Seven Years Ago Today, I Was Sentenced to Federal Prison

It was seven years ago today when I was sentenced to Federal Prison and lost my freedom.

After the FBI arrested me, my life was a series of new rock bottoms. Each of them a new level of hell. Each of them pushing the boundaries of what I thought I could handle.

I invite you to join me as I recall this day through an excerpt from my new book, “Blank Canvas, How I Reinvented My Life After Prison.”

TEN

“Nobody ever did, or ever will, escape the consequences of his choices.”

ALFRED A. MONTAPERT

The shadow now has a face. The federal courthouse in New Haven, Connecticut. A massive building, imposing in its size, and the knowledge that my fate will be decided within its walls. We walk up the granite steps and through the heavy doors. Nine months of uncertainty distilled to this moment.

My family and friends are already here. It feels like walking into a wake. They speak softly and with condolences. I watch as my family and friends say hello to one another. Some of them are meeting for the first time; it’s embarrassing that this is the setting. Everyone cast in the shadow, everyone doing their best to remain positive.