For this three-part series, the Board of Parole allowed the Variety to interview threeinmates currently on parole: Ignacio M. Leon Guerrero, 28; Liana, 27; and Joseph D. Sablan Jr., 36.
The series begins with the following interview with Ignacio M. Leon Guerrero.
What are the lessons you have learned as an inmate?
Whether under the influence or not, a person should be aware that when you break the law, consequences follow.
While in jail, doing good and finding ways to better oneselfwill pay off.
What was the firstcrime you committed?
Armed robbery.
When a person goes through financial difficulties and frustrations, it may push that person to become desperate. Unfortunately, I decided to rob a store. And when I felt the rush, it’s like nothing on earth. So that triggered me to commit more crimes and I thought the police couldn’t catch me. I should have known better.
Do you have regrets?
Yes. I regret putting my family through this. Not only did I cause shame, I left my son who was at the time six months old. I also regretcausing another person to lose his/her sense of security.
Why do some peoplecommit crime?
There is always a reason. Financial difficulties, family problems, being in the wrong place at the wrong time, drug problems, gambling problems, drinking problems.
But the truth is and as the saying goes, “We make our own troubles/problems.”
What can be done to preventcrimes?
If I had the advantage to turn back the time, I would not be here. To prevent a crime is not so easy, especially when you come from a poor family and an abusive environment.
I should have tried to deal with the hard times I went through and stayed in school.
In one-word, how wouldyou describe your life?
Abandoned. Growing up I didn’t see much of my parents due to the time demanded by their jobs. I strayed from reality and found myself living life in the fast lane.
I was a heavy pot smoker and was into underage drinking and eventually became a compulsive gambler. But through the Department of Corrections I gradually started healing myself and bettering myself.
What are your messagesto the community?
My message to parents: Be aware who your child is hanging out with.
To the youth: Stay in school. Doing something crazy to impress your friends is not worth your time.
To lawmakers and other government officials: The way I see it, the best way to prevent crimes is to start to have programs available to help people like us.
A parolee is still considered an inmate. When incarcerated there should be programs available to help us.
The programs currently available at the Department of Corrections consist of preparing an inmate before his/her release back into the community.
For example, community work service/assignment is a program that allows an inmate to get used to being outside and around people.
Not only do you get to be outside the facility, you get to learn new skills you can use when released.
Home furlough/weekend pass is a program that allows an inmate to spend the weekend at home.
It is a way to adjust an inmate being around family and friends.
Bible study is a program that allows an inmate to find spiritual healing and forgiveness.
What factors have helped you change your life?
People and agencies that provide hope andhave not given up on you when you have already given up on yourself. It is nice to know that there are people who carefor you as you try to change yourself for the better.
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