I am a 73-year-old FIRST TIME OFFENDER, white collar, non- violent, no threat to my community, minimum risk factor, 0 points, great grandmother, shackled with a 30-year federal prison sentence. I would like to begin by telling the details of my crime.  I was approached by a previous co-worker to offer an annuity insurance product, which was now on the market, and offered a higher interest earned to the clients.  From this meeting, I was introduced to two men, Chandler, and Murphy, who explained the product.  I was led to believe I would be selling an insurance investment annuity, being compensated by earning commission.  If the client did not maintain the policy for a period of two years, I was required to pay back ALL the commission earned.  This procedure was common to other insurance companies that I had worked with.  I had no way of knowing that the investment product was not a true investment; I now know, it was a Ponzi scheme.  I believed in the product so much so, that I invested in the program.  Additional family members, including my husband, sister, brother-in-law, and brother, were all interested as well. I had no idea that I somehow was involved in a Ponzi scheme, until Chandler (one of the two to set up the scheme) shot and killed himself before he could be held accountable.  When this happened, it seems I was the person that was to be blamed. During my 2-week court trial, four different people testified UNDER OATH Joyce DID NOT KNOW what was going on.  Murphy, who put the entire program together, was one.  (He was sentenced to 5 years).  The young lady that worked each day in the office with Chandler received 12 months, a lady that worked in my office daily was sentenced to 25 months and an FBI Agent who went through all my computers and my trash that was due to be picked up was asked “in going through all the computers and the trash, did you find anything that proved Joyce knew what was going on?’  His response, “NO.” I was found guilty because the jury stated I should have known and was sentenced to 30 years. My first experience to the world of incarceration was during my transportation to Aliceville FCI.  During a stop at the Atlanta Airport, I was not helped off the transport bus, allowing me to fall from the bus steps landing on the asphalt.  My body hit the asphalt hard---very hard---resulting in cuts, scratches, bruising and swelling.  I could barely move.  I spent the night in medical at Lovejoy.  My body was so bruised, I could not get myself changed into clothes for the transfer trip to Aliceville FCI.  I asked for help to pull my socks on over my feet, the officer refused and said, “you’ll be alright”, so my bus ride from Lovejoy, Georgia to Aliceville FCI in Aliceville, Alabama was done wearing shackles over sockless ankles. I could not raise my arms, could not pull, push, or barely move.  When I was issued my housing unit and reported—I was advised that I had been assigned to a top bunk, even though my limitations stated bottom bunk-lower level.  I explained I was physically unable to pull myself up to the top bunk—it did not matter to the counselor.  I was told he would try to move me later.  So, my first night in Aliceville FCI was spent trying to sleep on the floor.  I could not get up the next morning, so the medical emergency button was pushed for assistance.  The officer on duty said, “I’m not helping you up”, after a time, I was able to get to my feet.  So, after my first sleepless night, I was assigned to another room, thankfully, a bottom bunk. After a couple of weeks, I was called to medical for x-rays.  Nothing was broken, I was told, so they could do nothing for me.  While I was there, I asked about my C-Pap machine (machine to help me breathe).  My severe sleep apnea causes me to stop breathing while I am sleeping.  This is a life-threatening condition.  I do not have enough paper to record the times I have had problems being able to get my C-Pap machine charged, allowing me a full night of sleep.  We are only issued a battery type machine which is not as efficient as an electric machine. It felt like I was in medical at least once a week—my issues—my problems related to my transfer fall and my C-Pap machine, trying to get some help. Other inmates were helping me shower, dress, carry my food trays- --etc.  I could not even fill my drink glass during mealtime. After 3 years, I was finally taken to an outside site for a CAT Scan on my shoulders.  After another year passed, I was taken to an outside orthopedic surgeon.  I was shown my CAT scan pictures as the doctor explained to me that my shoulder looks like a turkey bone that has been shattered.  I needed a complete shoulder replacement.  While I was there, an injection was put into my shoulder to try to relieve some of my pain.  It was recommended that I return every 2 to 4 months.  Also found during my CAT Scan was a section of bone in my upper arm that had what they called a “dead spot.”  Nothing was done regarding this.  I have not been returned to the orthopedic surgeon. My shoulders are in constant pain.  I must take Ibuprofen (which I purchase off commissary) daily.  It is the only way that I can make it through a day.  I have added problems with my sleeping due to the pain in my shoulders.  The doctors there at Aliceville FCI told me that if I drunk more water, it will take care of my shoulder.  I have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease and arthritis.  I am told this is because I am getting older.  My legs cramp during t night.  Again, I was told---drink more water. I visited the eye doctor explaining that my vision is getting bad.  I was told that I have cataracts and I needed to be sent outside to an optometrist.  After my exam, I asked about new glasses.  I was told “you are not getting new glasses, there is nothing wrong with your glasses, it is your eyes that have a problem.”  What can you say to that?  I was speechless.  After my outside visit to the optometrist was approved—four months later—my approval for the visit was deferred.  I have not been to an outside optometrist. Enough?  Well let me tell you about my treatment from our dental department—I woke one morning to an extreme swollen face with terrible pain.  Before my incarceration, I had a double cap placed on my two front top teeth.  I have had teeth abscess before and was given antibiotics which corrected the issue.  At Aliceville FCI, I was told that because of my age, they could not give me antibiotics.  At my age, I would probably have more teeth problems in the future; so, I did not qualify for antibiotics, instead, a saw was used to separate my double front teeth cap and one was completely pulled along with the tooth beside it.  Yes, I am older, I do not consider myself vein, however this type of treatment was unnecessary and uncalled for. While being in Aliceville FCI during Covid-19 along with my health conditions and my age, my concerns grew each day.  I have a heart condition with extremely high blood pressure problems and high cholesterol.  I lost my mother to congestive heart failure.  I have severe sleep apnea, having to use a C-Pap machine to aid in my breathing during the night.  It was becoming more and more difficult to breath during the day, even with a minimal amount of activity.  I am overweight also, which does not help my heath situation.  I have been diagnosed with degenerative disk disease (which will continue to get worse) and severe leg cramps.  My shoulder is shattered, and a complete replacement was advised. When I can go home, I will live with my daughter and her husband.  I lost my husband while I have been incarcerated.  I plan to continue my teaching by starting a “Families of the Incarcerated Program” to give back to the community, as well as lead a crochet class.  I have total support from my family, friends, and church members.  I am not a threat to my community, and I have plans to give back through community service.  My social security will be re-activated. I am attaching a copy of my Program Review of the classes I have taken, I also have certificates for the following classes that are not on listed yet: *Health Awareness Completed 3-8-2018 *Advance Accounting *Card Making Workshop Completed 8-25-2017 *Scrapbooking Completed 8-3-2017 *Conflict Resolution Completed 9-18-2016 *Seeking Safety Completed 8-6-16 *Cognitive Processing Therapy Completed 3-7-2017 *Resolve Program Completed 3-7-2017 In Addition:  Instruction Certificate *Silver Dollar Night Program *Certificate of Appreciation from Education Department *Certificate for Outstanding Contributions to the Arts and Craft Show *Certificate to verify that I am a Suicide Companion of 5 years *Certificate of Participation from DCTL Volunteers for Community Service Projects I not only taught Brain Health as You Age Phase I and Phase II, but I also developed the program.  I have taught classes for the Education (ACE classes as well as RPP classes).  I have also taught classes in the Recreation Department, including Ball Room Dancing, which I also developed. I am praying that someone will have compassion and be willing to help me get home to my family.  I have two great grandchildren that I have not had the opportunity to hold.  Hopefully, that is in my extremely near future! I hope this information will help my cause and give me the opportunity to give back. Respectfully submitted, Joyce Allen

My name is Joyce Allen