Questions.
I received a great letter from a producer at CNBC who I spent some time with prior to self-surrendering to prison. He was involved with my interview with Andrew Ross Sorkin and traveled with me to Jesup on the train. He also ended up giving me a ride to prison from the hotel after the local cab driver went missing. (only one cab driver on duty in Jesup).
In his letter, He asked me several questions that I thought I would answer here since I know He reads my blog on a regular basis.
DO YOU FEEL LIKE A VETERAN AT THIS POINT IN TIME?
After being in prison for 18 months, I know the rules, both written and unwritten. I know the places where trouble can arise and I avoid them. I know which prisoners are high risk situations and steer clear of them. I know the traits of the various correction officers and I conform my conduct to their expectations. I have a routine and I am as settled as I can ever be in a prison setting.
ARE YOU THE GUY WHO GIVES ADVICE TO THE NEW GUYS WHEN THEY COME IN?
Most of the prisoners in Jesup come from other institutions. Some come from minimum security camps as punishment for violations of BOP regulations. Many come from higher security institutions and have been in prison for many years. Hence, the vast majority of folks in Jesup have forgotten more about prison than I will ever know. Very few people self-surrender directly to Jesup on their first prison sentence like I did. A couple of guys did self surrender here and I have tried to give them the lay of the land. I vividly remember how I felt the first couple of weeks of prison and it is a very uncomfortable experience. ( I honestly did not think it was going to be comfortable but I was still not prepared for it).
WHAT PERCENTAGE OF THE PRISONERS ARE WHITE COLLAR GUYS?
There are very few white collar guys on the compound. There are less than 20 out of a total population of over 500 prisoners. Most of the prisoners in Jesup are here for drug related crimes or for violation of child pornography laws. I have very little in common with a vast majority of the prisoners other than the fact that I committed a federal crime.
More answers to additional questions in my next blog.
Ken Flaska
