Inmate Crisis - Let Them Out!

The COVID-19 crisis has motivated me to return to blogging, something I haven't done much in a long time. And what motivated me is the increasing reports of Corona Virus in prison. Hearing the stories brings me straight back to my days packed cheek to jowl with 200 other guys in a dorm, back to the days when one guy on the other side of the dorm caught a cold and a day later we all had it; back to the days when a visit to the overloaded prison health office was an exercise in futility - no matter what the symptom, the response was 'take an aspirin'. It makes me so thankful to no longer be there, but worried for those who are. 

The actual inmate population is about as far from the stereotype as night and day. The average Joe Smith imagines bulked-up young tough guys who seem like they could withstand a nuclear blast. The reality is that the majority of inmates are elderly, or non-violent, or close to the end of their sentences, or awaiting trial, or with a host of underlying health conditions. In other words, most don't need to be in jail, especially in a pandemic!

All I can say is - let them out before it's too late!! If we don't, we'll have yet another humanitarian disaster on our hands. 

Upcoming Engagements - Corona Virus Postponements

So many upcoming engagements...I was looking forward to seeing you all! Now all I hope is you are safe and well, in a good place to manage the crisis and that we can meet again soon. I'll be contacting all of you who have scheduled me over the next few months to figure out new dates or whether you'd like to switch to Zoom or some other sort of remote meeting. For those of you who have already made deposits I will be sending you refunds as well. This was just a quick way of getting the message out there but I'll be contacting you all individually in the upcoming days. Keep well and keep safe!

Publishing and Editing

Loyal readers of this blog know I'm a pretty darn good writer. It's one of my few skills and I'm proud of it. I've put those skills to use, together with a big dose of introspection and humility, to complete two books on my experiences: Behind the Codeine Curtain, about my life in Russia working for Russia's richest oligarch, why and how I decided to steal $10 million from him, and my downfall once I was 'found out'. The second book, Camp Cupcake, is about my time in prison, specifically the year I spent in 'prison rehab' as well as time spent in solitary confinement. It's a serious topic, but the book, besides being insightful and interesting, is often funny and very entertaining.  These books are currently with an agent and being readied for publication. I hope you will soon be able to read them online or in print. If you are curious and can't wait, contact me and I will send you a copy of the manuscript.

In addition, in my spare time I love to edit other people's work. Yes, I do charge a fee for this, just as the editor who first helped me with Behind the Codeine Curtain did. But it's reasonable and worth it. For me, it's not really about the money but about putting my skills to good use in helping other aspiring writers perfect their craft. Everyone, no matter how great or famous, needs a second pair of eyes. 

Contact me if you're interested!

Speaking Engagements

My experiences could fill a book - several in fact! Manuscripts are with my agent and will hopefully soon be published. In addition to writing, I  have a full calendar of public speaking engagements, having appeared at Harvard University, Columbia University, Fordham Law School, The University of Arizona, the FBI and many professional organizations and companies. I speak of my experiences, ranging from working for Russia's richest oligarch, stealing from him, serving time in a federal prison. solitary confinement, incarceration and sentencing.  For law students I volunteer my time because I believe my experiences can serve as a deterrent. For other organizations, I charge a standard speaking fee and share my knowledge and expertise in white collar crime to assist organizations and companies in stopping it and prosecuting it. Give me a call if you're interested.