October update on Ted Braden (Teen in Jail)

Ted was released from the Largo Residential Reentry Center on August 13, 2010.

Since that time, he has been doing quite well. He went to get a one-time shot to stop smoking on August 26, 2010. (For further information, visit www.stopsmokingamerica.com. It is located in Tampa.) The one-time shot and follow up one-week anti-anxiety medication cost $462, but it was well worth it. According to the iPhone app “Quit It,” he has been smoke-free for one month and 26 days. He’s saved $342.47 by NOT smoking 1,142 cigarettes in that time (at one pack a day).

He also had oral surgery on his wisdom tooth at a discount dental center run by the University of Florida in St. Petersburg. Ted could have had this done for free in prison, but he would have had to leave the work release center to go back to a “real” prison to have the dental work done and it might’ve taken weeks for him to get back to the Center - if at all. The tooth was cut out by a dentist for $342. It would have cost upwards of $750 or more with an oral surgeon. His face was swollen for days.

Ted did go on a trip with me for six days during the Labor Day holiday. One day, he and I just decided to get in the car and drive! We traveled through Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Lousiana and back to Florida. (More on that trip later.)

Ted was paid $300 by his former job at Discount Energy as a settlement. He was owed upward of $750. Ted wrote a blog entry about his dealings with Discount Energy which I will be posting soon.

One person left a comment that Ted had been re-arrested for possession of marijuana and probation violation. This is not the case.

First of all, Ted was not put on probation after his prison sentence. Secondly, Ted has studiously avoided contact with all of his former “friends,” all of whom have no clue where he is living. Ted is living with another family (out of the old neighborhood) and babysits a two-year girl for eight hours a day, five days a week. He is surprisingly very good with children. He is not taking drugs of any kind and not smoking.

Ted does not currently have a computer where he is living. We are working to remedy that. One blog reader was looking into getting him a laptop. Ted is also not sure what to write on the Teen in Jail blog now. He says it was a blog about jail and prison, and since he is no longer in either, is not sure where to take it from here. We’ve discussed starting some other type of web site, but haven’t hit upon the perfect idea yet. Any suggestions of a new site would be welcomed. You can still send emails to teeninjail@yahoo.com.

Photo: Ted smiling (finally!) at Cafe du Monde in New Orleans on September 4, 2010.

Bay News 9 Report on Teen in Jail

In addition to the Pinellas County Jail, Ted also spent part of the last two years in four Florida prisons, a prison work release camp, and a prison work release center. Ted did not have a pc in jail or prison. He wrote his experiences in letters to a blogger, who posted them online for him.

Young man blogs from jail and hopes to help others

View video here.

By Robert Hahn, Reporter
Last Updated: Saturday, August 14, 2010

CLEARWATER --
A local teenager used a pen and paper to get through his two-year jail sentence.

Ted Braden, 21, first entered jail at 19 for theft and drug related charges. He joined a gang and was arrested for the first time at age 13 and kept getting into trouble, including five more arrests in 2008 alone.

While in jail, Braden spent a lot of time alone in his cell where he began to write down his thoughts, eventually creating a blog called Teen in Jail.

And although now he hopes his hundreds of blog posts will help others learn from his mistakes, he didn't originally set out to write a blog.

"I started to write to get things off my mind," said Braden. "Didn't start it for a blog, didn't think of nothing like that."

The idea came after a visit from his mother. Kelly Shannon Kelly thought that people might be interested in what he had to say from his point of view.

"We got the idea to put it on the Internet and have other people read it, and it really took off," she said.

As of last count, the blog site, which includes more than 300 of Braden's blogs, has seen more than 74,000 hits. People from all over the world have been looking at his blogs.

"Hopefully other people will read it and learn from my experience," Braden said.

Braden also wrote many stories that he was unable to send out of jail because his mail was being screened. He wants to combine those with the ones that made it onto his blog into a book.

"It's better than what I was doing before," Braden said. "Just hurting people's lives, destroying lives, destroying my own life, my family's life, just time to do something different, that I can actually help somebody."

Braden's mom is hopeful that her son has turned a corner and his writing will help build his future.

"I'd just like to see him do the best he can in life and be a success," said Kelly. "It's what every parent wants for their child."

Braden is looking into going to college to pursue a degree in journalism. He also plans on taking a trip after being locked up for the past two years.

Comments

TED
2010-08-15 22:17:00 Report this post jonesy wrote:
Kay, I agree with you. I'm sick of hearing about shootings,murders etc from young people.I hope he can turn his life around and do something GOOD.

teen in jail
2010-08-15 21:12:00 Report this post hal wrote:
He hasn't changed, just learning to play the game in prison....saying and doing everything the parole board wants to see and hear, that's all! Don't be fooled!

Blogging from a jail cell
2010-08-15 18:20:00 Report this post Terri wrote:
Don't get me wrong, I'm glad the young adult has had time to think about his life and change things (while in prison), but I can't believe he has such freedom as to use the internet...Am I Naive or has this been happening for a while? I know criminals/prison inmates can get a college degree in there (FREE OF COURSE MY DIME)AND THAT STINKS TOO! Just rubs ya wrongthey should be getting punishment not

Who Cares
2010-08-15 17:16:00 Report this post Sandy Ginas wrote:
You all are suckers! This criminal has nothing better to do so he's playing everyone for suckers. Wait until he has choices on how to spend his time, he'll be back to his old ways in no time. People like him have mental problems, they don't fully comprehend the difference between right and wrong. He'll be back in jail, I guarantee it.

is it true?
2010-08-15 15:14:00 Report this post cool guy wrote:
once you go black you never go back! same difference once he gets out he will be right back in hahahahahaha

I support Ted
2010-08-15 14:45:00 Report this post Kay wrote:
I'm glad Ted decided to go down a better road and do a service to others by warning them about the mistakes he made. If his blog helps just one person turn his or her life around before it's too late, then he has saved a life. Don't we want our young people to grow up, mature, and do something positive and real with their lives to help others/society? He deserves our support completely. Nice go

IN JAIL
2010-08-15 14:31:00 Report this post whitster wrote:
I don't think writing a blog addresses the problem. A year or so of counciling and a job training program would be the best avenue for rehabilation. Money won't solve anything besides the type of person you are is more important. Good luck young man.

Felon blogs
2010-08-15 14:00:00 Report this post Laurie wrote:
I think if this guy can make some good behind bars of his poor choices in life then power to him! I have had family members in jail and i know how hard it can be.However, he will have to make "big boy" decisions one day and really grow up.The rest of us have to comply to society's rules and so should he. Hopefully this experience will truly change him for the better.

yong man blog for JEFF the IDIOT
2010-08-15 13:45:00 Report this post Laurie wrote:
you no what JEFF you just need to SHUT UP AND GROW UP THAN OK leave well enough alone than ok thank you very much so and if they all do make it happen than you will look like a stupid idoit than and thank you very much so later

I am Gald..
2010-08-15 13:20:00 Report this post Josvani H wrote:
Braden As long as you are doing something good in your life

Nevermind
2010-08-15 13:14:00 Report this post Debbie wrote:
disregard my last post. Ted is a colplete moron. You should not have a pc in jail. Send him to the chair!

young man
2010-08-15 13:12:00 Report this post Laurie wrote:
yes me nephew is also behind bars because he did about the same thing you did and he also vilade his proban also and now he has to spened 5 years behind bars and he was 19years when he went in so he will get out in 2012 i think that is when he will get out and he already got his GED and now he is learning more stuff also and i hope that it will help him also and make him a better person when he get

Ted Keep Up the good work
2010-08-15 13:02:00 Report this post Debbie wrote:
Ted worked for me or with me and I could see he was a good kid. He just made a few bad choices..I hope you keep up this up. He reminded me of My Son,who as a late teenage made some bad choices & trusted the wrong people and paid the price 5 yrs in jail for drugs. He got out got a good job But still had a hard time not letting his big heart for people rule his head and Lost His Life just over a year

Try As He Might
2010-08-15 12:11:00 Report this post Angela wrote:
Try as you might someone will always complain. He's trying and his efforts should be rewarded. Good for him to find a positive outlet.

You PEOPLE complain NO MATTER WHAT! SHUT UP!
2010-08-15 12:11:00 Report this post Jeff wrote:
but people have plenty of time to think while they are sitting in jail, and as a former Corrections Officer, I can tell you that it is NO PICNIC for anyone, the Officers or inmates alike. When your spending 10-15hrs a day in a cell, your mind wonders and you think about what your missing on the outside. SHUT UP and GROW UP!

You PEOPLE complain NO MATTER WHAT! SHUT UP!
2010-08-15 12:09:00 Report this post Jeff wrote:
The first in line with both of your hands out, not just one! You are cowards who sit behind a computer screen and spout words of hate and other things you have NO CLUE about. I dont know Ted, but not ALL people who spend a short time in jail are career criminals. Granted, Ted has spent his share of jail time, (cont)

You PEOPLE complain NO MATTER WHAT! SHUT UP!
2010-08-15 12:07:00 Report this post Jeff wrote:
It doesnt matter if a teen dies in a car accident or someone spends a day picking up trash on the side of the road, some of you ALWAYS have something negative to say! Is your life that BAD, that you always feel the need to bring others down around you? I GUARANTEE 1000%, that if you needed a handout, you would be (cont)

NO MATTER WHAT
2010-08-15 11:29:00 Report this post REAL TALK wrote:
good or bad u people complain shut up already GO TED GO

Teen Blog
2010-08-15 10:55:00 Report this post Joyce wrote:
Pay attention he is TRYING to learn from his mistakes and show others what he did wrong to HELP them to NOT do the same. Just keep throwing the rocks and I hope your GLASS house gets shattered!

Teen Blog
2010-08-15 10:52:00 Report this post Joyce wrote:
I am wondering if Yeah ok and Avenger are total cowards and morons. I've read this blog and I support what this kid is trying to do. It's idiots like you that knock kids down...

Story
2010-08-15 10:27:00 Report this post JAMES wrote:
Unlike the others, I support what he's doing. This is exactly what I want to see... someone who used to be bad, trying to become good. But how do people comment? "He'll be back in there in no time". Nice. If you've truly gone straight, don't listen to these haters.

He Wants To Take A Trip After Being Locked Up For 2 Years?
2010-08-15 10:13:00 Report this post The Avenger wrote:
Maybe he could go with obama on his next vacation.

Journalism & Jail
2010-08-15 10:10:00 Report this post The Avenger wrote:
They go together well, don't they?

Felon bloggers
2010-08-15 08:17:00 Report this post Yeah ok wrote:
He'll be back in there in no time.

Legal problems
2010-08-14 23:36:00 Report this post Limbo wrote:
unfortunatly, this state will not allow you to profit from any felony. Maybe this kids mother or one of his family members could be the author of the book. Just another hoop to jump through.Unless of coarse he runs into some money to grease the judicial system.

Video of teen girl in jail being beaten

It can be argued that girls have a tougher time in jails and prisons than males. There are numerous correctional officers that feel the need to show their dominance and power over inmates.

Take, for instance, the below video on YouTube which shows a teen girl in jail in King County, Washington. The abusive deputy was caught on tape. (Press the Play button even if you don't see the video screen.)

The surveillance video shows the deputy kicking a young girl, slamming her to the cell floor and striking her repeatedly. The deputy grabs her by the hair to take her out of the room.

The deputy pled not guilty in the case. (Feb. 27, 2009)

Teen girl talks about jail-cell beating.

Update on case (July 2010): Deputy gets away with abusive behavior.

Celebrities who've been in jail

Pictured above: 50 Cent, Al Pacino, Frank Sinatra, Hugh Grant, Johnny Cash, Lindsey Lohan, Macaulay Culkin, Mel Gibson, Michael Jackson, Nick Nolte, Paris Hilton, Rush Limbaugh, Ryan O’Neal, Snoop Dogg, Vince Vaughn, Yasmine Bleeth

For even more celebrity mugshots, click here.
Celebrities arrested for drug possession

50 Cent
Al Pacino
Amy Winehouse
Andre the Giant
Andy Dick
Anna Nicole Smith
Anthony Anderson
Axl Rose
Bobby Brown
Brad Renfro
Carmen Electra
Charlie Sheen
Christian Bale
David Crosby
Dennis Hopper
Dennis Rodman
Edward Furlong (kid in "Terminator 2")
Emimen
Frank Sinatra
Gary Dourden (Warrick Brown on CSI)
Glen Campbell
Haley Joel Osment (The 6th Sense, A.I.)
Heather Locklear
Heidi Fleiss
Hugh Grant
James Brown*
James Frey
Jane Fonda
Jennifer Lopez
Jim Morrison
Johnny Cash
Jose Canseco
Josh Brolin
Keanu Reeves
Keith Richards
Kid Rock
Kiefer Sutherland
Larry King
Leif Garrett
Lindsey Lohan
Macaulay Culkin
Matthew Mcconaughy
Matt Dillon
Mel Gibson
Michael Jackson
Michelle Rodriguez
Mick Jagger
Mickey Rourke
Mischa Barton
Nick Nolte
Nicole Richie
Ozzy Osbourne
Paris Hilton
Paul Reubens (aka "Pee Wee Herman")
R Kelly
Robert Downey Jr.
Ron White
Ryan O’Neal
Rush Limbaugh
Shia LeBouf
Sid Vicious
Snoop Dogg
Steve McQueen
Ted Nugent
Tim Allen
Tom Sizemore
Tommy Lee
Tupac Shakur
Vince Vaughn
Yasmin Bleeth
Zsa Zsa Gabor

Back to court

Last week I got a subpoena to go back to court in March. Only this time it’s not for me. There is this guy I know who got in some pretty serious trouble. I don’t know if he’s guilty or not, but I guess he wants me to come to his trial and speak on his behalf. I truly feel sorry for him, especially because he’s been in the county jail for three years almost.

I really wouldn’t mind going to his trial date if I wasn’t in prison. Going back to court from prison is such a pain. I’ll have to be transferred back to the RMC reception center first, then to the county jail for the duration of his trial. I’ll probably stay in the county jail for about three weeks and the worst part is – I’ll most likely have to spend my time there in maximum security. Then once I’m done going to court, I’ll go back to RMC, then come back here to Lancaster work camp. It’s always a real pain. Why can’t they just take me to the county jail a day before the three-day trial and once it’s done, drive me back – instead of weeks at each place? Huh. I’m not looking forward to any of it.

The sad thing is, this particular trial has been postponed four or five times already and will most likely be postponed again. RMC (at Lake Butler) is the prison that was filthy and crawling with bugs.

Car search

This entry was written back in August when Ted was still in the Pinellas County Jail.

One night as I was driving to work, I was pulled over for having a headlight out.

Anyway, the cop ran my license and everything checked out okay. When he gave me back my license, he asked me if I had anything illegal in the car. I told him no – even though I did.

He asked me if he could search my car and again I told him no.

Then he told me to step out of the car because he was going to search my car anyway. Those were his exact words.

Even though he had no right to search my car, I was still wrong ‘cause I shouldn’t have had weed in my car.

Naturally, I was arrested and taken to jail.

Ted's 5th birthday party

Today was Columbus Day, so there was no mail delivery - which means no new blog entries from Ted yet.

Here's a video clip of Ted's 5th birthday party - even then he was popular with the ladies. Notice the cute missing front tooth!

From everything to nothing

Since I’ve still not received any new blog entries from Ted, I will post some unpublished entries that he wrote in the Pinellas County Jail.

In the last 2½ years, I have owned three very nice cars.

The first was a Mitsubishi 3000GT, which had a VTEC engine and was very fast.

Then I sold my Mitsubishi to buy an all-custom Honda Accord with air-bag suspension, limo-tinted windows, custom paint job, and a five-foot-long sun roof that you could fit 15 people out of the roof.

Then I sold that and I bought a right-hand drive turbo Honda Civic.

Soon after buying my Civic, I got real drunk and took a bunch of pills and wrecked my car by driving into a telephone pole.

After finally wrecking my third car, I could not afford to fix it and I couldn’t sell my car for enough money to buy another decent car – so I sold my Civic and bought a bunch of marijuana to try and make enough money for a new car.

But the day after I bought the marijuana, the cops confiscated it all. I was left with nothing.

Especially over the last couple of years, I have made many bad mistakes which have caused me to go from having it all to having nothing.

I just want to say that if you want to sell and do drugs, you may have nice things for a little while, but you will end up losing everything – and I do mean Everything.

Photos: Ted at age 15 as he learns to drive in his future Mitsubishi; Low-rider with air suspension, Right-hand drive car. (Click on images to enlarge.)

The trip to prison

On Tuesday, September 22nd at 2:30 a.m., I was woken up and told that I was going to be transferred, so I got up and packed my stuff.

I left my pod and was brought to the maximum security part of the jail. There I sat in a small one-man cell with six other people that were going to prison too. We must have sat in there for about two hours. During that time, we were fed breakfast.

After breakfast, we were led to a hallway with even more people on their way to prison. In the hall, we were shackled and handcuffed to the person next to us. There was about 20 of us altogether.

After we were handcuffed and shackled, we were lead to a bus. When we walked it was like a 3-legged race because of the shackles. The bus we got on was a big white bus that said ‘Pinellas County Sheriff Transport’ along the side with bars all along the windows.

When we got on the bus, we went through two gates toward the back of the bus where we sat in some uncomfortable plastic seats. The guards that were transporting us were armed with assault rifles.

I’m not sure how long the trip was to Lake Butler, but I’d have to say it was about 4-5 hours and the whole time we had to stay handcuffed and shackled to the person next to us. I tried to get some sleep, but couldn’t do it. There was no way to get comfortable.

This was the beginning of the worst day of my life…

Almost gone

It’s Monday night and in a couple hours I could possibly leave to go to prison.

I have asked a lot of people what it’ll be like and what to expect. I’m anxious, yet scared.

I will kind of be disappointed if I don’t go, but even if I don’t, I will leave on Thursday.

I heard that that first 2-4 weeks will be the worst, but that would probably be true even if the prison wasn’t filled with convicts.

I’m not sure how long it will be before I can send or receive letters – and not hearing from my family will be the worst.

Right now I’m only 15 minutes away from where I live, but who knows where I’ll be in a month or two. I could be almost in Alabama for all I know.

Well in a few hours, I’ll know if I’m going or not, and I’m as ready as I’ll ever be.

Wish me luck…

My best friend

No matter what I did or where I went, I had this friend who was always there for me.

At times we seemed to be on top of the world and sometimes times were hard, but no matter what, we stuck by each other.

Anyway, this is for him.

On 8/11/09, he came to jail for aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. I don’t really want to know what he did, but by the grace of God, his charges are being dropped.

I just want to say to him –

I know we’ve been to hell and back together and not even a bullet could’ve separated us. When you get out, I hope you realize how close you were to coming to prison with me. Please if you don’t listen to anything else, listen to this.

The drugs are going to make you do things you regret – even if you don’t intend to do anything wrong. Just look at the scars on my face and you’ll know what I’m saying.

I want you to know I pray for you every night.

I'm ready to go

I never thought I would say that I'm looking forward to going to prison, but you have to understand that I've literally been in the same room for 11 months without really going outside under the open sky.

Not to mention that Chuck Norris is now working in the pod 3-4 days a week. The other day, he came up to me and said, "Braden, do you know why I have a problem getting along with people, and especially my girlfriend?" I thought he was going to say cause he talks too much or something like that, but instead he said, "It's because I'm always right!"

I pray that no other human should be put through that kind of torture that only Deputy Phillips (aka Chuck Norris) can dish out.

P.S. Chuck Norris is about 15 feet away from me as I write this.

(This entry was written before Ted left the Pinellas County Jail.)

Is the Pinellas County Jail starving inmates?

Ted was 130 or 135 lbs. when he entered the Pinellas County jail on October 30, 2009 at age 18.

Eleven months later, he weighed 119 lbs., according to the reception center this past week.

Ted was receiving extra money in the jail - anywhere from $30 to $50 every week - to buy extra food (ie. snacks and Ramen noodles) from the commissary.

The reception center also listed his height at 5'8", when he is really 5'9" or 5'10" - depending on what record you're looking at. Teens stop growing [in inches of height] at 19 years old.

According to the standard weight and height chart, men should weigh the following:

Small frame Medium frame Large frame

5'8" - 140-148 - 145-157 - 152-172
5'9" - 142-151 - 148-160 - 155-176
5'10" - 144-154 - 151-163 - 158-180

Could budget cuts be having an even more drastic effect on the amount of food inmates are receiving? Inmates always have complained of hunger, but are they now been starved? What is happening to those that don't have the money to buy extra food?

Jail food

When you first come to jail, the worst part about it (besides being here) is the hunger.

A lot of people don't have money - or people to give them money - so that means they can't eat commissary food.

Sure, the jail feeds you, but if you only eat the meals the jail feeds you, you'll be left still hungry.

It sucks not being able to eat what you want, when you want.

The food you get for each meal is never any good - sometimes it's unrecognizable - and also the amount you get is a joke.

I'm a small person (119 lbs.) and if I could eat four trays of this food, imagine how hungry someone who's bigger than me feels.

The meals here only are enough to keep me from coming back! That's not even mentioning all the other reasons - which I won't get into - because I'm sure you've got some kind of plans for the next week!

When I get to prison

OK, here's the deal.

When I get to prison, I am going to continue to write these blogs, but unfortunately everything I send out is going to be read, so I am going to have to keep everything I say PG-13, so to speak.

Everything that I'm not able to post from prison, I will post when I get out.

I am hoping it doesn't get to the point where the prison doesn't want me to write blogs at all. I don't think it will come to that and even if it does - my mom will take over until I get out [writing entries about my past crimes and incarcerations].

I hope all of you will continue to read my blogs.

Good people

The next few entries were sent from Ted just before he left for prison...

Even though I am going to prison, everything I am doing with these blogs is bringing good people back into my life - which is something I really need.

For instance, yesterday my 6th grade science teacher - who I haven't seen in years - came to see me. That meant so much to me. (I don't know if she knows it, but she was the best teacher I every had. I'm sure she'll still be around to teach me new things.)

The biggest thing I've noticed with all these people coming to see me to give me encouragement is that not one of these people have judged what I've done in the past. The only thing any of these people care about is that I do what I'm supposed to do.

It feels great not to have to hide my past. Thank you to all that have come to see me and also to those who have tried to come see me. Your support means the world to me.

A little advice to others - No matter what you do in life - don't cut the good people out of it. I'm just learning that. Having the right kind of people in your life can make the biggest difference!

A prisoner's first day

The following story is from www.prisonsecrets.com. An inmate recounts his first day in prison…

My First Day in Prison

"My first day in prison was one I’ll never forget. I was in jail, and as bad as THAT seems, I was in fear of the unknown - Prison! If you have ever been to prison then you know what to expect, but I had no idea. I asked others who were in the jail to explain it to me, but all the explaining in the world couldn’t prepare me for what I had in store.

The guards in the jail got me up early to prepare me for the ride to prison. After breakfast and a shower, they handcuffed me and took me to the transport room.

When I got there I saw several other guys who were handcuffed and shackled and sitting there waiting to leave. They took my cuffs off and strip searched me to make sure I wasn’t carrying any weapons (or anything else I wasn’t supposed to have). A strip search isn’t a cavity search. They aren’t going to try to check inside your butt unless they think you have something in there that you aren’t suppose to have.

You get totally naked in front of whoever is there. You face the guard that is strip searching you and you hold your hands and arms up so they can see that you don’t have anything in your hands of taped to your armpits. You open your mouth and move your tongue around so they can see that you don’t have anything in your mouth. Then you run your hands through your hair (if you have any) and pull your ears forward so they can look in and behind them. Next you turn around. You pick up your feet one at a time to show that you don’t have anything taped to the bottom of your feet. Lastly, you bend over and cough. The guard inspects your butthole to see if he thinks you have any drugs or weapons stuffed in there. If they think you have something in there, they do a cavity search on you immediately so you don’t have a chance to get rid of it. And no I didn’t receive one that day (thank god!)

After my strip search, the guard went through my clothes. Not just pockets, but along seams and collars etc. to see if there is anything in there.

Once the strip search was over, the guard took my clothes and gave me my underwear and socks back and took the rest to be transported. He gave me a jumpsuit to wear and some slippers for shoes.

Then he told me to kneel down on the bench facing the wall. When I did, he put shackles on my ankles. Afterward, I stood up (with great difficulty because of the shackles) and he put handcuffs on me. Next they put a chain all the way around my waist and secured the handcuffs to it so you couldn’t raise your arms. Then I sat with the others till everyone that was going was treated in like fashion. Only one guy got mouthy. Everyone else was in shock, not knowing what to expect next.

We were then lead outside to the bus. once we got there, they un-cuffed every other guy and would hook your arm through the other guy’s and re-cuff you again, so you were cuffed to another guy (as if the shackles, belly chains, and handcuffs weren’t uncomfortable enough). And then they seated us all on the bus.

The bus had a thick metal screen and bars on the windows. And when we got on the bus, there was a gate behind the driver’s seat that they locked after we all got inside it. I’m sure with everyone being cuffed and shackled to each other, we weren’t about to attack the driver. Being shackled to someone else made moving around very hard.

After they loaded all of our belongings on the bus and our records, we were off. It would be a three-hour-plus ride to the prison and it was only about 9 or 10. I’m not really sure because they took all of my jewelry (which includes my watch). All we were allowed to have was our underwear, t-shirt, jumpsuit, and slippers. Oh yea, and all these chains.

The ride there was long and uncomfortable. Some guys were starting to talk about how bad they were and what was going to happen. I assume they were just trying to cover up their own insecurities and fears.

As we pulled up to the prison, I wasn’t sure what I was feeling. I tried not to show I was scared, but I was. I tried to act like I was just going to the mall. I wanted so much to be somewhere else, but I couldn’t go. I guess I deserved all that I got. I don’t even want to relive the experience as I tell you about it, but it is as vivid today as it was then. It was a traumatic day.

As we neared the entryway, you could see the razor wire on the fences that surrounds the place, and you could have heard a pin drop inside that bus. Nobody made a sound.

We pulled up to the gate and the guard got out and walked to meet another guard inside the gate. Then the one gate opened and the bus pulled in and the gate closed behind us. At this point we were surrounded by fence and razor wire. It was a fenced in entrance. The guard took a mirror on a pole and looked all underneath the bus. Then he opened the hood and looked around the engine. After that, they talked for a little bit before the gate at the other end opened up and we were moving towards the prison.

We pulled up next to the building and stopped. It seemed like a long time we just waited for the guards to tell us we could get off the bus. Finally they unlocked the gate and told us to start getting off the bus.

As we got off the bus they separated us from the other person that we were chained to, but we all remained shackled and cuffed with belly chains, and we were told to follow the guard inside. You don’t want to take very long steps because the chain on your shackles would fight your strides and it would hurt, so walking was hard to do as well.

Once inside they began taking our chains off. It sure felt good to get them off. Then we were processed one by one – name, date of birth,etc. The guard told me a number and told me not to forget it. I didn’t want to act like I wasn’t paying attention so I didn’t tell him that I didn’t remember it already. I was hoping to ask someone else later.

At this point, everything happened really fast it seemed. It was as if we were running (not literally) through a car wash. They lead us into a room and started to strip search us again. I guess they thought that the other guards didn’t do a good enough job. Once we were naked, we went through a door and it was concrete everywhere. Concrete walls, ceiling, and floors. I was lead to some barber chairs and told I was getting my hair cut. They buzzed it all off. Then I was lead to a shower stall (with no shower curtain), given some liquid soap and told to take a shower (while the guy watched). I’m assuming that this was my delousing.

After the shower I was stopped by another inmate that worked there. You could tell he worked there because he was the only inmate that wasn’t naked, and he asked me what size jumpsuit I wanted. I told him that I didn’t remember my number and he said, “Don’t worry; it’ll be on everything you get. You aren’t going to forget it.” Then he gave me a bag of stuff and a jumpsuit and said, “All I need was in there.”

The bag was a mesh laundry bag and I opened it to get a towel out to dry off. It was then that they said I was to get dressed, and I did.

Then all of us were taken to a cell block. We had been lined up, single file, and marched to the block.

Once we got there, they called out each person’s name (and number), handed them a paper, and told us to put our belongings in your cell, shut the door, and come back to the dayroom area. Our name, number, and cell number was all on the paper. As I walked to my cell I looked at my paper trying to quickly memorize my number so I wouldn’t forget it. Little did I know at that time, that I will never forget that number as long as I live.

I put my things away and looked around. There was a mattress on a metal framework that was bolted to the wall. Farther down was my toilet (sometimes called “The Head”). It’s a stainless steel one that’s attached to the sink. On the opposite wall was a desk and chair to write on. The whole place looked filthy. I wonder when it had been cleaned last. Well, I can look things over later. I shut the cell door and went to the dayroom area (which was just some school like desks all lined up in rows. On the desk was a publication that said, “Inmate Handbook” on it. I sat down and started looking at it.

There were several guards. None seemed to smile or be the least bit friendly. They were calloused (you could tell) from all the people who have come before me. There was no sympathy or understanding. It was their way or else. And at that time I didn’t know what “or else” was, but I didn’t want to find out either.

There was a lot of people talking about what all has happened to us so far and everyone was looking at their handbook when one of the guards said, “Attention people!” and everyone was silent. I don’t remember his exact words, but I’ll try to tell you (for the most part) what he said.

He said, “Gentlemen, I am Captain ____?____ (I don’t remember his name). I am the senior officer here. You have just been admitted into prison. You now belong to me. Your mommy and your daddy can’t help you now. You will do as I say. And if you don’t do as I say, you go to the hole. You have a handbook in front of you. It will tell you what you can and cannot do. If you disobey any of the rules, you go to the hole. If you get smart with any of my Officers, you go to the hole. Don’t get out of line, don’t talk back, and don’t do anything that you aren’t allowed to do or you’ll be going to the hole. This is my prison and I don’t tolerate any insubordination.

This is the isolation block. You will be in cells for the time being while you adapt to prison life. You will be locked down 23 hours a day while you’re here. It is my experience that those who commit suicide in prison usually do it here. If you’re thinking about killing yourself, you’d better do a good job, cause if I catch you, you’re going to wish you were dead!

If you do what you’re told while you’re here, you will have a much more pleasant stay here. You are at the Receiving Center and eventually you will be shipped to your Parent Institution. Until that time you will do as you are told, or I will make it my personal mission to make your time as hard as possible while you’re here. Now I will turn you over to your block Officer. Good day gentlemen.”

As the big man left, another guard began to talk. He told us to follow the rules. And what our laundry and shower schedule would be. He told us if we had any questions to ask. Then he said that we had the next hour for our one hour today to shower, make a phone call, watch TV, or whatever. Then he went up to the desk.

I went to get on the phone but I was too slow. They were already full. I didn’t want to visit with anyone so I just went back to my cell. I went through my handbook and found the mailing address in it. Eventually I got on the phone and called my family. I told them where I was in case they wanted to visit me, and how they could send mail to me.

At the end of the hour, they sent everyone to their cells and locked us down. It got really quiet and with nothing to do and nothing to read, you had a lot of time to think.

After a short time, I heard some odd noises out in the cell block. When it’s quiet like it was, you can hear everything. Not only that but sound echoes around in an empty cell block. So I went to my door and looked out the small window to see what it was. There were some inmates with blue shirts and pants on (like the one that issued me clothing) and they were opening the shoots on our doors. I kept watching and while the one guy opened the rest of the shoots, a couple of other guys were delivering trays of food. It must be chow time. That’s another thing that drives you nuts at first. You have no idea of what time it is. It might be 9 a.m. or it might be 1:30.

The trays were rectangular plastic trays with compartments. The food? Well it’s not mom’s good cooking. It was tuna noodle casserole, two slices of white bread, spinach, lime Jell-o with pear slices, and milk. I don’t like spinach or lime Jello, and the noodles were cooked long enough to become a glob of starch instead of individual noodles. So I salvaged some tuna on the bread to make a sandwich, pulled out the pears for dessert, and had 2% milk to wash it all down. I wasn’t being too picky, I just did 5 months in the county jail and I know it’s either find a way to make a meal or go hungry.

After eating, I set my tray back in the shoot in my door and lay back on my bed to relax and let my food settle. I guess because I had spent so much time in the county jail, I had gotten into a routine. Now we just wait around till supper and we’ll be doing the same thing. Time goes by really slow. Minutes seem like hours. And that’s no exaggeration.

After what seemed like a long time there was some voices that started to progressively get louder and louder until it seemed as though they were yelling. I went to my cell door to look out the window, but I couldn’t see anything. I kept watching and finally saw some guards come in. I saw maybe four or five. They rushed in and you could hear some scuffling noises and some more voices. Then I saw them taking a black guy in handcuffs behind his back to the door of the cell block. I don’t know what happened, but I’m sure they took him to the hole. Maybe tomorrow when we have our hour out of the cell, I’ll ask somebody.

I had been staring at the ceiling for some time, when they started bringing the trays around for supper. It doesn’t take long to figure out this kind of a scheduling. As I waited for the surprise meal, I couldn’t imagine doing years here. What will tomorrow bring. And then, there it was. Hot dogs and beans. I can eat that. It’s not great, but it fills the empty spot in my gut.

Then I placed my tray into the shoot and waited for the guy in blue to come by and get it. This has been some day. A lot has happened. I guess I’ll read my handbook some more.

I lie on my bed and read and got rather bored. There was nothing to do. I got up and paced the floor for a while. I looked out the window to see what I could see. Not much. Nothing of interest.

At one point I had to use the bathroom. Yes that metal monstrosity at the end of my bed. The prison toilet. God I was hoping not to have to use that. Well, I got some toilet paper wet and tried to clean the rim so I could sit down. I got it wet and the dried it off. I guess that’s as good as it gets. I sat down and the metal was cool. I still remember the shock that I felt when I flushed it the first time! The whole thing seemed to turn ice cold! Wow! I was totally unprepared for that! Lucky for me, that was the only surprise I got. I guess it could have been worse.

Later on I started to feel sleepy. I got up early. I am going to try to lie down and sleep. As I laid there, my head spinning with the day’s events. I fear the thought of days and weeks and months and years. It feels long already, but for now, the day is over.”

But the day wasn’t over. He tossed and turned all night. And I’m sure that this is going to be a long time in prison for John.

I know there was no blood and gore, but it was John’s first day at the reception center. When he goes to his Parent Institution, he won’t be isolated and he won’t be in a single man cell. Basically he’s safe from everyone except himself right now. As safe as he can ever be, …. Behind The Walls…

Ted's current location - RMC Main

Ted was not sent to the Central Florida reception center in Orlando. He is currently at the RMC - Main Unit (Reception and Medical Center) in Lake Butler in Union County in North Florida according to the FL Department of Corrections web site. It is unknown how long he will remain there or why he was sent to a medical center.

You can see Ted's profile by clicking here.

Letters can be written to Ted at this address:

Braden, Theodore, DC# 131948
RMC – Main Unit
7765 S. CR 231
P.O. Box 628
Lake Butler, FL 32054-0628

The great unknown

In a previous blog, I wrote about how scared I was to get out, but I have to admit I’m even more scared to go to prison.

The scariest part is not knowing what to expect.

In a prison, you have to keep a certain mentality at all times. I’m not trying to be like that. When I get there, I’m just going to keep to myself.

If I told you that I wasn’t scared, I’d be lying to you.

I think the worst part about having to go to prison is having to watch my mom cry.

All in all, I think I’ll be alright though. I’ll be home before I know it.

Scared to get out

(This entry Ted wrote before he was sentenced to prison.)

Every day I hope that I will get out soon, and I think about all the stuff I want to do – like what food I will eat, where will I get a job, etc., but in reality I’m more nervous than excited to get out.

Don’t get me wrong – I don’t ever want to come back here as long as I live and I’ll do anything to make sure I don’t – it’s just that most of my teenage years, I’ve spent incarcerated.

When I’m on the streets, I only know one life, but I know that I have to change everything.

I’m going to have to learn how to change my way of thinking. I’m also going to have to handle hostile situations by walking away instead of getting in a fight.

I pray every night for God to give me the strength to change my life… and hopefully someone else’s too.