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Terry Anderson #08344-031 |
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30 Years - Drug Conspiracy
Hello, my name is Terry Anderson and I am currently serving a 30 year sentence on a non-violent conspiracy drug charge out of Federal Court at FMC Carswell in Forth Worth, Texas. I was the first woman to receive such a harsh & lengthy punishment in East Texas. My family, including my twin daughters, live in Mabank, Texas from whom I receive visits about every 2 or 3 weeks.
On Valentine's Day of 1997 in the U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division, I pled guilty to two counts of a six count Federal Indictment only after continuous pressure from my court appointed Defense Counsel, as he was afraid of the US Attorney's threats of life enhancements. My pleas were for two Conspiracy charges: one for drugs and one for money laundering.
On May 1, 1997 I received a 360-month (30 year) sentence. Being a 34-year-old mother of two, I received a sentence just 1 year shy of the length of time I've been on this earth. Court records report that there were no identifiable victims of the offense, nor was there any information to suggest I had impeded or obstructed justice in my case. I was also not fined or ordered to pay restitution, this was based on my ability to pay for I had no assets or ability to pay. I was not some rich Drug Lord with millions of dollars, estates and airplanes. I at one time had a small craft shop that I rented the building and worked at. I was raising two beautiful daughters and making payments like everybody else.
I was terrified into pleading for 30 years and lost the right to appeal. There were 12 co-defendants and all but two plead guilty for lesser sentences and agreed to testify against me and the two defendants who went to trial. Just recently the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that its illegal for prosecutors to do this as it becomes "paid for testimony." It is also known that in the 1930's this same issue was raised and the courts ruled then as now. It is illegal and has corrupted our Justice System.
So do you want to know why rapists, child molesters and murderers get no time or short time? Your prosecutors are dealing with them to get a drug case. American Justice, is it or isn't it? The amount of time will tell... The war on drugs has filled the prisons and jails with nonviolent offenders. It has not reduced homicides, rapes, assaults or robberies. These are the things that make Americans afraid to leave their homes.. Please write your Senator, Congressman, Governor and our President (which can be found on this website). The "War on Drugs" does not fight crimes against the people. Empty the prisons and jails of these non-violent people and make the space available for those who truly make victims of us.
"Just Say No" means drugs and drug use is a choice we all can make. We have no choice in a robbery or rape. Stop this destruction of our Judicial System that for years has been the world's model of Justice for all.
Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers, especially when you are in the voting polls this election season. Thanks to everyone out in the world for any and all help.
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