prelude

This blog is under construction but the basic structure is here.

on the RIGHT are two main lists:  one that list prisoners by last name and one that collects prisoners documents and writing by issues .The issue listing is very incomplete. Also on the top left of each post is a white box where you can type the name of the prisoner whose post you want to see. 

The main reason for this blog is that FFUP's advocacy is stuck. The WIDOC is in "defense mode" and is unresponsive to our concerns and too afraid of the public's ire against prisoners and too scared of losing more staff to do anything but give soothing platitudes. We must reach beyond out inner circles and build a power base that pushes for compassion and wisdom instead of unending revenge.

A major focus now is getting real relief for prisoners in our RHUs ( solitary confinement- "Restrictive hosing units") where conditions defy description. 

"animal in a Cage" by DarRen Morris

In "Summer 2024 Report On Solitary Torture" I gather documents and writings from prisoners representing the ongoing abuse . Most of these men  have family members who will step up and bear witness, so I am contacting investigative journalists to try to raise pubic awareness. At the same time FFUP is working on effective legislative and legal action with  litigators newly released and still entombed. We have tried all this before but now more people are listening thanks to the reports of courageous prisoners, the work of many activists, and the wonderful reporting of journalists.  

Now is the time to be real teachers- the easy solutions bandied about everywhere are not going to help. We cannot just close down prisons without a big time reduction of prisoner population and we cannot close solitary units without real mental health treatment. There is none in the state for those without money- the mentally ill too often end in prison because of the public's refusal to address difficult issues. Our "Out of sight out of mind" public mindset is no longer helping and we must begin the panful discussions and investigations needed.

This blog's basic structure is about done . Prisoners are invited to have their own posts where they submit their writings and documents and I  quickly post and link them to posts and reports on same and similar issues. A  trouble is writing prisoners is now very difficult as my letters take 3 weeks and the new email getting out is not available to me. So letter prisoners know about their posts and giving them the links is slow. I am looking for a volunteer who could send emails for me to prisoners- wokr the Getting out app for FFUP.

FFUP gathers and learns and makes reports- and we all push for more accountability in every way possible. The solutions are available- the will to change needs to be strengthened. with this blog I hope to be able to gather the infinity that comes into mu mailbox, phone and corrlinks app.. The treasures I am given to safe keep and spread. I hope it will be a  major organizing tool for me

note: Feel free to contact me, and you can submit writings if you have personal experience with the DOC or want to comment on an inmate's post. WE will tolerate no hate speech and you must give full contact information in order to be posted. I will not post that info unless given permission but I need it in order to post, There are comment features on this blog and they will be monitored-

I believe prisoners are not their crime and that people change. Prisoners share with me what they are convicted of and tell that story if the choose but I do not ask nor am concerned with it except as it is needed in our work together. I believe that the confinement and loss of community of prison is the punishment. The mental and physical torture these men and women endure and we tolerate is a soul loss for all and a real crime perpetrated by our willful ignorance, We too can change.  

Peg Swan

Founder,Co-director FFUP

Forum for Understanding Prisons,  501c3 non profit

pgswan3@aol.com, 608-536-3993

29631 Wild Rose Drive; Blue River, WI 53518

First look

 

Below are some of the prisoners posted here; look at the side bar to this blog and you will see prisoners listed by last name. Under that is  a listing by issues. Each prisoner gets a link to his or her particular post and is asked to send it to family and friends. We  hope this helps start a movement for real change.

This blog is in its infancy and we ask for you patience.

link to our main blog here:www.prisonforum.org

Main issue I am starting with - conditions in RHUs ( restrictive housing units)in our maximum prisons. 

link to gathering post on that issue: 

Summer 2024 Report on Solitary Torture in WI Prisons: https://ourprisonersspeak.blogspot.com/2024/08/summer-2024-report-on-solitary-torture.html

Corleon Thomas, TIS prisoner
with too much time
this case is a good example of the wrongheadedness
 of truth  in sentencing

Sean Forester -Hoare: he and his family believe he has Mrsa, is also trying to prove his innocence. FFUP's attempts to get confirmation of diagnosis and treatment unsuccessful- picking this up again

Terrance Grissom- mentally ill . in for disrupting, here still 20 years later/ needs to go home to colorado where his mother resides

Bryant Johnson, on 24 hr oxygen ,
 need compassionate release
another pld friend to FFUP- old law prisoner ,eligible for parole for decades 

Bill Brocket too long in prison

Raymond Woods
first post describes being "inmate"

Nicole Pergande, speaks for many 

Michael Evans, 
PLEADS for mental health treatment

Damien Green, mentally ill, slated to be released
 in few months with no support , to homelessness
 after no treatment or training

Carrie Metz, much abused, tries to keep
in close touch with her son

"Mentally Ill Set up for failure"

https://ourprisonersspeak.blogspot.com/2024/07/mentally-ill-setup-for-failure.html

This us a blog we put together in 2018-19 after prisoners filled out questionaires about their experience in solitary. I have added their present pictures and am inviting each to write their own post. 

 

Fredrick Morris today

Fredrick Morris 2018
Fredrick Morris is from Chicago and is in perpetual Segregation. He tells me he is here because because he assaulted a guard who was abusing him . He is very clear headed although he does sink into self harm 

because he assaulted a guard who was abusing him

Chance Wallow long time seg survivor ,now in  general. Chad's first post tells of cells
with no windows or outside light 




Joseph Cook, one of hundreds convicted as
 juveniles who  need their cases reassessed

two more juvenile offenders

Kamau, Raynell Morgan  has suffered the worst
effects of long term solitary and retaliation

DarRon Morris, a story of
transformation
and wonderful artist

Second Chance for Juvenile Offenders
https://secondchanceforjuvenileoffenders.blogspot.com/

this is a blog done at least five years ago that we are updating now and again,, will invite all those still in or system to write and we will post.

Matthew Stechauner, innocent and
mentally ill, fine litigator

Nate Lindell, another story of transformation: from Bigot to a caring and effective litigator/many good ideas to share

                                                                

Jeff Poff, framed, trying to prove innocence,
shares wide view of system
After decades of wrongful incarceration, community members are coming forth with evidence of his innocence

Jimmy Johnson 328433  FLCI
always claimed innocence, now has proof, given the absurd amount of time- 113 years
working with FFUP prisoner litigator guides. 

;

 

Kendrick Sellers 
first blogpost tells of lessons about racism he learned from his father. 

Luis Nieves has stage 4 cancer. We worked with him in 22 and 23 after he had  all  his meds and palliative care taken away when new doctor came in- This is a good example of WIDOC health care and the "special needs committee" which can override any recommendations and orders made by off site, independent doctors

Eddie Sanders describes poor conditions in MSDF and needs help

 

   Eddie  Sanders  458828 MSDF

1975, 45 Outdate 8 5 25

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1GIqvbrucPxu73r_OP_v8ft-t7h3-ATd3DayBNLu1kzg/edit?usp=sharing 

111224

Hello Miss swans I'm writing to you about MSDF. I have been incarcerated here since

February 1st 2023. We have been eating peanut butter and bologna sandwiches since

the beginning of August 2024. I was told that we are allowed to stay here for 3 years.

I know for a fact that that's unfair and unconstitutional.  Peggy I want to be involved in the mental health lawsuit, I got locked up on 2016 for a

sexual assault case that never took place. I did 6 years in and seven on papers. I got out

December 13 2022. I was put in a TLP which was not fit to live in on February 1st .

I got arrested and sent here to msdf. I was revoked for 30 months which made me

start taking medication for mental health issues.     I am really having a nervous breakdown in this place. can you help me please? The

phones are messed up. the food here is Garbage. the clothes are not worth wearing.

It's also illegal treatment as well. 

Glen Kirvan old law prisoner needs help finally getting out

 Glen Kirvan 325119 OSCI

1973, 51/outdate 5 30 37

IN since 1998 now received excessive time on new charge

https://drive.google.com/file/d/10C7B4vaBTec01v9oQT7-iV6R1ERBB6DM/view?usp=sharing

CHRISTOPHER BLASZCZYK, lost his program unfairly, has cancer

 

CHRISTOPHER  BLASZCZYK 302414 OSCI

1977, 47/out date 4 29

Christopher has cancer . He was kicked out of his SOT class because he occasionally fell asleep in it> SOT is the sex offender treatment program and few people, we find, get into it and fewer, graduate- it is something to investigate and is similar to all DOC programs- where are they except on paper?

here is DOC response to my letter of concern inquiry/complaint. Christopher Blaszczyk will b e contributing here soon

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ekTZnRM15jQoPFPccqbA8Zytfg3ETB6n/view?usp=sharing

Bill Ledford litigator, victim of incredible malfeasance and retaliation

Bill Ledford 

"HEALTH CARE IS WIDOC IS A HOT MESS"

Bill Ledford 11 4 24

William N Ledford 80495

Columbia Correctional Institution

PO Box 950 Portage,WI 53901

_____________________________

November 4, 2024

.Ms. Melissa Roberts, Deputy Secretary

Department of Corrections

PO Box 7925

Madison,WI 53707--7925

Re: Medical Care and lack of accountability in the DOC

Dear Ms Roberts,

it has come to my attention that you may be interested in information regarding the poor state

of Medical Care in the DOC- the dangerous care. Of course for the most, part I can only speak

for myself( though I am aware of many others relating to other prisoners). these following should

suffice as an initial demonstration of the problem.

The medical system in the DOC is a hot mess-.One of the underlying and primary problems is

the doctors. I realize that it is difficult to get competent doctors to work in the DLC. When the

doctors that do work in the DOC screw up- often badly- the DOC does not get rid of them( does

not even discipline or hold them responsible), but instead ”recycles” them(. I. e, just transfers

them around to various facilities over and over again.)

1. Prior to January 9, 2018, I had serious issues with severe edema and infections in

my leg and feet. I complained often but nothing effective was done. As a result I had to

be taken to Waupun Memorial Hospital. It was discovered that I was seriously

dehydrated, had sepsis and incurable bone infection. I had to have my left foot

amputated. If I had competent Medical Care this could have been prevented. I am a type

1 diabetic.

2. That same year while at WSPF( Boscobel) I developed a small sore on my second right

toe. I asked for help but didn't get it when it became Infected. The toe became so

infected that it had to be amputated. Post- op instructions were to monitor, clean and

bandage daily. It was not done, even after I wrote HMS(RN) Waterman. She ignored me.

As a result, I developed gangrene and on or about August 16th, 2018, my left foot had to

be amputated as well. As to the above paragraphs,1and 2, could have been easily

avoided with competent Medical care,( please note that prisoner Johnny Lacey# 71373

had the same happen to him around the same time and had his leg amputated below the

knee. He and I were on the same lawsuit and many thousands of dollars had to be paid

to us. That, too, could have been avoided.)

3. Since at least 2016 I have had severe edema in both lower legs which caused them to

swell so badly that s e r e s fluid would leak copiously and nests of blisters would

develop, burst, become sores and become infected. I have photos- and were very

painful. Between 2016 and March 15th 2021,I agreed to and tried every bandaging

system, treatment suggested by theDOC healthcare without success of improvement.

My legs were also very painful and became even worse in that the skin became even

worse in that it became hypersensitive making it it difficult and even impossible to wear

or apply the bandaging.After multiple requests for pain medication that were denied, finally on March 15th 2021,chronic opioid use was approved. See Dr LaVoie’s progress note for March 15th 2021.

Dr Ribault was never part of this meeting or discussion. The final approval for the pain

medication was in March 17th 2021, and shortly thereafter the Unna Boots, C o b a n

Wrap and T u b i grips could be placed on my legs again with reduced pain, just enough

not to make it extremely painful. Within approximately 2 months the sores on my legs

mostly healed.From that time on till December 14th 2021, Dr Ribault, ( another “recycled” doctor) had

been trying to come up with excuses to have my Vicadent (opiod) Taken. He kept trying

to say that I wasn't keeping my legs raised even though I was. He kept pushing this

fabrication even though there was no evidence via logs, staff observation,etc, supporting

his fabrication. In addition, from the start of taking the opioid, and as dictated by nurses

for,months, including HMS Adams, I healed well and a few issues with my legs as I had

previously.

On December 14th, 2021, Dr Ribald, without discussing anything with me, sent an email

to Dr Lavoie stating- and lying- that the opioid had been ineffective. even the HSU

manager wrote that it had been very effective. However, without the medication my legs

deteriorated and I had to spend several days in the UW- Hospital and subjected to

painful treatments. The DOC did nothing to Dr Ribault other than protect him- and

continue to pass him around to other facilities (“recycling”him) .

4).Approximately 2 1/2 years ago Dr Sukowaty came to CCI and when she did she dis

continued restrictions, medical items(e.g., medical mattresses, shoes, wedges etc.)

canceled off -site appointments,etc. Dr sukawadi discontinued my diabetic snack bag(

evening) saying it was medically unnecessary- though I'd had it for 30 years. But more

serious is the fact that she immediately, on her own, changed my diagnosis as a type 1

diabetic- which I had for 30 years to a type 2 and from that point was telling everyone,

including healthcare providers. I had countless insulin reactions, yet did not have a

diabetic snack bag. She did this to many prisoners.

5. Prior to March 5th, 2024, I had written to Dr Sukawadi about various sores and

infections etc. She would cancel an appointment she had scheduled or simply disregardmy issues, for the most part. Just prior to March 5th 2024 they got worse, yet Dr

Sukawaty essentially ignored me.On or about February 5th 2024, I developed covid-19 was and was given paxlovid. I was placed on 10- days quarantine nor am I allergic to that medication. On February

27th 2024 I was awakening in the a.m. to discover my face to be hugely swollen, my

eyes sealed nearly and seris fluid covering my entire face,glazing it as if it were a

glazed. It was clear and obvious that I had an infection. it was so serious that on

February 28th 2024 during my regular leg bandaging I asked HSM Alana Acker to have

me taken to the hospital to be treated. HMS Acura refused, actually stating that my

condition was” not serious enough” when it clearly was.My face became even worse. On March 1st 2024, again during routine like, the nurse(RN Anderson, I believe her name was) called Dr Sukawadi to come in and examine my face, believing it necessary to go to the hospital. Dr sukowaty came into the room for less than 30 seconds ordered some useless OTC cream as if the issue was, as she

described it, a “minor Dermatological” issue when it clearly was. I have colored

photographs(s). I asked her to have me sent to the hospital for treatment. she, also

staying at my condition was” not serious enough” when even a lay person could see it

was very. I also did not feel well. On March 3,2024, I wrote a two- page Health Service

request(HSR) to H SM Acker, again explain the situation and asking to be sent to the

hospital. On March 4, 2024, she responded by stating that “Dr Sukowaty was on site and

did not feel outside care was necessary” and refused to send me out.

On March 5th, 202, while, Jared M a r k o w s k i was doing the 6:10 a.m. round, found

me on the floor of my cell. They did not call an ambulance and even had me sit at the

HSU for approximately an hour before they had guards driving to the hospital in a prison

van.

At the hospital, Divine Savior in Portage, they found that I was so sick with sepsis, renal

failure, facial and orbital cellulitis, and right otitis externa, they determined I was too sick

to be treated there and had to be transferred to the UW in Madison. When I got there I

had a temperature 104 and a blood pressure. After testiing it was found I had serious

sepsis, right leg cellulitis, facial cellulitis, orbital cellulitis, oral thrush, c d i f f, with

serious diarrhea , Renal( kidney), otitis externa and s a c r a l wounds. I was put in the

ICU and placed on powerful broad Spectrum IV antibiotics. Nothing was done about her

for this either, but protected by the DOC.

I would hope that something, some accountability, some, but- or don't see it happening

given my Decades of experience with the DOC and its employees.

sincerely, William and Ledford

follow up letter, transcription coming

  11-18-24 update:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cq4rcA2jn8EWHhDdS-KAEfHiwAcDT5Wp/view?usp=sharing

intro back in July

INTRODUCTION

My name is William ("Bill")  Ledford #80495.   I'm  currently confined at the Columbia Correctional  Institution, P.O. Box 189,  Phoenix, MD  21131 [3rd party mailing requirement]  should you wish to reach  me.  I have been incarcerated for about 44-years now.  I write now  and later to educate on  and provide  insight for those in and out of  prison.                                Is Anyone Really Watching       In all of the  time that  I have been incarcerated I have always  wanted to know  if anyone has really been watching - even really cared  - about what  goes on in our prisons given  that the very same tragedies  and brutalities  continue to no accountability.       Should there be any doubt of the apparent  indifference one just has  to look at the recent eleven (11)  deaths of prisoners at  Waupun Correctional  Institution (WCI) due to staff abuse and negligence.   For  likely the first time in its  history,since approximately  1851, the Warden and  guards were arrested and  charged with serious felonies.  However,  that does not mean  those Department of  Corrections (DOC) will actually  be held accountable.  What  will likely happen is that there will be delays and the  charges will be  reduced down to nothing and the  matter forgotten with maybe an  administrative  band-aid to make  it look like something done.       Or the woman employee  at the Columbia  Correctional Institution  (CCI) who last year was the  Food Service Administrator (FSA) (head of the food  services at the facility).  What happened?   She was caught embezzling money from  the state by padding her time sheet: theft.   She was then  walked out of the facility.   Was she arrested?  No.   Instead the DOC/CCI administrators  worked to  protect by apply- ing internal discipline -  but it wasn't discipline.   instead, she was given  a 90-day suspension and  allowed to return as the  assistant FSA.   If it were  you or  I ,we would have been immediately  arrested  and prosecuted, but not a DOC employee.          Or  the Health Services Manager  (HSM) at the Wisconsin  Secure Program Facility    (WSFF -  formally the Boscobel  SuperMax) who in  2018 was responsible  for the      negligent  amputation of my right  foot for gangrene (I'm a  Type I diabetic)  and   non-treatment  of it; and for the  same for another prisoner  there (both of us on   the same  case winning  several thousands of dollars), but  whom had his right    leg amputated  up to the knee.   What happens?  She gets run out of there,  but was    later allowed  to return as a  nurse.  There is just  no actual  accountability    for these  people.  The DOC recycles  them like aluminum cans  thinking nobody is    going to  notice while they continue  their destruction.   But that is because nobody .  Is  watching or really appears to care.   These are just a  drip in the bucket to  the say  the least.           I know that many  have the mentality that I nor any other  prisoner has a    right to  complain since we committed  crimes, some very bad, and so  don't deserve     to be given  any compassion or concern.   That is simply untrue: no mater    what    was done  in the past does not justify brutality and indifference and cruelty in    the future.          For  those with that  mentality should keep in mind that it is  axiomatic that    when  you treat men or women like  animals then don't be  surprised when they act    like 'animals - because that is  how that cycle often begins: at home or their  communities.

a long time ordeal has ended for a bit- here is one letter, FFUP to DOC

 

CCI Warden Larry Fuchs

July 11. 2024

           RE: Bill Ledford 80495

Hello,

     I am deeply concerned about Bill Ledford. He is not feeling at all well and is nauseated all the time , particularly when he eats. I talked to HSU Nurse Brittany and she said Bill was on Hunger strike- I emailed him after my talk with Brittany and he responded  He is not on hunger strike. He said he had eaten twice that day and regretted it as he felt much worse. He does not trust the nurses and has all kinds of legal efforts won and in process against the health establishment, so there is animosity on both sides. He is refusing to be touched by the nursing staff. He is finished with them as he considers them incompetent and hostile.

 

Bill has lost his feet and health because of the poor care he has received throughout his incarceration. I have run across crises with other type one diabetics in the system. For one, the prison fills its caloric requirement with cheap non nutritive, calorie rich Carbohydrates, which are the exact thing type one diabetics have the most trouble with. For another, there does not seem to be much understanding of the special needs of  the insulin dependent diabetics or caring to take the time to get treatment, meds or food right. Bill has seen the worst of this and fears he is dying. We cannot let that happen, especially because of lack of care.

 

Please speak to Bill and then consider asking his provider to order an outside visit to the UW hospital system. Bill needs a change. I have known him for many years. He never lies, helps everyone he can and has a wide view,making him a good counselor. We need him.

Please talk to him and see what you can do.

Thank you for your attention.

 

     

William La Salle, another addict getting no help from WI DOC

 

William La Salle 400965, CCI

1979,45/outdate314n28

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1la-a2ctByO1vh_jSXHU9cqSwNmhpnmKw/view?usp=sharing

1 2 24

William LaSalle 400765 CCI

    Will here. I wrote once before and I hope I did not offend you by asking for help. My neighbor Titus was helping me with legal matters and knew my situation. Titus said you may be able to help with stamps/ stamped envelopes.

    After doing 6 years I was on my way out the door. However Dodge County placed a  Hold on Me 3 days before I got the chance. On a Wednesday I got my “walking papers” and cried tears of joy. Two days later I was served with my hold.Yes tears of loss for sure.

     I’m a 50-year-old alcoholic/ addict currently sober but have received no help/ Rehabilitation since my arrival in prison early 2018. I'm facing over 150 years for two separate cases from 12424 and 521.24. it is no bullshit that while I'm off my medication I'm unstable. the courts generally seemed to not care as well as the DLC.. punishments on top of punishments…

      Anyway,I could really use any help available. I'm currently in a slump. adversity devours the week and I'm ?? for now..Should you be able to land a hand maybe some way I can return the help somewhere or another maybe artwork something.

 

 thank you Peggy for your time

William LaSalle 400965

Columbia Corr Inst

2925 Columbia Drive

Portage, WI53901

      

     

John Taylor, revocated many times, begs for addiction treatment

• 
  
  John Taylor  366565
•  John C Burke Center
• 1973, 51/Out date 5 7 28

• John Taylor update

  https://drive.google.com/file/d/1K3667hVZmKW1_TTeCPLc3uFr4_kjzRb-/view?usp=sharing

• 
  

Jordan Hansen addict, system failed to treat or support upon release

 Jorden Hansen 589092 RGCI

bd 1995, 29

out date 9 21 25

11 4 24

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cVhJhuZSKr-0gJJWQ4d3nVR6nKg6tGW_/view?usp=sharing

Richard Fischer needs support

 

                                                      Richard Fischer 261987 KMCI

                                                      BD 1968, old law, outdate 5/25

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ydsx7KyrGCUGHJKvyc_GLmCULGJbEhLS/view?usp=sharing

letter tells of no support, no money, Offers art work and Christian penpal support. Will buy writing supplies, tell about DESTress project,  and post any future art work and encourage blog writing.He gets out net year and we will be wokring on release resources/housing etc.