My uncle richard has spent over 30 years in prison, serving a sentence that was far harsher than what he was promised. Growing up in salinas California, he faced incredible challenges—born to a mother struggling with addiction he was raised by my family, never knowing his own because he looked up to my uncle as his only father figure. My unlce frank gave him a loving home raised with my mothers family, he struggled to find his way and ended up making mistakes that led to him fleeing to south dakota where he was caught for a robbery. He was told by a south dakota public defender that pleading guilty would mean a maximum of ten years, but instead, he was sentenced to over 90 years in south dakota. Since 1992, he has not had a single visit due our finances along with him being in south dakota and his only family is in California,and our family has carried the weight of his absence every day.

Now, after decades behind bars, my uncle is finally eligible for parole. But just as hope is within reach, the prison administration is targeting him with a disciplinary write-up for an incident he did not commit. An inmate died of an overdose, and although the district attorney dropped charges against my uncle due to lack of evidence, the prison is still pursuing internal charges that could ruin his chance at parole. He appealed the decision, but was denied without explanation—a clear violation of his civil rights. My uncle has endured so much, including past abuse by guards, and he has never had the resources or knowledge to fight for himself.

With your help, we can hire a civil rights attorney to challenge this unjust write-up and give my uncle a real chance at freedom. Every donation brings us closer to reuniting our family and giving him the justice he deserves. Please consider supporting us—your kindness could change the course of his life. Hes ready to get to work and start his life !