By Stephanie Carrion
Always personable and professional, I was quickly on a first name-basis with some of the many celebrities who frequented the establishment. In addition to schmoozing with the stars, I was still an active member of Ms. McNeil’s panel of ex-convicts. I was the only former federal prisoner, and the only female amongst them. The kids really took to me. When the floor opened for their questions, most of them were directed to me. It gave me a very good feeling to think that speaking about my experiences just might have a positive impact on their lives.
In April 1999, I was nominated for the 1999 Urban Success Award. There at the Century Plaza hotel , I was introduced to singer Natalie Cole and former Los Angeles Chief of police, Bernard Parks. I was escorted to the event by my nephew, an L.A. county sheriff’s deputy. From strung out dopefiend and convict to hobnobbing with the elite and powerful, it was a heady experience ! It should have been smooth sailing from that point, but sadly greed and good nature got me in trouble again.
After leaving the halfway house, I inherited a three bedroom house in La Puente where I lived with my adult son Tonyo. I opened my home to those getting out of prison who were less fortunate than I and soon wound up with more expenses than my job at the hotel could provide for. While I continued to work at the hotel, I used my position to gain information which I funneled to the girls who came to live with me, and my credit card fraud ring was on and cracking. One of them was arrested and told who provided her with the credit cards. The rest as they say, is history.
After 2 yrs. in prison, I was released again to a halfway house in January 2002, and found work at Select A service as a merchandiser. I worked 6 hrs.a day. four days a week for $9.50 an hour. Less than three weeks after i started, my supervisor called me in and offered me a full-time data entry position. With the full knowledge and approval of my supervisors, I used my new position to again benefit my fellow ex-convicts. This time it was all legit! I was able to employ 21 inmates from the federal halfway house. The counselors were now calling me to place inmate clients on job sites ! After nearly twenty years weighted down by a prison number, I have finally successfully completed parole and remain a productive member of society and Narcotic Anonymous. Moreover , I remain dedicated to my desire to help others who want to reclaim their lives and dignity. When an ex-felon can con tribute to rather than detract from society, we all benefit. I believe it is an idea whose time has come.
