DEA literally sets up accountant Robert Jonas in a smuggling operation before sentencing him to life
At age 25, Jonas was wrongly diagnosed with cancer. The misdiagnosis led to unnecessary surgeries and radiation that eventually caused a descent into alcoholism. After graduating from college, he began a career as an accountant and, after receiving treatment, quit drinking alcohol for good.
Jonas later became involved in a marijuana and cocaine smuggling operations set up by federal confidential informants.
Jonas and three other men were arrested in a reverse sting. The court found that Jonas and one of his co-conspirators were the ringleaders behind the largest marijuana importation scheme in New Jersey history and sentenced both men to life without parole.
At trial, Jonas asserted that he was a mere go-between and a low-level employee, primarily keeping accounting records, and he never possessed a weapon or did his own drug deal.
Jonas has taken responsibility for helping to set up the deal, but said that “the crime could not have happened but for the government and their agent's provocateurs. ” According to Jonas, the confidential informants were paid $400,000 and $250,000, respectively, for their roles in the operation.
In his spare time, Jonas helps other prisoners with their studies and teaches accounting. Jonas says he enjoys reading, playing the trumpet, solving puzzles, and taming wild cats. He has been written up for a single disciplinary infraction: keeping a cat in his cell. If released from ”prison, Jonas would “go home and adopt a few cats.
Read full story at ACLU Special Report. A Living Death: Life Without Parole for Nonviolent Offenses.
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As voters, citizens, taxpayers and bystanders, we as a society have inhumanely punished thousands of nonviolent people. Currently Washington DC and 30 states have compensation statutes for wrongfully convicted inmates. Congress’ recommended amount is $63,000 for each year served. On the other hand, overly sentenced victims who in many cases have suffered equally or worse typically receive $20 and a bus ticket if they are fortunate enough to ever be released.
Select the link below to donate directly to Jonas to help him with legal and other expenses. Most of these inhumanely sentenced inmates don't remember the last time they were able to buy personal items or snacks from the commissary. No donation is too small. JPAY is used for state inmates and Western Union for federal.
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