Personal Statement

If you can say you're the same person you were twenty years ago, then there's no need to read my profile, because I am not the same person I was twenty years ago.

I was born and raised in Queens, New York. At a young age I was drawn to the street in pursuit of financial gain and social acceptance. Drugs and crime led to my incarceration.

My spiritual growth to my present state comes as a result of my prison experience. I have been reborn from the ashes of incarcerated solitude (like Malcolm X). I am no longer the young man who entered prison twenty-plus years ago. Today, I can honestly say I am a better person than I was all those years ago when I entered the system.

Criminal Offense

I was convicted of burglary, robbery and murder. Words cannot describe the regret I have or sense of remorse I feel for those I've harmed.

Incarceration History

Educational Accomplishments:

• Masters Degree in Professional Studies - New York Theological Seminary (NYTS) 2005
• Social Sciences Degree - Ulster Community College, AS, 1993
• Social Sciences Degree - SUNY New Paltz, BA, 1995
• High School Equivalency - 1989

Employment & Volunteer Programs:

• Inmate Program Associate
• Food Service
• Inmate Liaison Committee
• Alternatives to Violence
• Printing

Special Skills:

• Leadership
• Photo Technician
• Public Speaking

Release Plans

I plan on gaining employment that will allow me to prevent youth from embarking on destructive paths. I also plan on becoming involved in my community's concerns. I have countless nieces and nephews whom I would like to help guide on the right path. In addition, in the long run, I want to establish a woman's apparel shop.

In Closing ...

I understand I have done all I can within these walls to pay for the crime I committed. Yet, I can never pay such a debt, and will ultimately have to answer to God. Furthermore, my debt is one that can only be addressed through my continued repentance by ministering to individuals who are likely to embark on the dark and lonely road I took before finding salvation.

Sincerely,
Anthony M. Riggins, Jr.

Send
Letter of Support