State of the Union - July 8 2013

Hi, Jason here,

We're still figuring out exactly how this site will be arranged, and what the content will be as we move forward.  Forgive the haphazard nature of the posting for now please.  I'm doing the majority of posting right now, but Desiree is involved behind the sceens responding to emails, etc from site visitors. 

Yesterday, we informed my extended family and also friends of the situation.  I wish I could have done tha earlier, but I couldnt due to my cooperation with the government and the ongoing investigation.  We have had almost 5 months to digest this situation, but my extended family and friends have had 1 day.  Naturally, news like this takes some time to digest.  I got some feedback that it would help if I did a 'state of the union' or kind of a summary of the situation to help give our family and friends context, so here goes.

Back in February of 2013, my former business partner Mark was arrested by the FBI in San Diego.  I had wanted to contact the government prior to that (becaus he fled the country) but I was advised not to at the time by an attorney.  When he was arrested, I retained a very good criminal defense attorney, who is also a former Assistant US Attorney in the district that brought the charges.  I told him I wanted to fully cooperate with the government and that is what I have done.

Here's a timeline of events since then:
May - plead guilty to a conspiracy charge
August - Sentencing
Sept/Oct - self report to federal prison camp

I have found that family and friends dont understand the difference between a federal prison camp (FPC) and regular 'prison'.  I will be going to a camp, and it is for white collar offenders, and has no barbed wire, etc.  Its still prison, but more like army barracks living. 

I am currently focused on getting the letters of support from extended family and friends that are needed by the judge prior to sentencing.  I am also working dilligently to help prepare everything I can for Desiree, my mother in law (who lives with us) and my kids while I am still free.  There is actually a lot I can do for them, and so I am focused on that.

How do we get on with life?  We take one day at a time.  Some days are good, others are not. I have a very good attorney, and I am also working with a consultant who worked for the BOP (federal bureau of prisons) and ran a few prison camps in his day, so he's prepping me so I will be ready.  He will also be a support for Desiree and I when I go in.

When I go in, I'll have email access, phone and be able to write letters.  I'll be able to get books from amazon.com shipped to me.  I'll be able to make the time productive and meaningful. 

I have spent a lot of time searching out answers to questions, specifically regarding federal prison camp life, and what I can expect.  Knowledge is power, and knowing what to expect brings a great deal of peace.  I am glad to answer any questions you may have, and I would also highly recommend that you head over to http://www.prisontalk.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=186 (prison talk forum) and read up there, and ask questions.

Anyway, thats a very condensed 'state of the union', but hope its helpful.