"I was Sentenced To Life, Not Death"

I am Todd McCarthy. CDCR Inmate #T02777. I reside in California State Prison Soledad. I have been locked up for two decades for burglary and grand theft, property crimes that, sans the “3 Strike” law that carried a 16 month sentence. However, I was sentenced to 29.6 years to life.

 The State has taken every penny I have, earn or received from anyone. I have yet to meet one other inmate so taxed. All other inmates that owe restitution pay 50% of monies received. The State takes 50% from me for restitution, then some other entity takes 100% of what is left over. I did not receive the Fed’s Stimulus of $2,400. I have never been to the State Canteen. I cannot access the State “Tablet” computer because I do not have access to monies needed to operate the devise due to lack of an inmate trust account.

 I am afflicted with many health care concerns. I have a lifetime history of intestinal problems. In the last 4 years I have had eight surgeries on my gut. Most of the past 4 years my abdomen was split open. They are still having trouble closing my surgical wound. I am currently waiting to be taken out to a tertiary care facility for my 9th surgery, 8 of which were to fix the botched first surgery. Judges have released inmates with my disease (Crohns) due to the prison’s inability to provide an appropriate level of care.

I have been more than a “model” inmate. I have no disciplinary write ups in my file. I have earned two advanced degrees. I have attended every class and every group and have all of the certificates of completion. I am a teacher’s assistant. GED’s have gone up 40% since I began the position. I tutor anyone who needs it. I signed up 600 Inmates to be organ donors. I have received many letters from friends, family, and Clergy attesting to my character, promising help, and begging for mercy. You’d think I was running for Governor, but I just want to be released.