Help Juan Pagan Start His Life Outside of Prison

My client Juan Pagan went to prison at 16 years old on a second-degree life sentence. After nearly 19 years in prison, Juan released on Feb. 3, 2025.

This fundraiser is to help Juan with initial expenses – clothes, future rent (when he leaves a halfway house), transportation, and educational pursuits.

Juan made a grievous, tragic mistake as an adolescent when he stabbed another teenager, causing his death. The burden of this sin weighs heavily on Juan, who lives with the agony of knowing that he took another person’s life and caused irreparable harm. To atone for his crime, Juan is driven to make something positive of his life.

Before his crime, Juan was a victim. He was separated from his mother and endured horrific child abuse at the hands of a sadistic father. Despite experiencing neglect, and severe physical and emotional abuse during his formative years, Juan has blossomed into a compassionate and conscientious person, even while in a prison environment.

Now 35 years old, Juan struggled through many years in state prison (including four years in solitary confinement) until he received the gift of a lifetime when he was selected for the very first cohort of the Tufts University Prison Initiative at MCI-Concord. Last year, he graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in Civic Studies from Tufts!

Juan has a keen intellect, insatiable curiosity, and a passion for discussing and debating ideas. After adjusting to life outside prison, including finding gainful employment, Juan will be studying for the LSAT and then…applying to a law school! His dream is to one day give back by working for a community legal services organization.

I am in awe of Juan’s resilience after going to prison on a life sentence as an adolescent. Juan is destined to make a positive difference during this next chapter of his life. If you can spare $10 or $20, $50, $100 (or more, if you are able!), please donate to help Juan as he pursues his second chance.