Despite a pretrial conclusion of serious and continuing mental illness, John Montgomery gets life wi
Montgomery was convicted of armed burglary for attempting to steal a safe containing $3,000 in cash from an unoccupied home.
Montgomery was diagnosed with bipolar disorder with psychosis. According to Montgomery, he had been receiving treatment for his mental illness but became delusional and psychotic when off his medication.
Shortly before committing the armed burglary he was turned away from the hospital where he sought mental health treatment because there was no room.
In a psychological evaluation requested by defense counsel, the shrink observed that Montgomery suffers from serious and continuing mental health issues. Nevertheless, Montgomery was found to be competent to proceed with the trial.
According to his lawyer, during the trial Montgomery stated he was not receiving proper medications and reported experiencing auditory hallucinations. Montgomery was sentenced to life without parole under Florida’s Prison Releasee Reoffender Law,
In prison, Montgomery has participated in Alcoholics Anonymous, Bible study and has received other counseling. He attends church and sings in the choir. Now using the correct medications while in prison, Montgomery believes he can finish college and get a job when he is released.
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 Montgomery 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.
No Harsh Justice inmate has ever been convicted of a violent crime.
Donate to Montgomery's Legal Fund (Select Florida, Inmate ID=204065)
Note: 100% of your donation goes directly into the inmate's prison account.