Episode 19

The Prison Post #19 Justin Chung, 82 Years to Life Commuted

Published on: 23rd December, 2020

Welcome to The Prison Post. Our episode today features Justin Chung. Justin's parents brought him to America from South Korea at the age of two. He was incarcerated at the age of 16 and sentenced to 82 years to life. He transformed his life on the inside and filed for a commutation under the tenure of Governor Jerry Brown. He was commuted during his 13th year of incarceration. Justin was found suitable for parole and after experiencing some highs and lows on the way to his freedom, he was told that he would be set free in two days. Unfortunately, he was picked up by ICE and detained in a federal facility. After a mass covid outbreak and deaths in this facility, a judge allowed those who could afford to pay bail to bail out. Justin was bailed out, placed on an ankle monitor, and allowed to live with his Mom. He is petitioning Governor Newsom through a letter writing campaign and requesting an opportunity to stay in the only country he has ever known. He is facing deportation and if he has to go back to South Korea he will have to join the military for two years. His Mom would move back with him, but she would not be allowed to work because of laws that prohibit women working beyond a certain age. He is volunteering and serving in ministry in his church and doing all that he can to live as a productive citizen. He is worthy of staying in this country and is committed to using his time, talents, and efforts to make a difference here in the lives of the youth and those in the Asian community. He is collecting letters of support to present to the Governor. If you would like to send him a letter of support you can reach out to him at 1221yongjoo@gmail.com. If you would like to hear Justin's full life story, told while he was still incarcerated, please subscribe to the Prison Post and you can find his story on all major podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon podcasts, Stitcher and many more. #The Prison Post #ThePrisonPostPodcast #CROPOrganization #CROP #WorkingTogetherToRestoreLives #LetJustinChungStay

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About the Podcast

The Prison Post
Transforming Lives and Healing Communities by Reimagining Reentry
The Prison Post is a podcast interviewing leaders in the criminal justice reform, restorative justice, and social justice movements. In addition, we share the transformational stories of the currently and formerly incarcerated and highlight what CROP Organization is doing by reimagining reentry for returning citizens.
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Richard Mireles

With a Bachelor of Arts in Healthcare Management from California Coast University, Richard is a dynamic public speaker and expert communicator with Advanced Leadership and Communication certifications with the world recognized Toastmasters International. Having spent over 21 years inside of CDCR, Richard made abundant contributions as a cofounder of the Inside Solutions think-tank and lead intern for the CROP Organization’s programs offered within institutions. An inspiring leader and powerful orator with over 35 transformational coaching seminars and workshops, Richard possesses the uncanny ability to capture a room's attention while conveying impactful messages to any audience. He has an advanced certification as an Alcohol and Other Drug counselor (receiving a certificate of recognition from the California State Senate for his contributions to the recovery community) and was the only known incarcerated person to earn the status of associate trainer for John Maxwell’s EQUIP Leadership and its Million Leader Mandate.