Guest commentary:
What is enough?

There have been previous articles in this paper which we have not responded to. But, we feel the time is now.

This letter is being written in reponse to clarify what was told in last week's article about Nick Keeler's sentence. The intent was not to reduce his sentence but to clarify it. The same amount of time will be served.

It seems ironic that last week's article would say in the caption: 'Keeler to serve original sentence,' as it was always intended to be in the "original sentence." Ten years D.O.C. time, three years work release in Liberty Hall Work Release Program, which became a women's only facility in January 2007, and two years inhome detention, equaling 15 years.

It was unforeseen that Liberty Hall would become a women's only facility. If Nicholas was a female, then this hearing would not have been necessary.

It is my belief, as evidenced by Judge Carey himself, he never envisioned this program would become a women's only facility. He stated in his letter that his intent was for Nicholas to be rehabilitated to a work release program, if eligible, qualified and accepted.

In the event that the work release program rejects the defendant, or he violates any term of the program after having been admitted and is terminated, then the defendant's entitlement to serve the portion of the sentence imposed in the program is null and void and he serves the balance of his sentence as prescribed by the Department of Correction.

Nicholas's executed sentence to such program was denied because Liberty Hall Work Release Program became a women's only facility.

The statement in last week's article was taken out of context. Important words of clarification were omitted. The only fault of the defendant was his gender.

This would, technically, not be a modification but a clarification. The clarification of the wording has prohibited him from being eligible for work release and further substance abuse classes.

Clarification means to make clear or pure, to free one's mind from confusion, to make intelligible or plain.

Nicholas's time served would be no less. He is serving his time, but unfortunately being punished for things beyond his control.

Nicholas has always shown remorse and taken full responsibility for his actions.

His conduct these last three and a half years has been exemplary. No write-ups, nothing at all to show that he hasn't worked to his fullest potential. He has worked hard at the Miami Correctional Facility with numerous certificates of accomplishment, kitchen duty, maintenance, visitation work which is an extreme honor as many correctional officers thought highly of him and his integrity, Godly character and excellent work ethics. If they needed a job to be done and done correctly, they knew they could count on him. Normally, men who get this privilege to work in visitation must prove themselves over a several year period and he was asked to do it in just one year. Many people, even the guards have seen the Godly, genuine, caring and giving man he has become. He has been an inspiration to many he has come in contact with and has done all one human can do to prove himself.

August 2006, Nicholas was transferred to Pendleton CIC/CIF and has carried these same attributes and also has excelled in all that he has put his hand to do. Other inmates in this facility have even written letters in the monthly newsletter about his impact on their lives. He is currently in the Faith Dorm, which requires hours of classes per week. In order to obtain eligibility there, he must participate in and complete these required courses. He did all of this on top of going to college and taking the required rehabilitation courses he was able to take.

Nicholas has been a leader, not a follower, and is and will be a productive member of society. He earned an associate degree from Ball State University in May and was on the dean's list. He has also signed up for fall classes to continue his education to get his doctorate. This is very challenging as he has had to endure many lifechanging situations while being incarcerated. It requires much determination, perseverance and adaptation to the environment. Unless you have seen or been living in these surroundings, you will never know the full mentality of prison life. Most people are uneducated as to what really goes on in there.

Many men fall back into temptation because of the criminal activity inside the walls and see only destructive, negative and corrupt values and behaviors.

Our son and others have chosen to be above this. Families have been violated and destroyed because of the lack of compassion for those who want to change their lives. And it seems society does not want them to become better citizens, causing them to fail by labeling them forever with their convicted crime and taking away everything so that they cannot even begin to make it without the help and support of family and friends.

Nicholas has seen this firsthand. For him to rise above his circumstances and surroundings says a lot. Fortunately, he does have the support of many God-fearing and loving family members and friends. He has learned much more than any of us ever will because he has lived it.

Why are prisons and county jails overcrowded? It's because they are not given a chance to be worked back into society so they can become productive citizens.

Without the support of someone who cares, prisons and jails will continue to burst at the seams. Tax dollars will continue to be misused. The penal system will continue to decay and justice will not be served.

Constructive methods can be used to rectify this situation: rehabs, halfway houses, mentoring, substance abuse and alcoholic treatment facilities, etc. Our only way we can see any change or difference is to make these more accessible.

Maybe someday soon, we can move in a constructive way to bring healthy, whole men and women back into society.

We are not in any way trying to do anything destructive to anyone. Our desire is to do something constructive with this tragedy and to see healthy principles applied.

We are not fighting with you. We desire to see justice just as you do. It is how you choose to look at it. We choose to use our energy and focus to help make this tragedy into something more positive for both families involved.

It is not just one family who is hurting deeply and suffering, but two families, broken down and beaten up. Neither of us would want to be in the other's shoes. We all grieve; we have all lost in some way. None of our lives will ever be the same. This will be on our minds the rest of our lives. Nothing can change that.

The only positive and constructive thing to do is to allow this tragedy to become a steppingstone to help those who have been where we are. Tearing down another one's character is not the answer, but working together is. We are all victims.
Marilyn Keeler
Camden