Release Plan

Register Number: 26851-511
Prison Facility: FCI Mendota Satellite

Introduction

Dear Unit Team,

Before entering federal prison, I dedicated significant time to researching best practices for serving a sentence effectively and preparing for reintegration. This research emphasized the importance of setting goals for rehabilitation and community reentry. My release plan outlines a structured approach to ensure I spend my time productively, reflect on my actions, and develop skills that will support a successful reentry into society.

I accept full responsibility for my actions and the consequences they have had on my community, family, and profession. My goal is to demonstrate a sincere commitment to change, guided by the accountability of my Unit Team, my family, and myself. This plan reflects my readiness to transition smoothly into being a positive contributor to society and will be updated throughout my sentence, marking milestones and adjusting goals as I prepare for reintegration. As a devoted Catholic, my faith has been a cornerstone of my personal growth and moral compass. During my sentence, I will seek opportunities to deepen my faith and practice, and after my release, I plan to volunteer at my local church, St. Paul Catholic Newman Center, as part of my commitment to community service and spiritual growth.

I have also started my own website, The Honest Shift, to document my journey after sentencing, during my surrender, and after my release. This initiative helps me build accountability with society and serves as a reminder of this journey to share with stakeholders.

This plan includes the following sections:

  • Identifying Information
  • Background
  • Crime and Accountability
  • Rehabilitation Goals
  • Education and Skills Development
  • Making Amends
  • Employment Plan
  • Community Support and Accountability
  • Health and Wellness
  • Risk and Needs Assessment
  • Financial Obligations
  • Summary and Commitment

1. Identifying Information

Date of Birth:
Phone Number:
Email:
Website: TheHonestShift.com

2. Background

I was born in Mexico City and raised by hardworking parents who taught me the value of resilience, dedication, and integrity. I moved to the United States as a young adult and have since established a career and a family. My professional background includes over 20 years in operations management and leadership roles across various industries, where I demonstrated a commitment to excellence and problem-solving.

Despite my achievements, I allowed stress and financial insecurity to cloud my judgment, leading to poor decisions that deeply hurt those who trusted me. My plan focuses on addressing the influences behind my actions, equipping myself with improved coping mechanisms, and dedicating my time to meaningful personal and professional growth. I am determined to use the lessons learned to build a better future for myself and my family. My website, The Honest Shift, is part of this journey, offering transparency and a way to reflect on my progress.

3. Crime and Accountability

I pleaded guilty to wire fraud. My actions betrayed my professional responsibilities and violated the trust of those around me. I deeply regret the harm I caused and am committed to making things right through restitution and community service.

To prevent future mistakes, I will continue participating in counseling and self-reflective programs to better understand the motivations behind my behavior. I will also establish a system of personal accountability, involving my family and Unit Team, to ensure I remain on the right path.

4. Rehabilitation Goals

With guidance from my Unit Team, I am committed to achieving these objectives during my sentence:

  • Counseling and Therapy: Attend weekly counseling sessions to address personal triggers and improve decision-making skills.
  • Personal Development: Complete a minimum of two courses on ethics, accountability, and conflict resolution to reinforce sound decision-making.
  • Community Engagement: Volunteer in programs that allow me to use my skills to benefit others, such as mentoring or assisting with vocational programs within the prison.

5. Education and Skills Development

During my sentence, I will take every opportunity to enhance my skills and knowledge, aiming to return as a responsible and productive citizen. My areas of focus include:

  • Financial Literacy: Enroll in courses to strengthen my understanding of ethical finance and management practices.
  • Technical Skills: Advance my knowledge in web development through certifications, such as the Google IT Support Professional Certificate or QuickBooks training, to support my brother’s business.
  • Academic Goals: Participate in post-secondary education programs, working toward a degree in Architecture or a construction-related field. Post-release, I also plan to pursue graduate studies in these areas to deepen my expertise.
  • Professional Licenses: Begin preparing for the Real Estate Sales Agent License or Home Inspection certification, as well as the General B Contractor’s License. These qualifications will provide a strong foundation for my future career aspirations.
  • Reading and Reflection: Establish a reading list focused on personal development, ethics, and resilience. The following books are on my reading list:
    • 100 Ways to Improve Your Writing by Gary Provost
    • The Honest Truth About Dishonesty by Dan Ariely
    • Mistakes Were Made (But Not by Me) by Carol Travis and Elliot Aronson
    • What Got You Here Won’t Get You There by Marshall Goldsmith
    • How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne by Sarah Bakewell
    • Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
    • The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
    • Six Months to Six Figures by Peter Voogd
    • Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
    • David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
    • Law Man by Shon Hopwood
    • The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
    • The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • Start With Why by Simon Sinek
    • Principles: Life and Work by Ray Dalio
    • I Will Teach You to Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
    • Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker
    • Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
    • WordPress For Dummies by Lisa Sabin-Wilson
    • Real Estate License Exams For Dummies by John A. Yoegel
    • Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
    • The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
    • Boundaries by Dr. John Townsend
    • Earning Freedom by Michael Santos

I will post monthly book reports on my website, The Honest Shift, detailing what I learned and how it will influence my future decisions and actions.

6. Making Amends

I acknowledge that genuine amends require both reflection and action. My approach includes:

  • Restitution: Begin contributing toward restitution as soon as possible, with a clear payment schedule.
  • Volunteer Efforts: Contribute to the prison community by volunteering in roles such as tutoring or mentoring. Additionally, as part of my Catholic faith, I will seek opportunities to participate in religious services and faith-based programs at the camp, offering support and guidance to others.
  • Community Service: Upon release, I will volunteer at St. Paul Catholic Newman Center. These efforts will allow me to use my time and skills to give back to the community, share my journey of redemption, and help others find strength through faith.

7. Employment Plan

After my release, I plan to embark on a structured career path that aligns with my skills, interests, and long-term financial goals. My employment plan includes the following steps:

  • Initial Role: I will work with my brother’s web development company to generate income, contribute to my family’s financial stability, and meet my restitution obligations. This role will allow me to:
    • Apply my experience in operations management to support the growth and efficiency of the business.
    • Contribute to a supportive work environment by mentoring team members and sharing my expertise.
  • Career Advancement: While working, I will pursue educational and professional certifications to expand my career opportunities. These include:
    • Degree Programs: Enrolling in a program for Architecture and/or Construction Management to build a strong academic foundation.
    • Licenses and Certifications:
      • Real Estate Sales Agent License.
      • State Contractor’s General B License.
      • Additional certifications in project management or construction software as needed.
  • Long-Term Career Goals: With these qualifications, I aim to establish a career in fields such as real estate, architecture, or construction. These industries offer the potential for higher earning capacity, which will allow me to:
    • Provide sustainable support for my family.
    • Satisfy my restitution obligations more efficiently.
    • Contribute to the economy and my community as a skilled professional.
  • Entrepreneurial Aspirations: In the future, I aspire to explore entrepreneurial opportunities, such as starting a business focused on real estate development or construction. This will not only support my family and financial goals but also create jobs and positively impact the community.

This employment plan reflects my commitment to reintegration, professional growth, and financial responsibility. It ensures I can build a sustainable career while fulfilling my legal and personal obligations.

8. Community Support and Accountability

My family has been a pillar of strength and accountability throughout my life and during this challenging period. They will continue to play an integral role in ensuring my successful reentry into society. My wife, father, brother, and close friends have committed to the following:

  • Guidance: Providing ongoing advice on financial and personal matters.
  • Accountability: Acting as accountability partners to ensure I meet all legal obligations and avoid situations that could lead to further mistakes.
  • Regular Check-ins: Holding weekly check-ins to review my progress, address challenges, and celebrate milestones.

Additionally, I will be attaching character reference letters from individuals who can attest to my character, personal growth, and determination to rebuild my life. These letters reflect the depth of my support system and demonstrate the trust and confidence others have in my ability to contribute positively to society.

9. Health and Wellness

Maintaining my physical and mental health is essential for my overall rehabilitation. I will:

  • Exercise: Establish a routine of walking and light exercise to stay physically fit.
  • Mental Health: Participate in therapy to manage stress and remain focused on my rehabilitation goals.
  • Stress Management: Practice mindfulness and meditation techniques to develop healthier coping mechanisms.
  • Spiritual Health: Deepen my Catholic faith by attending religious services, engaging in prayer, and participating in faith-based programs offered at the camp. This spiritual grounding will be vital for managing challenges and staying committed to my rehabilitation.

10. Risk and Needs Assessment

I have read the First Step Act Initial Review of the SPARC-13 Needs Assessment System document on the Bureau of Prisons website to identify areas where I would like support. Based on this review:

  • Finance/Poverty Section: I would like to participate in the Money Smart for Adults Program and Square One to improve my financial literacy and stability.
  • Substance Use Section: After sentencing, I struggled emotionally and began drinking daily to cope with the pain and stress of my circumstances. I plan to join the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) and Seeking Safety/Seeking Strength Program to address these issues and build resilience.
  • Work Section: I aim to engage in as many Post-Secondary Education Programs as possible, as my goal is to obtain a degree in Architecture or a construction-related field after release. This will also include preparing for the Real Estate Sales Agent License or Home Inspection certification and the General B Contractor’s License to enhance my professional opportunities.

My website, The Honest Shift, will serve as an additional tool for accountability and a platform to document my progress, helping me maintain transparency with society. With a record of non-violence, commitment to rehabilitation, and strong family support, I anticipate a low risk of recidivism. I am prepared to actively engage in programs that align with my Unit Team’s recommendations while remaining vigilant against potential challenges.

11. Financial Obligations

I understand the importance of addressing my financial responsibilities, particularly restitution, as part of my accountability and rehabilitation. I owe a total of $1,561,992.28 in restitution, and I am committed to fulfilling this obligation in a structured and consistent manner. My plan includes the following:

  • Restitution Payment Terms: I will adhere to the payment terms dictated by my sentencing judge, which require that I pay 10% of my income or $25 every quarter, whichever is greater. As my career and income grow, I will contribute accordingly, with the goal of satisfying my obligation as quickly as possible.
  • Initial Support: In the early stages after my release, my family will continue to provide financial support. This assistance will allow me to focus on achieving key educational and professional milestones without the immediate pressure of earning a full-time income.
  • Educational Investment: I will dedicate my time to studying for a degree in Architecture and/or Construction Management, obtaining my Real Estate Sales Agent License, and earning a State Contractor’s General B License. These qualifications will enhance my earning potential and career opportunities in the long term, enabling me to better support my family and meet my restitution obligations.
  • Budgeting and Prioritization: I will create a detailed budget to ensure that every source of income is allocated responsibly, prioritizing restitution payments while maintaining financial stability.
  • Accelerating Payments: As my career progresses and my income increases, I will prioritize larger contributions toward my restitution to fulfill the obligation more quickly. I will remain transparent and proactive in communicating my progress to the appropriate authorities.
  • Future Planning: My long-term financial goal is to build a sustainable career that allows me to fully meet my obligations while providing security for my family. I will also explore additional opportunities, such as side projects or freelance work, to accelerate restitution payments and achieve financial independence.

By adhering to the restitution payment terms, focusing on education and career development, and maintaining disciplined financial management, I am confident that I can fulfill my obligations and contribute meaningfully to society.

12. Summary and Commitment

To my Unit Team, I express my gratitude for the guidance and support provided throughout my journey. My release plan is a roadmap to becoming a responsible, law-abiding citizen who contributes positively to society. I am fully committed to achieving this goal through consistent action, self-reflection, and accountability.

This plan will continue to evolve as I progress, with the unwavering objective of reconciling with those I have wronged, providing stability for my family, and leading a meaningful, purposeful life.

Thank you for considering my plan and for the opportunity to take proactive steps toward reintegration.