| The Downtown Church "A Church Aflame" 1441 Fulton Street Fresno, CA 93721 (209)266-8112 Doug Lanier, Senior Pastor Donna Lanier, Administrator Mr. R. Nielson Board of Prison Terms 428 "J" Street, 6th Floor Sacramento CA 95814 |
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Dear Mr. Neilson: I am writing this letter on behalf of Timothy J. Leon, C29681-149L. Before I explain my interest in the possibility of a favorable outcome at Tim's next hearing, let me first introduce myself. My name is Doug Lanier. I have been involved in ministry for 29 years, most of that time was spent working within the Criminal Justice System and law enforcement. I pastor an inner-city church and serve full time as Senior Chaplain of Department Personnel for the Fresno County Sheriff's Department. I have also served on the California Department of Correction's Religious Task Force, at the request of the past CDC Director, Jim Rowland. I have also served on the California Youth Authority Transfer of Knowledge Workshop panels. I was director of a Prison Prerelease program which I later turned over to Turning Point, a program I founded in 1970. I also have additional references I could give you upon request. The reason I felt it was important to share my background was to let you know that I have had a great deal of experience working with the "Tim Leons" of this world. I have known Tim Leon for 12 years. I have visited him in four different prisons throughout those 12 years. I have researched his case, talking to judges, CDC officials, criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors--not wanting to depend on my own intuition alone. Every one of these professionals expressed the feeling that Tim Leon had the best chance of any inmate of successfully making it in the free world. I have seen Tim at his highest and lowest points these past 12 years, and I have concluded that he has a strong internal support system that will carry him through any difficult situation he is yet to face. He shows the qualities of a leader, whereas before, he was a follower. He is intelligent and a good communicator, he has a servant-heart (always trying to improve the lives of those around him), and he is teachable. There are plenty of resources for Tim here in our community. Whether he is paroled to Madera County or Fresno County, there are people who will come alongside him, helping him in his accountability. I do believe Tim Leon is a viable candidate for release, and I hope you and the Board of Prison Terms agree. Thank you for your consideration in this matter. Sincerely, Rev. Doug Lanier Senior Pastor |
