Guards intimidate, extort prisoners

I'm writing this letter in deep concern, in need of desperate help, not only because I feel as though my life is in danger, I also fear the possibility of ever being paroled from this prison due to the ignorance of Pennsylvania central office executive staff, from the Secretary of Correction Jeffery A. Beard to the staff members at SCI Greene. They are obviously refusing a thorough investigation on the allegations and complaints I've made, not only here at SCI Greene, but also at SCI Camp Hill, about several security officers here at SCI Greene who have been breaking the law, from extorting inmates to blackmailing and planting contraband in prisoners' cells, just to get packs of cigarettes from inmates to save money from their pockets! This is how things have been running up here at SCI Greene for the seven years I've been here.

I was recently set up by officers on the search team for reporting abuse by a DOC officer to my family. In revenge they planted five weapons in my cell. Now this is right after a state institutional search, the biggest search ever! I don't care if you have an extra comb; they're going to take it! They do a tight and thorough search. Now I passed this major shakedown with no problems. Besides, I haven't had a write up in four years and I was going up for parole soon. Why would I jeopardize my chance of going home?

I know a lot of people up here who have been going through the same hell. I know when something is wrong and when something needs to be done about it. I'll stand up for what is right! And if I go through some harassment, if I have to go through the whole paper chase game to see justice, I'll do it!

The only thing I'm requesting from you, is to please publish this letter in you paper. Please send letters concerning my complaints to:

Barry Stout Pennsylvania State Senate 1024 Route 519, Suite 400 EightyFour PA 15530

--a Pennsylvania prisoner, March 2005