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 Summer
2008
Help Jane Benson Come Home
My
name is Jane Benson. I was found suitable for parole on June 26,
2008! This was a very important first step! The next step is a
routine review by the Board of Prison Terms to double-check the
legality of the Board’s decision after which the BPT will forward my
case to Governor Schwarzenegger for a decision. Governor
Schwarzenegger can veto my release or let me parole in November.
It
is nearly impossible for an inmate to be found suitable for parole
despite meeting all legal criteria and rehabilitation standards for
release. I am so thankful that so many people wrote letters to the
Board of Prison Terms in support of my release. There continue to be
powerful political interests who seek to maximize all punishment.
The Board of Prison Terms finds very few suitable for parole.
Governor Schwarzenegger has vetoed almost all of the Board’s
favorable decisions. Governor Schwarzenegger is intent compared to
our two previous governors who let almost no one, with a potential
life sentence, leave prison.
It
is very important that Governor Schwarzenegger receive many letters
in support of my release during the next few months. Please send the
enclosed letter(s) to the Governor. Perhaps, you can photocopy the
letter, which is printed on white paper, and pass it on to others to
send. Please contact Sarah Randall at
altasr@live.com for
additional letters or for more information.
Let
me tell you a little about myself. I am on of many elderly women who
exist in California’s prisons, at great expense to the taxpayers,
who are completely rehabilitated and are not a threat to society. I
am 60 years old and I have served 21 years at the California
Institution for Women for negligently killing my friend in 1987. At
the time I was sentenced to 15 years to life, the sentencing judge
anticipated that I would be released in 1997 if my behavior were
“good.” Because I have been a model prisoner, I have letters from
prison staff stating my suitability for parole. I attend Chaffey
Community College (through CIW) where I am working toward an AA
degree. I have worked hard to overcome my problems with alcohol and
relationships with abusive men. I am a changed person. I am
completely rehabilitated and will be an asset to society.
I
have been accepted into the Crossroads, Inc. program in Claremont,
California and I have a good office job with the Catholic Church
upon my release. Crossroads provides free housing and a full array
of supportive services to parolees, like me for one or more years
after release from prison. Crossroads has a very high success rate
for helping inmates adjust to society after many years of
incarceration. Please send a letter to Governor Schwarzenegger on my
behalf. Thank you very much.
Jane Benson
W28860 CIW
EB517L
16756
Chino-Corona Road
Corona, CA
92880-9508
Sample letter:
Honorable
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Governor of the
State of California
State Capitol
Building
Sacramento,
California 95814
RE: Jane Benson, W28860
Dear Governor
Schwarzenegger,
I
am writing in support of parole for Jane Benson who has served 21
years in prison on her 17 years life sentence. The Board of Parole
Hearings granted parole on June 26, 2008 and we understand that you
will make the final decision. I urge you to allow Jane to leave
prison as the board has recommended.
Jane has taken full responsibility for her actions and has used her
time in prison for self-improvement. She worked full time until
recently. Jane presently attends College and volunteers despite
serious physical disabilities.
She
has the support of family and friends including income from many
friends. Jane has a job waiting for her when released.
Jane has planned appropriately for her parole, has been accepted by
a transitional residential program and has offers of housing from
family members.
Jane Benson has spent 21 years in prison. She has taken advantage of
her time in prison for introspection and self-improvement. She has
taken responsibility for her actions and does not pose a threat to
the public safety.
Justice has been served; it is time for Jane to come home. Please
allow her to do that.
Sincerely,
Name:
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Address:
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Phone:
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