 77904, he had an article in the Echo over a year ago saying that he guess all was well with TDCJ Medical because he never heard from any family members. But, if you should have a problem write him about it. I have been getting parents all over to write him letters of what is going on medically....I am sure he wishes he didn't put that in the paper. He does not respond because he gets so much but he takes it to the Committee; Rep. Patrick "Pat" Haggerty, 4855 N. Mesa St., #102A, El Paso, TX 79912 is the Chair person, always send him copies of anything you write concerning TDCJ; also, Rep Jessica Cristina Farra - Vice Chair....I don't have her address but you can look under Texas - Legislator Sites and find it, always send her a copy. Always write or send copies to the Representatives of the Area you live in about the prison problems and then send a copy to the Representative that is over the area where the prison unit is that your love one is in. You can get all this from the Texas-Leg Site that I mentioned above....I use the zip code method mostly because you can type your own Zip in or the zip in the area of the unit to get names....read their profiles because it will tell you if they are on any of the committees that deal with Prison or Parole. Plus you can read the bills they submit and it don't take long until you see if they are for or against the prison system, be sure if you see them writing a bill that you object to write them a letter...tell them your are the taxpayer that voted them in or out (be sure you are a registered voter) that your tax dollars pay their salaries and you would certainly appreciate their help....be nice but be firm...I may be running out of room on this...don't know if I do I will post a continued message. Also send ACLU of Texas a copy of all mail, to Executive Director - Josephy L. Jacobsen, P.O. Box 3629, Austin, TX 78764, (512) 441-0077....TDCJ is supposedly giving ACLU permission to go in to inspect TDCJ since it gets so many complaints. See if they can see the problem...of course they will have it all covered up.
On his equipment the unit he was transferred from should have a signed property slip as to who authorized his belongings being shipped to him as to who inspected them...if you can get this information and it was okay from that end then that tells you it happpend during the shipment but more than likely it happend at arrival at Michael just so they didn't have to mess with it plus deny him. I help a lot of inmates with problems, Stiles and Michael are the biggest problem units for all the crookness that goes on....in fact they just transferred one of the Wardens from Stiles to Michael about 3 months ago so now have double jeopardy at the Michael because the one transferred was named in all complaints I got from inmates.
The shipping around is called Diesel Therapy when anything is going on this messes up the inmates so his stuff, mail, property don't catch up for months, especially if they file court actions of some type....plus it is to wear the inmates down physically, emotionally, and shut down their spirit plus make their families give up. There use to be but I have not seen it listed in a long time, Guy Smith, Medical Liaison Director, P.O. Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342-0099 (936-437-3552...you can write or call to request investigation into the medical problems....they just make recommendations to TDCJ ADMIN what needs to be done and it is still TDCJ choice....they use to have a field representive for each area that will take the case and investigate it, talk to the inmate what the problem is and what is happening...then they file a report back with Smith, then he makes recommendations to TDCJ. As I said I have not seen this listed in the last year - so since they have been removing so much of the RUIZ stuff this may have gone with it. There is a Keith Clendennen, Offender Grievance, 901 Normal Park, Ste., 101A, Huntsville, TX 77342 (36-437-8024, fax 936-293-4070....he is real good to get back with you on issues.
Write - Kathy Cleere, Ombudsman Coordinator, P.O. Box 99, Huntsville, TX 77342 request a TDCJ FY02 Directory and it gives you a lot of names, addresses, phone and fax.
Just remember the Senators and Representatives make the laws - if we are to make a difference in the system we must keep them informed what is going on in the system at all times. Yes it is work to do it but not one person can make the difference it takes us all working together to get it done. So please me committed to taking the necessary actions to make a difference. Thank You - Thunderchix email me at PAPA_@msn.com (that is an underscore and not a hyphen on the email address)

You know so much. Thank you for your help. Everything you talked about has happened to my brother-in-law. I know he is getting tired, really tired. I am the only one in his family that is trying to help him. I am going to get the POA for him. The thing that scares me is....will he receive it? How can I get this to him without the prison system "redirecting" it or "loosing" it. Do the certified registered letter thing?

Thanks for everything.

Joy

I agree Joy...what alot of useful info...Thank you thunderchix! My husband just entereed the TExas system (he is still in one of the county jails here..but it is great to have that info especially abou the POA...thanks!

Wow JOY.... You have had a run around for sure with the lovely Texas prison system. I will say this... my husband is in Connally and I can vouch that there is always something kinda fishy going on around there. Rules change weekend to weekend and it's funny, I too have spoken to some of the lovely "so called guards" at that unit as well as the fairly new warden who seems to always have a chip on his shoulder. My husband is also a diabetic and they gave him the wrong medication and he ended up in the hospital in Galv (prison hospital) because they gave him "low blood sugar" meds instead of "High blood sugar" meds. Wow! What's going on in our system?? And to think, this is the system that our taxes pay for. Care to know a more disturbing fact? Texas is given in excess of $36,000 per inmate per year. Could this possibly be a reason why parole is never an option lately? hmmmmm Makes some people wonder for sure. Anyway, I will hop down off my soap box and say, I'm very sorry what you have gone through with all this and I hope that everything works out for your brother n law. If there is ever anything in the world I can do, please email me!

Ruben and Candy keeping you guys in our prayers!

GOD BLESS YOU HON.... I REALLY DO KNOW HOW YOU FEEL... I JUST WISH THERE WAS SOMETHING WE COULD DO ABOUT THESE SO CALLED POLITCALLY CORRECT A--H----......... I GET SO TIRED OF IT MYSELF..... I WAS TOLD TODAY, IT DID NOT MATTER THAT I WAS MY SON'S MOTHER. HE IS AN ADULT AND I HAVE NO RIGHT TO INFORMATION ABOUT HIM SO SEE, I REALLY DO KNOW HOW YOU FEEL.

MY LOVE
DONNA

Thunderchix, I dont really know what to say after reading your post. You have made some strong comments and grouped me in with them. Im learning a whole new side to why things become as they are....sad.

Even with a POA there are things they will tell you that you cannot know, do, etc. without his signing a form. Of course, you can never know for a fact that's true or them blowing smoke ...

My address list was not as extensive as yours, so thanks for the additional ones!