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How $31 of pot gave mom a 10-year-prison sentence February 20, 2011 - newsok.com
TAFT — Because of $31 in marijuana sales, Patricia Marilyn Spottedcrow is now serving 10 years in prison, has been taken away from her four young children and husband, and has ended her work in nursing homes.
Three days before Christmas, Spottedcrow, 25, entered the Eddie Warrior Correctional Center.
“I'm nervous … because it's prison … people I don't know,” she said.
“People said don't get too comfortable here or you'll be here longer. Don't make too many friends. Come and do your time and get out.”
Marijuana transactions
On Dec. 31, 2009, Spottedcrow and her mother, Delita Starr, 50, sold a “dime bag” of marijuana to a police informant at Starr's home in Kingfisher, court records state.
Starr handled the transaction and asked her 9-year-old grandson — Spottedcrow's son — for some dollar bills to make change for the $11 sale.
Two weeks later, the same informant returned and bought $20 of marijuana from Spottedcrow.
The two women were arrested for drug distribution and because Spottedcrow's children were in the home, an additional charge of possession of a dangerous substance in the presence of a minor was added.
“It just seemed like easy money,” said Spottedcrow, who says she is not a drug user but has smoked marijuana. “I thought we could get some extra money. I've lost everything because of it.”
The women were each offered plea deals of two years in prison. But because neither had prior convictions and the drug amounts were low, they gambled and entered a guilty plea before a judge with no prior sentencing agreement.
Starr received a 30-year suspended sentence with no incarceration, but five years of drug and alcohol assessments. Spottedcrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison for distribution and two years for possession, to run concurrently. She will be up for parole in 2014.
‘Cried for days'
Starr claims the cases have been “blown out of proportion” by lawmen and criticizes the sentences as stiff. “It shocked me and we cried for days,” she said. In addition, Starr was fined $8,600 and Spottedcrow $2,740.
“Never in a million years did I think I'd be here 10 years,” Spottedcrow said of prison.
“We were under the impression we would get probation. When I left for court, I just knew I was coming back home. It hit me like a ton of bricks. There were no goodbyes, they took me away right then. How do you tell your children you are going to prison? How do you prepare for this?”
Former Kingfisher County Judge Susie Pritchett, who retired in December, said the women were conducting “an extensive operation” and included children in the business.
“It was a way of life for them,” Pritchett said.
“Considering these circumstances, I thought it was lenient. By not putting the grandmother in prison, she is able to help take care of the children.”
A presentencing investigative report prepared by the Department of Corrections rated Spottedcrow's risk of re-offending as “high” and recommended substance abuse treatment while incarcerated.
“It does not appear the defendant is aware that a problem exists or that she needs to make changes in her current behavior.”
Spottedcrow was unemployed and without a stable residence when arrested, the report states. The family lost their Oklahoma City home for not paying bills.
“When she needed money … this is the avenue she chose rather than finding legitimate employment,” the report states. “The defendant does not appear remorseful … and she makes justifications for her actions.”
‘Kids are involved'
Pritchett said on first drug offenses, sentences are usually suspended and may require treatment or random drug tests.
Only if there are other more serious circumstances is a first-time drug offender sent to prison, she said.
“When kids are involved, it's different,” Pritchett said.
“This was a drug sale. When I look at someone in front of me, I'm thinking, ‘What is it going to take to rehabilitate this person?' We look at their attitude and other factors.”
When Spottedcrow was taken to jail after her sentencing, she had marijuana in her jacket. She pleaded guilty to that additional charge Jan. 24 and was sentenced to two years in prison and fined nearly $1,300. That sentence also will run concurrent with her other conviction.
Spottedcrow has four children — ages 9, 4, 3 and 1 — and is determined to keep her 8-year, common-law marriage intact. “It's been really hard on my husband,” she said. “I know a lot of things can happen, but he'll always have my back and be there.”
Her son is aware of what has happened, but the girls have been told their mother is away at college.
“I missed my daughter's fourth birthday, and I'll miss her fifth one too. My other daughter just started talking, and I'm not there to hear her,” Spottedcrow said.
“My baby woke up … and doesn't know where her mommy is. This is the hardest thing to do, and know I can't do anything about it. I just have to focus on myself and take it day-to-day and plan for going home. I will want to see my kids at some point. I'm trying to take this slow. I can't get depressed about it.”
Oklahoma's two prisons for women — the maximum-security Mabel Bassett in McLoud and minimum-security Eddie Warrior in Taft — housed 2,622 prisoners last year.
Of those, 48 percent are serving time for nonviolent drug offenses and 22 percent for other nonviolent offenses such as embezzlement and forgery.
Of the 1,393 women received by Oklahoma prisons last year, 78 percent were identified by DOC as minimal public safety threats.
Most nonviolent offenders are housed at Eddie Warrior, an open campus with a walking track and six dormitories.
‘I'm already changed'
Spottedcrow knows she will need to find a new job skill because her work in the health field won't be there because of her incarceration. She would like to open a boutique.
“Even though this seems like the worst thing … I've been blessed along the way,” she said. “It could have been worse. I'm happy my kids are safe and, ultimately, I'm safe. I'm thankful I still have a family.”
In a year, Spottedcrow will have a review and hopes to shorten her time in prison.
“I'm already changed,” she said. “This is a real eye-opener. I'm going to get out of here, be with my kids and live my life.”
Sunset_Mission said: "larry the scary rex verily scary when thoroughly vexed invoke the shadows and dust, cast a hex mercifully massacring memories masterfully relocate from Ur to 8th density and become a cosmic bully mulder and scully couldn't decipher his glyphs invoke the shadows and dust, smoke infernal spliffs" April 24th 2011
And what lesson did the children learn??? The authorities are bigoted, arrogant, Draconian, punative and unassailable and they deprived me of my hard-working, tax paying mother because of $31.00 of an innocuous weed.
Kiddies also learned that when THEY go out to work, their tax dollars will be taken from them, in part, to support the jail that is incarcerating Momma.
Fine lessons for the kids, indeed. Far better that they should learn the math on how to give proper change for a $20 dollar bill.
This is the single most disgusting and outrageous abuse of justice I have ever read about. Makes me want to
N.B.
-------------------- All submitted posts under this user name are works of pure fiction or outright lies. Any information, statement, or assertion contained therein should be considered pure unadulterated bullshit. Note well: Sorry, but I do not answer PM's unless you are a long-time trusted friend. If you have a question, ask it in the appropriate thread.
It seems to me like the entire justice system must be hallucinating on something to give a sentence like this. Yeh lets lock them up and be tough on crime.. meanwhile an illegal mexican meth dealer is down the road selling to middle schoolers.
its not a war on drugs- its a war on people, when she gets out she will absolutely know how to be a criminal. im sure this will make things better, good job judicial system- you shit puke bag.
-------------------- There are 2 types of people, mycophobes and mycophiles R.Wasson
-------------------- "We are perfect mirrors in the sun and we brightly shine, we are singing and dancing in perfect time, there is nothing in the world that we can do, to stop the light of love come shining through" --Sally Oldfield
Quote: Nature Boy said: And what lesson did the children learn???
"Down with the white man".
Ya most natives have known that since we were born. Kinda fucked up that they were forceably relocated, from the East coast, to oklahoma, only to be fucked over again, YEA SOONERS. Cant believe the white man is fucking the natives agian. AN Illegal MEXICAN can bring over tons of swag and just get deported, a Nice Native thats already had every thing taken ends up like Crazy horse disrespected and prolly what equates to a life sentence for her. MAKES ME SICK
-------------------- The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic.. Josef Stalin
Quote: When Spottedcrow was taken to jail after her sentencing, she had marijuana in her jacket. She pleaded guilty to that additional charge
She took pot with her when she went to court for sentencing?
WTF!?!
Something is not right.
This story seems one-sided.
How did the informant know to buy from her if she was small time?
Why would you (if you are not mentally deficient) sell to a stranger if you are small time?
This story seems like a pity piece. I feel sorry for this family, and I have no problems with hobbyists, but once you go commercial and sell to the public, your chance of getting unwanted attention increases.
-------------------- I'm The Douche, Doucher, His Royal Doucheness, or El Doucherino if you are not into that whole brevity thing.
Trade List : Wanted/have edible cultures, ethobotanicals, cool plants, cacti.
Yeah, we dont know the entire story, but fuck man! Really? 31 years isn't like 6 months...31 years is a life sentence...and we're paying for all this...
♫♫♫♫ AND IM PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN, WHERE AT LEAST I KNOW IM FREE.....♫♫♫♫
I think it's time we start beheading people in the streets. That'll give them some kind of justification for treating marijuana smokers like crazed, deranged criminals. Fucking dumbasses.
Quote: Nature Boy said: And what lesson did the children learn???
"Down with the white man".
Ya most natives have known that since we were born. Kinda fucked up that they were forceably relocated, from the East coast, to oklahoma, only to be fucked over again, YEA SOONERS. Cant believe the white man is fucking the natives agian. AN Illegal MEXICAN can bring over tons of swag and just get deported, a Nice Native thats already had every thing taken ends up like Crazy horse disrespected and prolly what equates to a life sentence for her. MAKES ME SICK
This is about an hour away from where I'm staying, this state is one on the most backwards ass redneck republican shit ass places, second to texas and pretty much all of redneckville.
But on the contrary, natives don't dispise white people, well.... just depends on what kind of white person you are. I'm currenty engaged to a native american, they dislike black people more then white people. Truth...
yet i bet if she molested or abused a kid she would get less of a sentence
-------------------- Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind Withering my intuition, missing opportunities and I must Feed my will to feel my moment drawing way outside the lines
^^^ Yeah i bet she would of too, I was watching a marathon on tv of that lock up Raw show on msnbc and I saw countless people with sentences for like voluntary manslaughter, armed robbery, pedophilia and all were less than or equal to her sentence its appauling.
-------------------- "I just need to check inside ya asshole SIR.... Asshole clear!"
im surprised everyones so shocked, this kindof thing happens everyday and to less deserving people. its trully criminal/evil/thelaw
-------------------- PAY NO ATTENTION TO THE MAN BEHIND THE CURTAINget back to the garden some came singing, some come to play, some come for keeping the dark away
it doesn't get less shocking every time you hear about it though
-------------------- Over thinking, over analyzing separates the body from the mind Withering my intuition, missing opportunities and I must Feed my will to feel my moment drawing way outside the lines
Sounds like maybe you should do something about it? At the very least you are able to call the prosecuting lawyer and tell them that they are a fascist and evil, scumsucking lowlife, and that they deserve to be imprisoned for being a detriment to freedom and decency?
this will cost OK(?) taxpayers half a million $$$ to get $31 worth of marijuana off the streets.. and her case is hardly unique either...in case your wondering why the states are going broke.. its not because of the fucken teachers union...
Quote: Satival said: Sounds like maybe you should do something about it? At the very least you are able to call the prosecuting lawyer and tell them that they are a fascist and evil, scumsucking lowlife, and that they deserve to be imprisoned for being a detriment to freedom and decency?
you know if i can get the prosecuters number i think i might do that.
So she's pretty much going to miss all 4 of her kids remaining childhood years, teenage years, college years; probably going to lose her husband, and possibly just rot in prison never to see her family again over $31 of a natural herb that shouldn't be illegal all because some cocksucking motherfucker wanted to fill a quota?
There are no words, no combination of curses that can properly convey how enraged I am.
Edit: Whoops, thought it was for longer than 10 years. Still
Quote: Satival said: Sounds like maybe you should do something about it? At the very least you are able to call the prosecuting lawyer and tell them that they are a fascist and evil, scumsucking lowlife, and that they deserve to be imprisoned for being a detriment to freedom and decency?
you know if i can get the prosecuters number i think i might do that.
drop me a line with that one i'd love to do the same
Quote: Satival said: Sounds like maybe you should do something about it? At the very least you are able to call the prosecuting lawyer and tell them that they are a fascist and evil, scumsucking lowlife, and that they deserve to be imprisoned for being a detriment to freedom and decency?
you know if i can get the prosecuters number i think i might do that.
drop me a line with that one i'd love to do the same
"Land of the Free, Home of the Brave" only sells bumper-stickers and T-shirts anymore. Time's are a-moving, slowly, but we will win. And fuck the Man.
-------------------- In ancient times, when demons roamed with man, They hunted, loved and lost, hand in hand, As time went on, the difference between them faded. You couldn't tell anymore, demons and man were related, and some would say the same, but who would like to claim? In time, Gods had even forgot, Demons, too, once love had sought. In times recent I remember, Once I was a man, In my heart I had an ember, I'll relate the best I can but it was snuffed, one distant December. And yet here I stand, no flesh, no bones, no seed or semen, All that's left is this Demon.
Quote: Darklight203 said: "Land of the Free, Home of the Brave" only sells bumper-stickers and T-shirts anymore. Time's are a-moving, slowly, but we will win. And fuck the Man.
Land of the Thief, Home of the Slave is more fitting these days.
glad... that wretch got what she most defiantly deserves- I wonder how she got hooked up with the informant? hmm 10 years, while huge cartels soar in profits and remain free. This woman was probably trying to support her family.
-------------------- You, me, this point in existence is undeniably so unique, we take everything for granite ,life , comprehension, feelings, thought, so accustomed to understanding that we've lost the meaning of fully understanding who we are..... we are the extra terrestrial, we are the unknown, we are the mystical...
Mom who sold $31 in pot seeks reduction to 12-year sentence August 30, 2011 - tulsaworld.com
A Kingfisher County woman profiled in a Tulsa World story earlier this year examining the state's high female incarceration rate has a hearing for a sentence modification set for Oct. 6.
Patricia M. Spottedcrow, 26, received a 12-year prison sentence last October for selling a total of $31 in marijuana to a police informant in December 2009 and January 2010. Her mother, Delita Starr, 51, was also charged.
In blind guilty pleas before a judge, Spottedcrow received prison time, and her mother received a 30-year suspended sentence. Neither had prior criminal convictions.
Oklahoma City attorney Josh Welch said he has requested Spottedcrow be present to speak directly to the judge.
"Patricia wants to let the judge know what she has learned and been through," Welch said. "She wants him to know she's remorseful, accepts responsibility and it will not happen again. She doesn't want a free pass or makes excuses for her conduct.
"With all things said, we disagree with the 12-year sentence, with it being excessive for this case."
Spottedcrow was featured in a Tulsa World article on Feb. 20, published in media across the state through the nonprofit journalism group Oklahoma Watch.
The judge, who is now retired, said in a previous interview that Spottedcrow's decade-long sentence was imposed because her four young children were in the home at the time of the drug buys. She said first-time offenders usually do not go to prison and alternatives including treatment are typically sought.
When Spottedcrow was booked into the jail after sentencing, some marijuana was found in a jacket she was wearing. She pleaded guilty to a drug possession charge and was given a two-year sentence to run concurrent with her other sentence.
The judge said she gave Starr a suspended sentence so she could care for Spottedcrow's children, who are now 10, 5, 3 and 2.
In the filing, Starr reportedly earns about $800 a month from her job at a truck stop earning $8 an hour. Expenses for the children are a minimum of $500 for food, clothes, diapers and medicine, and $500 for utilities, water and home maintenance. She cannot drive because her license was revoked in her sentencing.
Starr owes $8,091 in court fees.
"It's been very, very difficult on her," Welch said. "Their living conditions are not ideal. She calls weekly asking explaining what's going on and asking when Patricia could come home. They are tough questions to answer. When judges make these decisions, there is collateral fallout."
Spottedcrow, who owes $4,026 in court costs, wrote a letter to the judge apologizing for her actions.
"This place has had a profound effect on me mentally," she wrote. "I was not thinking about how my actions would affect my children's lives or the people around me ... I made a mistake and never thought what the repercussions would be. I am missing precious time away from my children, that I can never get back. What I know now is nothing is worth the cost of my children suffering."
While in prison, Spottedcrow has taken parenting classes, finished her GED and participates in a grief/loss recovery program, a behavior course, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous and a faith-based program. She is on the waiting list for some other programs and would like to go to college for a business degree, according to her court filing.
She would have to spend at least 50 percent of her sentence in prison before being eligible for parole.
"I am asking for a second chance at life, my chance to be a positive role model and a mother to my children," she wrote.
In response filed by prosecutors, they state the sentence is within the range of punishment allowed under the law and do not feel a modification is warranted.
Spottedcrow's case led to a groundswell of support through online petitions, donations to help her children and an Oklahoma City rally featuring Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips.
Welch said her case has attracted people for different reasons such as reform of drug laws, issues surrounding incarceration of women/mothers and excessive sentencing.
A prison reform bill was signed into law by Gov. Mary Fallin in May. It will increase the eligibility for offenders who can be considered for GPS monitoring and community sentencing, enforce a 30-day deadline for the governor to sign paroles for low-risk nonviolent offenders, and add criteria for Pardon and Parole Board members.
Welch said he is not sure any of the changes would have been a benefit to Spottedcrow or Starr.
"They have to be implemented, and judges and prosecutors must believe in them," Welch said. "This is a case screaming for help. The function of a judge is not just to punish people but to help people. That was lost in her case.
"It is time to change the mentality of judges that punishment is not always the best option. It's easy to step up to the podium and say, 'I'm tough on crime.' But it has consequences."
If the president wanted to get the NORML vote without having to appear soft on drugs, at the very least he could pass a bill which would limit sentences for petty drug offenses.
The punishments do not fit the crime, and is indicitive of a perverted judicial system.
It simply boggles the mind how selling a miniscule amount of marijuana can be comparable to murder or child molestation in the eyes of the law.
This article (http://www2.ljworld.com/news/2003/nov/30/mushrooms_v_murder/) discusses how someone growing a small amount of mushrooms got double the sentence of someone who shot someone 18 times and killed them.
Why isn't the prison population an issue in mainstream politics?
--------------------
"I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" - Thomas Jefferson
Quote: If the president wanted to get the NORML vote without having to appear soft on drugs, at the very least he could pass a bill which would limit sentences for petty drug offenses.
The executive branch, which includes the President, does not pass legislation. That job belongs to the legislative branch, which means Congress. About all the President can do, other than ask Congress to consider a law, is to tell federal law enforcement to stop enforcing drug laws.
-------------------- Just another spore in the wind.
Quote: If the president wanted to get the NORML vote without having to appear soft on drugs, at the very least he could pass a bill which would limit sentences for petty drug offenses.
The executive branch, which includes the President, does not pass legislation. That job belongs to the legislative branch, which means Congress. About all the President can do, other than ask Congress to consider a law, is to tell federal law enforcement to stop enforcing drug laws.
Thanks.
looks like people should be writing their congressmen.
Also, he should be telling federal law enforcement to cease the enforcement of drug laws.
--------------------
"I have sworn upon the altar of god eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" - Thomas Jefferson
A) An independent, free adult buys and uses $31 worth of weed.
B) A mother is put in prison for 8 years, taking one person from being a productive member of society to a burden on taxpayers, and permanently altering the lives of four children undoubtedly for the worse.
I literally get ill every time I think about this story. This is just SO WRONG.
N.B.
-------------------- All submitted posts under this user name are works of pure fiction or outright lies. Any information, statement, or assertion contained therein should be considered pure unadulterated bullshit. Note well: Sorry, but I do not answer PM's unless you are a long-time trusted friend. If you have a question, ask it in the appropriate thread.
This is so fucking insane, it's always like this. If only america wasn't up our asses we could actually legalize drugs and be a example that it works. this is so fucking insane.
Mom of 4 reflects on first year
in prison for $31 pot sale
December 26, 2011 - Tulsa World
TAFT - Wearing prison-issue yellow
clothes, Patricia Spottedcrow reflects on her first year in prison
through the lens of tears and determination.
One year ago, on the week of Christmas, the first-time offender was
checked into the Eddie Warrior women's prison - the first holiday away
from her four young children.
"I cried and cried just thinking of my kids opening presents on
Christmas and I wasn't there," she said. "This year, it's going to be
any other day. I try not to keep up with days in here."
At her mother's home in Kingfisher, there is a somber tone among her
children - ages 2, 4, 5 and 10.
"We're crying here too," said her mother, Delita Starr. "We'll try to
make sure there is money in her account for a phone call. What else can
we do?"
Spottedcrow, 26, was arrested and charged for selling $31 in marijuana
to a police informant in December 2009 and January 2010. Starr, 51, was
also charged.
Because children were in the home, a charge of possession of a
dangerous substance in the presence of a minor was added.
In blind pleas before a judge, Spottedcrow received a 12-year sentence
and her mother received a 30-year suspended sentence. Neither had prior
criminal convictions.
The judge sentencing the two said she allowed Starr to avoid prison so
she could care for Spottedcrow's children.
When Spottedcrow was booked, after her sentence was handed down,
marijuana was found in the jacket she was wearing. She pleaded guilty
to that additional charge and was sentenced to two years running
concurrent with the previous sentence.
After her story was published in the Tulsa World, a groundswell of
support grew. Supporters expressed concern with possible racial bias,
unequal punishment among crimes, women in prison, effects on children
of incarcerated parents and extreme sentences for drug offenses.
Oklahoma City attorney Josh Welch has been donating his services to
fight what he calls an inequitable punishment.
In October, a Kingfisher County judge took four years off her sentence.
The judge issued an order rather than allow her an appearance in court.
Her attorney and supporters believe it was to avoid the crowd expected
to be at the courthouse that day.
Welch said he plans to file for post-conviction relief, alleging the
original attorney was ineffective and had a conflict in representing
Spottedcrow and her mother. He plans to make the filing in early
January and submit an early parole packet at the same time.
"We are grateful to get four years taken off her sentence but still
believe the sentence is unjust and excessive," Welch said.
Days blur in prison
"The first eight months were a blur," Spottedcrow said. "I just cried a
lot. It's like I woke up a couple of months ago."
Her daily schedule starts with breakfast at 5:30 a.m., followed by her
job in the laundry. At 4:30 p.m., she is released and goes to the gym,
followed by dinner and then church at 7 p.m.
"You have to try and keep your mind busy," she said. "It's easy to get
sad, depressed and stuck in your own head in here."
Prison is no picnic, even at a minimum-security campus like Eddie
Warrior, she said.
"I took for granted using the bathroom by myself, what clothes you can
wear and being able to pick up and go to the store when you want,"
Spottedcrow said. "I hate not being able to use your own shampoo and
you are limited to spending $10 a month (in the commissary)."
But it's her kids taking up most of her thoughts.
"I was there every day taking of care of them before this," she said.
"I did everything from going to football games and PTA."
While in prison, Spottedcrow has taken parenting classes, finished her
GED and participates in a grief/loss recovery program, a behavior
course, Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous and a faith-based
program. She is on a waiting list to begin higher education and Career
Tech classes.
"The life I was living before, that's over," Spottedcrow said. "I'm not
playing with my life anymore. I would never chance this again for my
children."
Spottedcrow never denied she smoked pot but said she was never a drug
dealer or ever used or sold marijuana in front of her children.
"I got myself in this situation, and I'm not saying I shouldn't be
punished," she said. "But I think this is a little excessive,
especially looking at other cases from my county. And I'm sleeping next
to people who have killed people, and they have less time than me.
There are days I really can't believe I'm in prison."
In prison, she has had three misconducts: one for bartering when she
gave an inmate cigarettes, one for having contraband when cookies were
found in her locker without a receipt and another for aiding and
abetting when she did not tell authorities a woman put bleach in the
laundry area.
"I have a big heart," she said. "When I see someone in need, like for
food, I want to help if I can. But you can get a misconduct in here for
the littlest things."
'We struggle every day'
In her classes, she has reflected on her life and changes that need to
be made, including in her love life.
When she entered prison, she was still in a relationship with her
common-law husband, who is the father of three of her children. Now,
that relationship is essentially over, and he has not been supporting
or caring for the children either, she said.
"The reality is - out of sight, out of mind," she said. "We were kids
having kids. I'm taking it day by day right now. But when I get out of
here, I'm only worrying about me and my kids. They are my first
concern."
And there may be some concerns to work through with her children.
At the Kingfisher home, it's been a tough existence and one that is
relying on the generosity and help of others.
Spottedcrow's oldest child has been acting out since her incarceration.
"He's in trouble for stealing, and his mouth is real swift and sharp,"
Starr said. "He blames me a lot for what happened to his mother. The
girls want to cry a lot. They don't like to listen to me, saying,
'You're not my mother.' We struggle every day."
Financially, the situation has been devastating at times.
Starr earns $8 an hour at a truck stop and doesn't have a driver's
license because of a conviction. Spottedcrow's oldest child pitches in
with a few dollars from odd jobs he does at their church.
Starr's utility and food costs have shot up since she took in the four
children, and she owes $8,000 in court fines. As part of her sentence,
she must take two drug tests a year, costing $150 each.
"But there are other little things, like I couldn't buy their school
pictures this year," Starr said. "At school, kids can buy popcorn for
$1 on Fridays, and sometimes mine are the only ones not getting
popcorn."
But there are helping hands.
When her washing machine broke down, the school principal's church
purchased a new machine. She has a son and daughter who come over to
help. People have been generous in sending needed clothes and donating
food.
Starr's health, however, has been in decline, with high blood pressure
and a gall bladder surgery she has been putting off.
"We go to church every week and pray," Starr said. "I wouldn't have
made it this far without the Lord."
The oldest child is seeing a counselor, but the other three are not.
Starr admits she used to "party," which included smoking marijuana. But
she has been sober since becoming a full-time caregiver for her
grandchildren.
"All that partying came to a halt," she said. "I look at my grandkids
every day and know marijuana is what took away their mother. I don't
want no more of that."
Ready for a reunion
At Eddie Warrior, Spottedcrow spends a lot of time writing letters to
her family and thinking about reuniting with them. She makes sure to
send money she's earned from the laundry job to her children on their
birthdays.
"There are women in here who don't know where their kids are," she
said. "I don't have to worry about that. I wouldn't trust my kids with
anyone else but my mother. There are days in here I really miss my
kids, but I can't say I worry about my kids."
Her son has visited three times; the girls have been once. Because of
the separation anxiety after the visit, no more visits are planned.
Also, it takes about four hours to get to the prison, and the family
has no car.
"I talk to my baby and mom every day, sometimes two or three times just
to get through the day," Spottedcrow said.
"Prison changes you - it has to. It has definitely opened my eyes to
things I was doing wrong. You see everything differently. You have a
lot of time to think. You see and think about the negative stuff you
were doing and the negative people around you and the stupid things you
were doing."
Spottedcrow would like to start her own business and is preparing for
the difficulty in finding a job as a felon.
First, she enjoys thinking of her release.
"I'm ready for it, and I won't look back," she said. "When I get to my
kids, we're going to be closed up in the house together for a while. I
have a lot of making up to do."
Poor woman. WTF is a $31 sack of weed anyway? But yeah, if you value cannabis freedom at all: never ever move here to Oklahoma! I've spent many days in jail over some seeds and stems that a highway patrol found in the carpet of my vehicle.
Why aren't people lobbying to get this woman out of jail and back to her family where she belongs????? This is a total outrage. The sentencing judge should lose his job, and the rules, laws, and system that put this woman behind bars should be completely overhauled.
I am SO ashamed of my country for doing this. Fuck Oklahoma!!!!!!!
N.B.
-------------------- All submitted posts under this user name are works of pure fiction or outright lies. Any information, statement, or assertion contained therein should be considered pure unadulterated bullshit. Note well: Sorry, but I do not answer PM's unless you are a long-time trusted friend. If you have a question, ask it in the appropriate thread.
Those responsible for locking a woman up over a quarter to maybe a full oz of weed will come to rue the day they made such a decision. They will ask themselves "why" countless times.
This pain doesn't end with her or her kids or family. Those who've instigated this great injustice will reap what they've sown.
Oklahoma parole board agrees to give Spottedcrow early hearing February 16, 2012 - Tulsa World
A Kingfisher woman serving an eight-year prison sentence on a first-time offense for selling $31 in marijuana is getting a chance at parole after the board unanimously agreed to hear her case early.
Patricia Spottedcrow, 26, is scheduled to appear on the Pardon and Parole Board's docket April 17-20 in Oklahoma City.
Board member Marc Dreyer of Tulsa had asked for a pre-docket investigation report on Spottedcrow. After reviewing the findings, he made a motion at the January board meeting to speed up her parole hearing.
Others agreed.
"I thought her case was worthy of consideration," Dreyer said.
Spottedcrow was arrested and charged for selling the marijuana to a police informant in December 2009 and January 2010. Her mother, Delita Starr, 51, was also charged.
Because children were in the home, a charge of possession of a dangerous substance in the presence of a minor was added.
In blind pleas before a judge, Spottedcrow received a 12-year sentence and her mother received a 30-year suspended sentence. Neither had prior criminal convictions.
At the time, Kingfisher County did not have a community sentencing program, such as a Drug Court or Women in Recovery.
When Spottedcrow was booked, after her sentence was handed down, marijuana was found in the jacket she was wearing. She pleaded guilty to that additional charge and was sentenced to two years running concurrent with the previous sentence.
After her story was published in the Tulsa World, a groundswell of support grew. Supporters expressed concern with possible racial bias, unequal punishment among crimes, women in prison, effects on children of incarcerated parents and extreme sentences for drug offenses.
In October, a Kingfisher County judge took four years off her sentence.
"It's fantastic the board is taking such an interest in this," said Oklahoma City attorney Josh Welch, who has been donating his services to represent Spottedcrow. "It speaks volumes that one member of the board, on his own, thought this is worthy to do."
Welch filed for post-conviction relief Tuesday, alleging the original attorney was ineffective and had a conflict in representing Spottedcrow and her mother. The petition also argues the sentence "is excessive and shocks the conscience."
In the filings and court records, the original defense attorney, Mark Clayborne, has since been convicted of two felony charges - perjury by subornation and allowing the introduction of a false exhibit as evident - after a jury trial in an unrelated case.
Clayborne's license to practice law in Oklahoma is suspended while he appeals the conviction and he will be disbarred if the conviction is upheld, court records show.
Clayborne has declined a request by Welch to provide a statement about Spottedcrow's case.
Welch said he will proceed with the appeal to contest the merits of her sentence and possibly get an early release from probation.
Welch called the move "a step in the right direction."
"Unfortunately, there are a lot of Patricia Spottedcrows in the state that many do not know about - where people have been incarcerated when there are better alternatives to treat them," Welch said.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP: Send a Letter to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board
1. Begin Writing Letters NOW to the Parole Board. Sample:
Dear Sir/Madam:
I am writing to you on behalf of Patricia Spottedcrow,ODOC #622641 whose case is up for review on your April 2012 docket.
Ms. Spottedcrow's extremely harsh sentence did not fit the crime. She had no prior record or arrests and threw herself upon the mercy of the court, where in the court had none. Please consider the fact that Ms. Spottedcrow has made some significant positive changes in her life. Also know that she has a strong support system in the community, in Oklahoma and around the world. This case was a travesty of justice to say the least, and I hope you will do the right thing and approve Ms. Spottedcrow's parole. Set her free.
Thank you.
YOUR NAME, etc.
• You must show a valid return address on the front of the envelope. • You must write on the back: Patricia Spottedcrow, #622641, April 2012.
To: Ms. Lynnelle Harkins P.O. Box 7206 Moore, OK 73153-1206
Mr. Richard L. Dugger P.O. Box 21748 Oklahoma City, OK 73156
Mr. Currie Ballard P.O. Box 839 Langston, OK 73050-0839
Mr. David Moore P.O. Box 8395 Edmond, OK 73083
Dr. Marc Dreyer 2800 S. Yale Avenue Tulsa, OK 74114
2. If you are in the area and/or can possibly make it, plan to stand in solidarity with Patricia on the date of her hearing. "She in on the April docket but we don't have a specific date and time yet," posts the Parole for Spottedcrow! event on Facebook. "When it is set we will plan accordingly."
shes pretty here, not so much in the mug shot. makeup is power full shit.
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[quote]KristiMidocean said: Good now thats clear.WHO FUCKING CARES. If I am fat u all keep pointing it out like its suppose to be a secret.LIke u really have nothing better to do then make fat jokes. If o know its like I do I know yall can come up with NEW AND BETTER SHIT . This shit is old and boring . I left in the first place cause this shit got boring not because of the fat jokes . Fat jokes dont bother me but seriously its old[/quote]
Wow...THAT'S what you took away from this update?????????
I am hoping and praying with all my heart this lady gets out of jail and back to her children, family, job, and community.
N.B.
-------------------- All submitted posts under this user name are works of pure fiction or outright lies. Any information, statement, or assertion contained therein should be considered pure unadulterated bullshit. Note well: Sorry, but I do not answer PM's unless you are a long-time trusted friend. If you have a question, ask it in the appropriate thread.