Married at the age of 17, I was introduced early to the responsibilities of fatherhood. I was employed with Metro Ministries, Inc., a community-based church in Brooklyn, working with their youth ministry and Sunday School programs. At the advice of the pastor, he encouraged me to follow my dreams, especially now that I had a family to support. I took his advice and enlisted in the United States Army. My initial training was as a Motor Transport Operator, earning several decorations and ribbons throughout my five-year military career. After the birth of my second son, I knew that the military would be my life. Prior to my incarceration, I also worked and volunteered with the Police Athletic League and the Boys Club of America.

Although words could never express my deepest and sincere remorse, how truly sorry I am for the sufferings I have brought upon my family, the family of the victim, and the embarrassment I brought upon those who supported me, I actively participated in the cover-up of a murder. Although not the murderer, I am just as guilty for not only helping to hide the evidence, but not reporting it to the authorities. As a result, I was deemed guilty by the courts and sentenced to a minimum of 15 years to life. There are so many people I need to make atonement to. There are no words that can truly express how sorry I am for the tragic events of that evening. I only ask for the opportunity to express my remorse through praxis.

Incarceration History

Educational Accomplishments:

New York Theological Seminary - 2002
Masters of Professional Studies

Nyack College - 2001
Bachelor's of Science Degree

Mercy College - 1999
Associates in Liberal Arts

University of the State of New York - 1999
Adult Peer counseling and Compadre Helper

Hunter College of the University of New York - 1998
Civil Rights Heritage in the US Workshop

The Altamont Program, Inc. - 1997
HIV/AIDS Peer Educator Training

New York Theological Seminary - 1996
Certificate in Ministry

EMPLOYMENT

Rising Hope, Inc.
Certificate in Ministry and Human Services
Professor for Introduction to Theology and Ethics
2003 - present

Hudson Link for Higher Education in Prison, Inc.
Administrative Aide
2002 - 2003

Our Lady of Hope Catholic Chapel
Chaplain's Assistant
1999 - 2002

NYTS Certificate in Ministry and Human Services Program
Administrative Aide and Adjunct Professor
1996 - 2002

The Hudson View School
Administrative Aide and Teacher's Assistant
1993 - 1996

VOLUNTEER PROGRAMS

• Alternatives to Violence Project
  Group Leader and Facilitator
  
• Literacy Volunteers of Westchester County, Inc.
  One-on-One Tutor
  
• Prisoners for AIDS Counseling and Education
  Health Awareness Center Counselor/Educator
  

SPECIAL SKILLS

• Bi-Lingual (Spanish and English)
• Word Processing
• Translating and Editing of Educational Materials
• Mechanic for Air-Conditioning and Industrial Refrigeration

Commendations Received

Certificate of Appreciation:

• The Rising Hope Certificate in Ministry and Human Services
• Alternatives to Violence Project
• Literacy Volunteers of Westchester County, Inc.
• The Hudson View School

Release Plans

I wish to pursue employment with outreach programs that assist men and women with the transition from incarceration to the free society. I wish to volunteer with community church groups as well as HIV/AIDS health awareness centers. I will also continue to instruct religious courses for the Certificate in Ministry programs throughout the State. One of my main goals is to establish a strong relationship with my two sons after a considerable absence due to my incarceration.

In Closing ....

I am so deeply and terribly sorry for the shameful role that I played that tragic evening. I can only hope for a second opportunity to right the wrong that I have committed by preventing others from going through the experiences I have suffered.

Thank you for taking the time to view my story and I will appreciate your support.

Sincerely,
Alex Torres

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