“That it is better 100 guilty persons should escape than that one innocent person should suffer, is a maxim that has been long and generally approved.” - Benjamin Franklin
Zeke's Statement from 1996: What I Have Done With Myself
While serving 30 years, I have kept myself busy and involved. At SCI Huntingdon, I worked at the Dental Clinic, the Shipping Department, the Trade School, and the Electric Shop. In 1994, I transferred to SCI Somerset where I worked in the Library and the Activities Department. In 1997, I transferred to SCI Mahanoy.
I have always been actively involved in organizational work. I participated in the Lifer Association, the jaycees, the Jewish Congregation at Huntingdon, and the inmate organizations at Somerset and Mahanoy. I have held several elected offices and chaired many committees. I have served as a volunteer Lawback Literacy tutor for many years. I have derived a lot of satisfaction from tutoring.
I am assigned to the Library at SCI Mahanoy. I work in the Work Place Project, which assists inmates about to be released with occupational information, resumes, and cover letters. Because of health problems, I only work part time.
In my spare time, I read various newspapers and magazines such as Morningstar and The Wall Street Journal in an effort to keep abreast of current events. This helps me remain intellectually alert.
I am very involved with my family. They are a great source of strength for me. I keep in close contact with them and try to be involved in as many family affairs and matters as I can. They are all great that way and go out of their way to keep me involved. We speak on the phone regularly and they visit as often as possible. I know that when I am released they will assist me in any way possible, including financial support and a place to stay.
I have tried to maintain a positive outlook despite my years of incarceration. I have made a few good friends over the years and we have helped each other through the tough times. For the most part however, my existence has been a lonely one and I have learned to make my own best company. I also have become used to a very simple style of living that most likely will stay with me.
I made some serious mistakes, the arson, not reporting the murder to the police immediately, and worst of all the solicitation. However I have served 30 years, nearly my whole adult life. I am prepared to re-enter society and live a productive life as a law abiding citizen. I am close to 60 and am running out of time.