True Crime Story — Diary of a White Collar Criminal
This excerpt is from my book, a true crime story titled, Diary of a White Collar Criminal.
I kept a diary, or journal as some would call it, for most of my life. This book chronicles the events that led to my involvement in a white collar conspiracy that took place back in 1994, as well as the events that led up to my 21 prison sentence, that started in November of 1999. While I was serving in prison I wasn’t allowed to keep a journal but I wrote letters to my girlfriend on the outside. This excerpt, from my true crime story, is part of the letter that I wrote to her about my first day in federal prison, as an inmate; a brand new criminal.
Excerpt from chapter titled: My First Day in Prison
Dear Sweetheart – Chapter 10
November 5, 1999
Dear Pamela,
I’m really here. I’m actually writing to you from the federal prison in Yankton, South Dakota. It’s only been about 18 hours since I last saw you. I miss you so much. It’s so hard to believe that I’m really here. In prison. Prison!
It’s quite a bit different than waking up next to you. I’m guessing you didn’t sleep too well, in our bed, without me either. I just can’t believe it! Me. I’m actually in prison. By the time you get this letter, I’ll have made it through about four nights. Hopefully, I’ll have slept by then. You too.
As I lay in my bed on the plastic mattress and the plastic pillow, I can’t help thinking about the events that led me here. I never would’ve thought that five years ago, when I met Milt, or should I say Brian Paar, I would wind up getting convicted of conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud and receive a 21-month prison sentence. I keep thinking about everything: getting arrested, spending 25 grand in attorney’s fees, losing my company, house, cars, business associates, friends, and finally spending my first night in prison.
Another prisoner here was nice enough to lend me this paper, his pencil, this envelope and a stamp so I could write you this letter.
After you and my mom dropped me off, the guards took me to a small concrete building called R & D, which stands for Receiving and Discharge. They did the same things the FBI and the U.S. marshals did when I was arrested 11 months ago. They took my finger-prints, and they also took my picture for my prison ID. They took my clothes and my bi-polar medication I had in my pocket. This letter is probably going to reach you before you get the box with my clothes and shoes they are sending. Anyhow, they are sending you everything that walked through the gate with me yesterday — except me — so don’t be alarmed.
They gave me a pair of underwear and a set of socks. I don’t know what they were made out of, but I wouldn’t know where to buy something that crappy. They also gave me a tan jumpsuit and faded blue, floppy cloth slippers to wear until I went to the laundry department. I think the slippers and the jump suit were hand-me-downs.
They have all my personal info from my pre-sentence investigation, so they knew I was on Depakote, Wellbutrin and Paxil. Thank God they know I need that stuff. When they caught me with the pills in my pocket, I was afraid they were going to think I was trying to smuggle drugs into the place. I guess I was. Anyhow, I had to wait an hour and a half in a cold little room until the prison psychiatrist came to see me.
He finally arrived. He had my pills and said I could go to the medical department once a day and they would give me my dose. He also said that we would meet in a couple days and decide if I still needed them. Maybe I’m crazy, but I’ve been on that medication for quite a while. I don’t think now is the time to go off medicine that keeps me from feeling anxious and depressed. He wasn’t surprised when he saw me shake and when I told him I was scared. I really tried to hold it together when I was with him because I don’t know what they do with you if you freak out. He said I would adjust to this place. I can’t wait until I adjust.
After meeting with the psychiatrist, they handed me a document, opened the door and pointed me to the laundry department which was about 200 yards away. It was surreal. There I was, a former finance professional, father of two, walking across the compound, in prison, all by myself. There were dozens of other prisoners walking and standing around. I was waiting for them to shout or point and laugh or take bets on how long I would last in this place. A couple of them glanced over at me as I walked by but no one really seemed to care. By the way, no one here wears the orange jump suits. What a relief. They all wear either white T-shirts or button-up khaki shirts and khaki pants and dark or black boots. I didn’t see anyone wearing a gray jumpsuit with floppy slippers except me.
Somehow, about halfway to the laundry department I got turned around and lost focus of the nondescript door on the nondescript building to which I was pointed. The document they handed me in R & D was not a map. I assume they frown on maps around here. I mean, it’s not like they pointed me to a door labeled “Laundry.” There was no “Laundry” sign. Trust me, I checked.
I tried to act like I knew where I was going. I tried to match the walking speed of the other criminals because I’m sure they all knew where they were going. I walked up to several doors and stood there just looking around. It is impossible to look like you know what you’re doing when you walk up to four different doors without entering. I was afraid to open them. God only knows what was going on behind those doors. Finally, I saw a guy walk out of a door carrying a pair of pants. I don’t know why he was carrying a pair of pants. I mean, he was wearing pants. Anyhow, there it was. I struck laundry!
(read the rest of this letter contained in this true crime story book — below)
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True Crime Story and Love
True crime stories are often viewed as sensationalized tales of gruesome murders or heinous crimes. However, there is much more to these stories than meets the eye. They can provide a valuable lesson in ethics and morality, making them a great read for anyone interested in understanding how ethical principles can be applied in real-life situations.
A Crime Story That Is True
“Diary of a White Collar Criminal” is a true crime story that is both captivating and educational. It tells the story of a financial professional who got caught up in a white collar conspiracy and ended up serving time in prison. The book not only offers an engaging narrative that includes a love story, but it also serves as a cautionary tale for anyone working in finance or other fields where ethical issues can arise.
Many people have praised “Diary of a White Collar Criminal” for its insight into the world of white collar crime and the importance of ethical behavior in the workplace. Some have even gone so far as to say that it should be required reading for every financial professional. This is because the book provides a firsthand account of how easy it can be to get caught up in unethical behavior and the severe consequences that can result from it.
If you’re looking for a true crime story that offers more than just a thrilling narrative, then “Diary of a White Collar Criminal” is the perfect read for you. It’s a book that will make you think about the importance of ethics in your own life, whether you work in finance or any other field. With its captivating story and valuable lesson, it’s a book that you won’t be able to put down.