Welcome to The 40 Strong Redemption Stories

September

Curtis Ray Brooks

Dear Senator:
Have you ever had a 'change of heart? Or introspectively "looked back" at earlier life decisions and thought to yourself; "What in the world was I thinking!?" Or even has the thought; "I wish that I could go back in time so that I could decide to have done this, rather than to have done that!?" Surely you have. Because these are the type of thoughts that adults have when we enter into a "mature and cognitive state of mind."

Personally, I have learned that the only constant in life...is "change." And along with its companion, "time," has a pro founding effect on everyone and everything in one way or another. As for those of us who have sincerely embraced our life changes; in order to better ourselves, have, and are, doing so with more action rather than words.

I am one of the remaining "pre-1995 abolishing of parole prisoners." My crimes were committed in 1991 when I was at the ignorant young age of 19 years old, and now, at the mature age of 52, after having spent the past 32 years incarcerated within the VDOC, I have had plenty of time to look back upon my past life of "unconsciousness" with tremendous regret and shame at my behavioral transgressions , and the disappointments and sufferings that my actions have caused the victim in my case; Mr. Virani, his family, as well as my own family and community as a whole.

A "second look" back at my past decisions reveals the errors of my ways, in comparison to "what could have been," had I made wiser, mature choices with my life. In reality, no one is physically able to travel back in time in order to correct our past wrongs. And therefore, at least from my perspective, no one is truly able to be measured by their past alone. I think that what can realistically be measured...is the "time in between the past, to the present," or "from then, to now," in order to gauge whether or not, a "second look" may be warranted in the "prisoners/redemption seekers case," because "words unsupported by actions are hollow."

Basically, there should be a steady showing of "progressive thinking" via "institutional achievements, personal accomplishments, and ambitions," which would provide evidence that; "thoughts becomes words; words become actions; actions become habits; habits forms ones character; and one's character will pave the way towards one's destiny or future."

I am one out of the many, so-called: "old law" prisoners, who I think are deserving of a "bipartisan," redemptive, and comprehensive "second look" bill, and I am confident that, if granted a second opportunity, we will utilize our talents and skills to make our families, friends and communities proud to reclaim and welcome us home as "law abiding returning citizens," because that "second look" at the spaces in between "the tick & the tock," "the past & the present" or "the then to the now," will reveal that many of us have broken out of our "premature cognitively committed states of minds," of our past, and have come into the realization that; "within the realms of reason, we are only limited by our imagination."

So, I... on behalf of all of us prisoners within the VDOC, encourage you to support our cause for a "Second Look Bill," as the sort describes above.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Curtis
Forty Strong member

August

Second Chance Candidate
Marcus Bradley

Marcus Bradley was sentenced to 98 years for a robbery, malicious wounding,

and abduction spreading from Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Suffolk. 

This was a continuous crime (which means it happened over a couple days),

and there were no lives lost. Mr. Bradley has been accountable to his mistake, but 98 years is beyond excessive considering the circumstances. We should also not that the judge in his case went above the sentencing guidelines without an upward departure notification as is required by law.

  Mr. Bradley has been very open and honest about his remorse in the several times we've spoke to him. We find Mr. Bradley to be a soft spoken and humble ready who just needs a second chance. Mr. Bradley has not had an infraction in over 15 years and has maintained meaningful employment with the DO.C for over 25 years. He is however very concerned with his decline in health in which he currently takes over 15 types of medication, and he is currently diabetic. So, after 25+ years of doing everything the right way and changing his life, we are very enthusiastic about Mr. Marcus Bradley being considered for second look.

Mr. Marcus Bradley will be returning home to a host of families and friends and already has meaningful employment and a home to return to. It is very important that we as a society, leave the possibilities available for those who have made a mistake. Our organization is completely sure that Marcus Bradley would be an excellent asset to society, if given a second look. Please continue to support second look and follow our stories on Facebook.

  July

Second Chance Candidate 

Jimmy Baggett



Jimmy Baggett is a 49-year-old male currently serving 83 years for crimes of Grand Larceny, Probation Violation, and 
bank robbery with a note ( no weapon).
These crimes were committed over 22 years ago while Jimmy was battling  Crack addiction and no one was ever hurt in any of his crimes. Jimmy has a family who absolutely loves him including a daughter, two son's,  five grandchildren,  six siblings and many extended family members.  Since Jimmy's incarceration in the early 2000's 
he has NEVER had an infraction, has completed every available program, co-authored/authored a program and two books. In addition,  Jimmy has two registered trademarks and had been employed with Virginia Correctional Enterprises (VCE) for 17 straight years. Now that's commitment! Jimmy has also worked extensively as a youth mentor volunteer with non profit organizations like Fair Chance Boys Training School,
Veteran's Housing International, and Fair Chance Community Outreach services.


  Our organization believes that Mr. Jimmy Baggett is what Second chance means. Yes, he made mistakes under the influence of Crack cocaine, but no weapon was involved, and no one was ever hurt. Jimmy has also used the last 20+ years of his incarceration to totally rehabilitate, educate, and give back to the community. Jimmy is currently working on a 20 book children's series to prevent children from making the mistakes he made. We all understand punishment for mistakes---- but 83 years!?? Please support Second Look so others like Jimmy can get a Second Chance.  Second Look was tabled until 2025 but we are still optimistic. 
Thank you.


The 40 Strong Organization 


* Jimmy Baggett is currently at the Greensville correctional center, where he wakes up every day to work the same job he has for the past 17 years. The staff identifies Jimmy as an exemplary individual as does those around him.