June 1, 2003

Subject: playing the game

Hey Rob Fans,

I am sorry to have left you hanging after all of the nasty stuff that went down over the last month or so. Other than Rob being sent back to camp --not a lot else has changed. He has a new job which I believe is part of the mind games they are playing on him. He has to clean offices and bathrooms at the main facility (which houses "the hole") where all of those evil lieutenants and the warden have their offices. He has had to bite his tongue when he comes in contact with these people as they continue to taunt him verbally when they see him.

Several inmates are very angry with Rob as well. They are suspicious of Rob because he returned from the hole after the word was out that he would be there for six months. He has been labeled a "rat" by the other inmates, and is dealing with things like having his mattress drenched with water on a regular basis. He seems to think things will blow over eventually, and does not think he is in any real danger.

I have still not been added back to the visitation list and Rob has been warned not to take any action and for me to do the same "or else" He cannot speak freely to me over the phone or in letters, but assures me it will be resolved "soon". I guess he is getting a handle on the "game" in that place. At least I hope so.

I think I had mentioned that Rob's motion for resentencing had been denied but for one of his arguments. The Department of Justice had a few weeks to respond to it, which they did. Rob then had a week or so to respond to their argument. He worked on it for a few days last week with an attorney/inmate and is getting it in the mail tomorrow morning. If it gets denied, he can start all over again with another court. If it is granted, he could be ordered to the halfway house on or about June 20. That would be the best case scenario --but we certainly don't want to get our hopes up about it.

As it stands, Rob did not lose any of his good time and his current halfway house date remains November 4 with a release date of December 19. All the threats he heard while in the hole were apparently just part of a tactic of mental and emotional torment.

While in the hole, many of Rob's personal items purchased through commissary were "lost". They had his things divided into two piles and one pile disappeared. He lost things like shorts, socks, t-shirts, sneakers, stamps, his book light, etc, and has to purchase them all over again! Thankfully his books and letters were in the box that was returned to him. Those things cannot be replaced.

Rob tried to resume his origami class on Thursday, but the other inmates seemed to have lost interest. His best student, and also a good friend, was transferred to the halfway house last week. Rob was happy for him but really misses his friendship. Especially now. More inmates seem to be leaving than arriving which helps a little. There is a little more elbow room now and people tend to get on each others nerves a little less as a result.

I can't believe I'm saying this, but I can't wait for winter to get here!! :P

Take care,
Shannon