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Dear Friends,<br><br>
As you well know, today at 8 AM Veronza Bowers, Jr. was scheduled to be
released from federal prison after more than 30 years of
incarceration.<br><br>
Yesterday afternoon, prison authorities at the Coleman Correctional
Center in Florida received a telephone call from the National Parole
Commission (NPC) in Washington, DC informing them that the waiver of a
final parole hearing, which they previously granted, had been rescinded
and that he would not be released as promised. This call came just hours
before his mandatory release date. All of us, including the Warden at
Coleman, Veronza's Case Manager and Counselor at the prison, were taken
aback and shocked by this sudden and unanticipated turn of events.
Veronza's three sisters and his daughter had already flown from various
locations throughout the country to be there for him when he exited the
penitentiary.<br><br>
There are several issues and responses to this development that have
occurred in the last 48 hours. I will spare you the details. (If you are
interested, read the postscript to this e-mail compiled by Garf) I
do, however, want to say that in over 16 years of advocating on Veronza's
behalf - dealing with regional and national parole commissions,
criminal lawyers, members of Congress, prison authorities and the federal
judiciary - my faith in the fundamental truth of this democratic republic
has been shaken to the core. I don't think of myself as being
particularly naive, impressionable or easily shocked. In Veronza's case,
however, I witnessed up close such a callous disregard for the laws of
this nation, the Constitution, human rights and human decency itself that
it left me aghast. Perhaps this latest round should come as no surprise.
Many of those who run this country and occupy positions of authority
write their own rules in ways and at times that are totally arbitrary,
capricious and dictated by personal power and self interest.<br><br>
To be released from federal penitentiary, the NPC requires what they call
a final "2/3 Expiration Hearing" be held. Veronza's hearing was
waived according to the Coleman prison case manager, yet the NPC refuses
to accept its existence. Warden Holder at Coleman, a fair and decent man
according to Veronza, attempted to intervene on his behalf by calling the
NPC and citing a statue which would allow an immediate hearing on the
prison grounds to expedite the matter. Approval of this hearing was
granted, then, within a half-an-hour, a call was made to Warden Holder
saying that the individual approving the local hearing had no authority
to do so and Veronza would have to wait until June, 2004 to get a hearing
date set. Later today, even that possibility was called into question due
to one NPC staff member's interpretation of Veronza's rights. It is very
clear that powerful forces exist that are intent on denying his freedom
for as long as possible.<br><br>
This has been a sad, frustrating and discouraging day for many of us. On
the upside, I received a phone call from Veronza this afternoon and, in
his inimitable style, he radiated optimism, hope and good vibes.
"One breath at a time," he advised. Veronza remains resolute,
positive and asked me to convey his love and deep appreciation to all of
you. Whatsmore, this gross violation of human rights has elicited a very
strong reaction from some in a position to effect the ultimate outcome of
this latest struggle with the NPC. Suffice it say, we are not sitting by
idly. We remain hopeful that the spirit of the Consititution will prevail
and Veronza delivered to the loving arms of those who care.<br><br>
I am off to Japan early tomorrow, but will keep you informed of any new
developments. Thank you all so much for the incredible support and caring
you have shown. Please forgive me for taking more of your time with this
matter and asking so much.<br><br>
All the best,<br><br>
Monty<br><br>
PS Maynard Garfield has spent many hours during the last couple of days
on the phone trying to sort out events surrounding this latest action by
the NPC. To the best of his ability and understanding of this situation,
here is his synopsis of the issues and responses:<br><br>
</font>1.<font face="arial" size=3> Some time back, Veronza's Case
Manager (CM) indicated that the National Parole Commission had written to
him waiving the required 2/3 Expiration Hearing necessary for
release.<br><br>
<br>
</font>2.<font face="arial" size=3> The Maryland Parole Board Supervisor
informed Voni ( Veronza's sister) that her home had been approved as a
residence for Veronza and that they were informed by the prison in
Coleman, FL that he would be released on April 7th.<br><br>
<br>
</font>3.<font face="arial" size=3> In preparation for his release the
prison took away Veronza's commissary and phone privileges.<br><br>
<br>
</font>4.<font face="arial" size=3> On the afternoon of Tuesday, April
6th, Veronza's daughter and his three sisters boarded planes for Orlando,
FL. to be there for his release.<br><br>
<br>
</font>5.<font face="arial" size=3> Late on the afternoon of April 6th,
the NPC informed the prison that since Veronza had not presented himself
for the obligatory 2/3 Expiration Hearing he would not be released on
April 7th.<br><br>
<br>
</font>6.<font face="arial" size=3> Veronza, Voni and Garf started making
marathon phone calls to the NPC, the prison, attorney Ed Hammock, Gilda
Sherrod and others. The most cooperative and conscientious help was
received by Mr. Jarvis Lovett, Veronza's Counselor. Sherry Grace
(director of Mothers of Incarcerated Sons) was able to reach the prison
Warden who promised to initiate action early on Wednesday. The Warden has
been helpful and cooperative throughout the entire procedure.<br><br>
<br>
</font>7.<font face="arial" size=3> It is our understanding that early on
April 7th the Warden, Case Manager, and the Prison Case Management
Coordinator had a conference call with the NPC in Washington, DC. The NPC
was relentless in insisting that Veronza could not be released without
appearing at the parole hearing. We do not know the NPC's standing on the
Case Managers assertion that he had a written document to the
contrary.<br><br>
<br>
</font>8.<font face="arial" size=3> The Warden got someone in the NPC to
agree that it was possible to expedite the hearing and have it take place
immediately at the Coleman Correctional Facility. Thirty minutes later,
the Warden received a call back from the NPC stating that the agreement
to expedite the hearing was a mistake and that the next available date on
the calendar would be sometime in June.<br><br>
</font> <br><br>
9.<font face="arial" size=3> Since Wednesday was not an approved visiting
day at the prison, the Warden graciously made an exception and allowed
Veronza's family to see him. His three sisters and daughter decided
to declare the visit a "Family Reunion".<br><br>
<br>
</font>10.<font face="arial" size=3> Hopefully someone will convince the
NPC to waive or expedite the hearing. Otherwise Veronza will remain
incarcerated several more months. It is amazing that he has managed to
keep his wits about him. He remains strong and mature. Justice is a
fleeting thing which must be constantly fought for. Our prayers are with
him.<br><br>
<br>
</font>Garf<br><br>
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