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pinky.258 · #1 11-05-2008, 09:41 AM

Roller Coaster???? Ya'll warned me. Here goes. Hope its not too long. Everyone is aware of the good ole Texas mess that has been going on. I want to be very opened minded about this; after all, I am the mother of an addict. (Yea, I said it). My son has been in prison almost a year. He made parole and is to be released on one of his two charges (if he successfully completes this drug therapeautic program) in Feb.- 2009. Several weeks BEFORE this lockdown mess started, and all the media got involved about the man who was caught with a cell phone, my son told me he and 7 other men were fired from their job in the laundry warehouse. He said someone put urine in a baggy and threw it in the trash, and someone left the bleach out. So he was reassigned to washing the pots and pans in the kitchen. The end. (we thought) Well, just got a letter and he said they called him in a room with several people who worked there (I don't know, the leader of the program, the boss of the laundry room and whoever else). After about 30 minutes of them calling him a piece of s--$, and every other name, they accused him of stealing the bleach and putting the urine in the baggy and putting it in the trash. And he told me they are sending paperwork to Huntsville to have his stay extended 30 more days. He is very upset and is wanting me to call every Tom, Dick, or Harry, and ask questions on how they can do that. He says he didn't steal the bleach, it never left the laundry room, he or someone just accidently left it out, and he says he sure didn't PEE in a baggy. He said they did an analysis on the urine and it was just straight urine. Of course, my son did, which I would not have done, admitted he did see the bleach there, but he does not know if he is the one who left it out or not. But he took the blame, saying he might have left it out, but he DID NOT pee in the baggy. He was trying to do what the program says they preach to them about "being your brothers keeper" I do not now what that means. Do you wonderful, smart, people, really think they will extend his time for such a petty deal. The damn bleach never left the warehouse and there is no proof who peed in the baggy. But then again, I don't really and truely know what to believe. Him or this wonderfully corrupt judicial system. Let me think about it.............I choose my son, (I think). But damn, I don't know who to call and don't want to call anyone, and I am sure it won't do any good anyway.........HELP.....

davidsmominva · #2 11-05-2008, 09:57 AM

What?????? I am speechless and my fingers can't even connect to my head to give you some answers.
Bless your sons heart. I will pray that this situation turns out for good.
I am so sorry Pinky. I do however, love your sons heart. He did a good thing and SHOULD not be punished for being honest.
Stay calm..... make sure that it is the final decesion. Then if you have to move forward you will figure out how.

Praying right now for you and your son.
Love, Jill

reggie42 · #3 11-05-2008, 09:59 AM

Pinky, please tell your son to file a grievance on his part. That will be an important step for you to be able to do your part. If they ask, say yes, he filed it. Just make sure he does. On your part, contact the Ombudsman, you can do it through email here:
http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/adminrvw/adminrvw-ombud.htm

Be sure to keep all the emails in your records. I would check in the TX forums as well, about your questions regarding time lost or extended. I'm so sorry to hear this Pinky. I have been through those "interrogations" and even went to close custody for not "co-operating" with them. Not to slam the CO's or administration staff, but they do what they want to do, how and when they want to do it. Speaking out against the bureaucracy is the only way to end this "good ol boy" BS. I wish you the best with this, and join you in prayer for your son. Take care Pinky.

pinky.258 · #4 11-05-2008, 10:08 AM

Reg, the earliest I can tell him to file a grievance is Sat. Will that be ok? I am going there and I don't want to tell him in a letter for them to read. He probably wouldn't get it until after Sat anyway. But do I go ahead and write the Ombudsman now, or wait until next week after I tell him to file the grieveance. Now will they make it harder on him if he files the grieveance? I'm sure he knows about that, but what is that anyway? Thanks for your help, I knew you would help me. I love everyone here. What is your opinion on all this?

reggie42 · #5 11-05-2008, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinky.258

Reg, the earliest I can tell him to file a grievance is Sat. Will that be ok? I am going there and I don't want to tell him in a letter for them to read. He probably wouldn't get it until after Sat anyway. But do I go ahead and write the Ombudsman now, or wait until next week after I tell him to file the grieveance. Now will they make it harder on him if he files the grieveance? I'm sure he knows about that, but what is that anyway? Thanks for your help, I knew you would help me. I love everyone here. What is your opinion on all this?

Pinky, you can go to the TDCJ website and read about the rules, grievances, regulations, etc., under the general tab, click there, than you can read both the families guide and the offender handbook. This is a paste from that:
If informal resolution is not successful, a grievance form and instructions for completing the form maybe obtained from any staff member or from the unit law library. Each unit has a Unit Grievance Investigator (UGI) who is responsible for, not only processing and resolving offender complaints, but also assisting offenders who experience difficulties associated with the grievance process. The UGI works closely with the warden and other department heads to consider offender input derived from grievances when addressing concerns on the unit. If an offender is not satisfied with the response to a grievance, he may appeal the decisions to the Central Grievance Office in Huntsville, Texas. Central and regional directors, as well as many other departmental specialists, are available to review the appeal and take additional corrective action, if necessary.
Protecting offenders’ rights to file grievances and promoting problem solving at all levels is very important to TDCJ. It is a violation of policy to subject any offender to harassment, retaliation or reprisal for using the grievance procedure.

The first grievance 9 times out of 10 will come back denied (meaning they side with the decision of whatever or whoever the complaint is against) and that is when your son can do a STEP 2 (appeal) grievance. That one goes on to the higher ups (Huntsville), outside the unit. They cannot blatantly start messing with him for filing a grievance, as that is absolutely against their rules. And once the Ombudsman is aware of the situation, let them know immediately if they do start to harass your son. Generally, with someone on the outside advocating for him, they won't mess with him. Especially with all the attention on them right now. If you feel it would be better to wait and go over all of this with your son this weekend, I would say, wait. That way, he is aware of what you are doing out here, and you of his part. Breath...calm and clear minded, is key. It doesn't sound like he is in danger so I would wait and go over all of this at visit this weekend. Here's the link to the TDCJ website:
http://www.tdcj.state.tx.us/index.htm
Don't forget to ask questions in the TX forums as well. (((hugs))) Pinky, this too shall pass.

jancy · #6 11-05-2008, 12:20 PM

good ole reg coming to the rescue with answers and info, good for her!

pinky,
my son has filed grievances every time he had to while in various jails. at least it leaves a paper trail. he was never punished for doing so.

((hugs)) hon, you know it burns your butt to go thru this crap!

pinky.258 · #7 11-05-2008, 12:33 PM

Jancy, so glad you responded too. Yea, ole Reg, comes thru every time, don't she. I know your son has completed this same program, as you gave me some advice to give to my son. Does this sound goofy to you, or not. These grown children of ours; I don't know what to think. I'm just going to be like Diane and play the lottery, using the court date, sentence date, parole date, getting in trouble on the inside date, on and on and on......

jancy · #8 11-05-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinky.258

. These grown children of ours; I don't know what to think. I'm just going to be like Diane and play the lottery, using the court date, sentence date, parole date, getting in trouble on the inside date, on and on and on......

pinky, I have to say my son never won any grievances but as least he put them in on paper. tony is done with his program and bored in prison. it sounds like a loud crazy insane asylum when he calls. I dont know how he stands the noise. we dont have a release date. he passed his minimum, finished his program and parole said they cant even talk to him til at least December.

My ex was a major gambler and we fought a lot abouthim using money for necessities for gambling. when we divorced I bought him out and part of cash part was tools worth 30K and a vehicle. he liquidated the tools and vehicle and spent it and all the cask (45K) within three months on gambling.

he lives at the edge of life using every disablity check for gambling.

I wont even buy ONE ticket or gamble ever because of his sickness.

as for my son I have decided a tough one...I have not seen him since august nor have I taken his son to see him. he is very sad and misses us. he is only 50 minutes from me. the reason I am doing this is because I want him to hate his life in prison and miss his loved ones so much that this is his last DUI. he has been in and out of places since he was 13 due to his substance abuse/alcoholism.

I "might" go end of the month and take his son to see him. I still talk with him on the phone but only allow one call per week. we send pictures and a weekly letter too. I told him I am not going on the prison walk with him again. I hope he hates it enough to not go back this time.

armida · #9 11-05-2008, 12:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinky.258

Roller Coaster???? Ya'll warned me. Here goes. Hope its not too long. Everyone is aware of the good ole Texas mess that has been going on. I want to be very opened minded about this; after all, I am the mother of an addict. (Yea, I said it). My son has been in prison almost a year. He made parole and is to be released on one of his two charges (if he successfully completes this drug therapeautic program) in Feb.- 2009. Several weeks BEFORE this lockdown mess started, and all the media got involved about the man who was caught with a cell phone, my son told me he and 7 other men were fired from their job in the laundry warehouse. He said someone put urine in a baggy and threw it in the trash, and someone left the bleach out. So he was reassigned to washing the pots and pans in the kitchen. The end. (we thought) Well, just got a letter and he said they called him in a room with several people who worked there (I don't know, the leader of the program, the boss of the laundry room and whoever else). After about 30 minutes of them calling him a piece of s--$, and every other name, they accused him of stealing the bleach and putting the urine in the baggy and putting it in the trash. And he told me they are sending paperwork to Huntsville to have his stay extended 30 more days. He is very upset and is wanting me to call every Tom, Dick, or Harry, and ask questions on how they can do that. He says he didn't steal the bleach, it never left the laundry room, he or someone just accidently left it out, and he says he sure didn't PEE in a baggy. He said they did an analysis on the urine and it was just straight urine. Of course, my son did, which I would not have done, admitted he did see the bleach there, but he does not know if he is the one who left it out or not. But he took the blame, saying he might have left it out, but he DID NOT pee in the baggy. He was trying to do what the program says they preach to them about "being your brothers keeper" I do not now what that means. Do you wonderful, smart, people, really think they will extend his time for such a petty deal. The damn bleach never left the warehouse and there is no proof who peed in the baggy. But then again, I don't really and truely know what to believe. Him or this wonderfully corrupt judicial system. Let me think about it.............I choose my son, (I think). But damn, I don't know who to call and don't want to call anyone, and I am sure it won't do any good anyway.........HELP.....

it is a hard choice, cause i would not want to make his 30 days harder.. i don't know by calling anyone if anything will be done.it is almost better to do his extra time and get the hell out of there.the system is screwed up and do you really want to call and make waves, he is the one in there and will have to put up with any crap that comes from you calling.. My prayers are with you that you make the right decision

addictsmom · #10 11-05-2008, 03:22 PM

Jancy, I agree with your logic. It makes so much sense. I am praying that I get stronger before the darling daughter comes home next year.

Pink, I know a couple people that have sent grievences and some that have even won them. Good luck with that. I am just nosey as hell tho on the issue at hand. I cannot figure out why anyone would pee in a baggy. And if they did, and all it was is urine, what is the problem? It is not like they passed drugs throught he baggy. And what do they think an inmate was going to do with bleach? If they wanted it, it would not just be sitting out on the counter. Wouldnt an inmate have taken it with them? Im sorry, I just keep trying to make sense of the justice system when I should know by now that there is none. I guess I have too much time on my hands if this is all I have to worry about is why there is pee in a baggy. LOL

Diane

reggie42 · #11 11-05-2008, 03:31 PM

LOL Diane, that bleach sells for alot of $$ in there. They like to use it to spruce up those visitation clothes, T Shirts, underwear. Really, bleach is a hot commodity in there. I see your point though, but they seem to think they have proof it was being stolen, and replaced with urine. That's just my take on it, based on having seen it with my own eyes, in my own time there.

On another note I really do not agree with being intimidated into silence. That is what has fed the corruption for all these years. JMHO

BlessTheInmates · #12 11-05-2008, 03:52 PM

Mygoodness! I hope this all works out somehow. How horrible to be blamed for something you didn't do in the first place

I have a question though, why would somebody pee in a baggie? I've heard of people finding baggies of number 2 on their porches. It wasn't me! I swear.

reggie42 · #13 11-05-2008, 03:54 PM

ROTF Bless, your so funny!

BlessTheInmates · #14 11-05-2008, 04:00 PM

heheh! giggle

BlessTheInmates · #15 11-05-2008, 04:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reggie42

LOL Diane, that bleach sells for alot of $$ in there. They like to use it to spruce up those visitation clothes, T Shirts, underwear. Really, bleach is a hot commodity in there.

OHHHHHH! Ok! Didn't know this. I learn so much from you and the others here.

flymom · #16 11-05-2008, 05:59 PM

I'm glad this was all answered above, I wouldn't have a clue on how to respond!
Pee in a baggie?? Poop in a baggie??? Disgusting!

pinky.258 · #17 11-06-2008, 07:01 AM

I'm back at work this morning and just reading everyone's response to this issue. It seems so petty to me, and probably to everyone except my son who is probably going to spend 30 extra days for this. Man, if bleach is so valuable, I sure hope the baggy don't get any holes in it and leak out, cause my son says he has to drop his pants and spread his butt cheeks everytime he goes in one door and out the other. OUCH........that would burn.....LOL>>>>>>>

BlessTheInmates · #18 11-06-2008, 07:08 AM

ooo Ouchies! You want him out of there asap. Anything can happen in those additional days, unfortunately

justadeb · #19 11-06-2008, 09:29 AM

pinkie it is in no way petty...no no no don;t think that ever... when a human has to go threw humiliation.. and is falsely accused... there is no pettiness about it....god bless your son and your mothers heart.........hang in there

heartbrokenmom · #20 11-06-2008, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by justadeb

pinkie it is in no way petty...no no no don;t think that ever... when a human has to go threw humiliation.. and is falsely accused... there is no pettiness about it....god bless your son and your mothers heart.........hang in there

Pinkie, it is definitely not petty and do not ever think that. Your son being falsely accused and having to go through this bs and treated like this for something that he didn't do.

pinky.258 · #21 11-07-2008, 06:53 AM

Thanks Deb & Heartbrokenmom. I will find out all the details from him tomorrow when I go visit, and get on the horn next week and try to find out where the people are I can call. Haaave Iiii told you laatelyyy that I love ya????? ( Remember that one, Ricky Nelson, I think? ) I loved that song.....

pinky.258 · #22 11-07-2008, 07:56 AM

I am sitting here working and singing that song to myself, and the more I think about it, I'm not sure Ricky Nelson song that song. Come on you little song birds, who sung it?

heartbrokenmom · #23 11-07-2008, 08:32 AM

I think Rod Stewart sang that song!

reggie42 · #24 11-07-2008, 10:28 AM

Yea Pinky R.M. did the original version than Rod Stewert remade it. Here ya go:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4kTgNyUiT0