Jermain Barry – COVID-19

I’m writing in regards to say that during these trying times, there’s so much anxiety I’m dealing with. The fact that I was sentences to 26 years and I’ve been incarcerated 19 years with no possibility for parole or early release like non-violent offenders. I have family who love me, and need me there to help during this pandemic. This time has changed me from a young kid into a grown man that knows how to handle responsibilities. I’m no longer a danger to society, and I conduct myself in an orderly manner.  I have kids that I haven’t seen since they were babies. Nothing is certain out there in the world during these times of the virus. I just wish I could have a chance to take care of my loved ones. My stress level is extremely high. Just thinking that I can’t help my family because I’m not eligible for any type of early release. I earn 4.5 days a month of good time, no charges, and still don’t meet the criteria of other prisoners that do. I feel that if I’ve conducted myself accordingly, I should be able to benefit being released early being that I have less than 5 years left , with a home plan, a job that’s lined up for me and family who’ll help me out. I feel discriminated against and treated unfair being that my crime is violent. Everybody make mistakes, and I feel I paid my debt to society after doing 18 years straight on a 26 year sentence with no parole possibility. COVID-19 is a stressful thing to deal with knowing you can’t be there to help a loved one.