Jeremy still in the SHU, now under investigation
As many of you know, Jeremy was placed in SHU (segregated housing unit) a little over a month ago as a result of a disciplinary infraction. He was told he would be in SHU for approximately 45 days, with his release date being on or around 20 August 2015.
For almost a week now, we have waited anxiously to hear that he has been released from SHU. Today, we got our answer, though it was not what any of us had hoped. In a letter dated 18 August that we received yesterday, he explained that he is still in SHU, and currently has no idea when he is going to be released. He had completed the time given to him for the disciplinary infraction and was preparing for release when prison officials informed him that he would be staying in SHU “pending SIS investigation.” “SIS” stands for “special investigative services,” and they function like an internal prison police unit. He was not told what they are investigating, nor how much longer he can expect to be there.
Prisoners can be held in SHU for up to 90 days without charge. If Jeremy is eventually charged with something as a result of whatever he is being “investigated” for, the time he spent awaiting charge will not count towards whatever punishment is handed down.
We are speculating that this new, mysterious “investigation” is in relation to another issue that has been ongoing for quite some time now. Shortly before he was sent to SHU in July, Jeremy’s phone and email privileges were taken away without warning and for reasons that, while not entirely clear, were obvious attempts to silence him. (His stay in SHU was not related to these issues, and, as stated, was the result of a disciplinary infraction.) While in SHU, his email privileges were reinstated just as mysteriously as they had been removed, and he was allowed to make a phone call, but the issue was never fully resolved. While no one but prison officials know for certain at this point, the vagueness with which this new SHU designation is being communicated to Jeremy is eerily similar to the vagueness with which his privileges were revoked, and could very well be related.
There is also a chance that Jeremy is being denied visits, as his grandparents report they were denied the opportunity to visit him several weeks ago for, again, unknown reasons. They have previously been able to visit him freely and without incident.
This is absolutely ludicrous and very discouraging. Jeremy has previously written about how time in SHU is always hell, but it’s at least easier to bear when you know you’re in there for something you legitimately did wrong. Holding Jeremy without charge, and without any firm end date in sight amounts to nothing short of torture. Please consider writing him a short letter of encouragement.
Support Parole for Michael Kimble!
In December 2015, I will be having a parole consideration hearing for the umpteenth time and I need your help.
Parole is no guarantee and in Alabama there is no particular criteria for granting parole. It’s solely left to the discretion of the parole board members. Hopefully, with your support in the form of letters, petitions, and phone calls, this will have a favorable impact on the decision of the parole board in my behalf.
At this time no day has been set, just the month and year. As soon as a day has been set I’ll promptly post it. But in the meantime I’d ask for you all to send letters to the parole board.
No form letters.
Letters should mention the number of years I’ve served (30), that I’ve received numerous certificates, that you believe that I’ve made a change for the better, and that you are willing to support me any way you can once I’m released. Some of you may want to mention that you’ve gotten to know me since my incarceration and that you think I’m ready for release.
Don’t mention my crime or minimize it.
State your belief that I will be a useful, law-abiding citizen in the community, that in spite of my past mistakes I am genuinely a good person and that I take responsibility for my actions and show great remorse.
Avoid discussing your political positions.
Be sure to mention my name and AIS number in the heading of any letter you write: Michael Kimble, #138017
If you are a professional, please use your letterhead.
Mention that you are aware that I will be entering a half-way house immediately if I’m released and that you are willing to support me however once I’m released from the half-way house if needed.
I need to start gathering support letters now.
You can write the parole board at:
Alabama Dept. of Pardons and Parole
301 South Ripley Street
Montgomery, AL 36130
https://freejeremy.net/2015/08/25/jeremy-being-held-in-shu/