Earning Freedom with Michael Santos

Earning Freedom with Michael Santos

By Michael Santos is an advocate, author, speaker, and consultant. Through EarEducation
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Earning Freedom with Michael Santos episodes

  • 259: From prison to Ph.D--Dr. Michael Endres

    Michael Endres is an amazing man. He went to prison as a young man without much in the way of direction. A violent crime resulted in his receiving a lengthy sentence. While incarcerated, however, Michael realized that he wanted to change his ways. He saw education as being the best opportunity to build a new life. Michael enrolled in school. He earned an bachelor's degree. Then he earned a master's degree. Then he earned a Ph.D. degree. Now Michael, or Dr. Endres, works to create programs that will help more incarcerated people prepare for success.

    39 min
  • 258: Returning to Society after Decades in Prison

    Today I interviewed Marcus White for the second time. He talks about his adjusting in society after decades in prison. Below is a brief bio he wrote.

    At nineteen years old the penal system had nearly captured the rest ofmy natural life for gang violence. Sitting in a jail cell paralyzedwith this gripping fear that i'd die in a prison I found myself onmany nights with tears in my eyes as I clung to hope for a secondchance. Fortunately for me that second chance came in the form of18yr. 9mon. prison plea agreement. Overwhelmed with a sense ofgratitude and a new zeal for life, I vowed to use these years tobetter myself. First by ridding myself of the gang infested mentalitythat had enslaved my mind and dictated my actions for so many years.Secondly pursuing personal growth relentlessly, taken advantaged ofall the programs DOC had to offer, and engaging myself in any andevery curriculum I could get my hands on. And sixteen and a half yearslater I returned home with this nagging ambition to execute the planthat I had devised while sitting in a prison cell fantasizing aboutwhat my freedom looked like. Today five months and three weeks aftermy release, I work for an amazing non-profit serving the people in mycommunity with furniture and mattress to sleep on, while pursuing acareer change as a carpenter apprentice. Volunteering my spare timespeaking with legislators about unjust laws and making a strong casefor reform. What i'm most proud about is the mentorship programs I'minvolved in and working with at risk youth. Giving back to thecommunities that I spent all my adolescent years taken from. And I'mthanking God everyday for the opportunities he continues to afford mynewly found freedom.Sincerely,Marcus L. White

    34 min
  • 257: John Thomas and Success after three times in prison

    Success After Three Times in Prison

    John Thomas started making bad decisions as a young man. He sold drugs and went to prison. While in prison, John continued making bad decisions. Those decisions resulted in his serving many years longer than he had to serve. He could’ve been released after five years. Yet his adjustment in prison resulted in his serving nine years. After he was released, John reverted to the type of behavior that got him into trouble the first time. Within 88 days, he returned to prison. Then he got out, again he returned to prison.

    In today’s podcast, John talks about what he learned through the experience. He also tells us what he wish he would’ve known at the start of his journey. Then he talks about how he built a business that has kept him crime free and living a much happier life as a self-employed entrepreneur.

    Learn from John Thomas’ success.

    He wrote the following open letter to describe more about his journey:

    My name is John Thomas early in my life I had a desire to help my family in others to escape poverty. However where I was raised they were very few examples of how to do it. To me it looked like the only people who had money were the hustlers, drug dealers, and the bootleggers(illegal liquor sells).I chose to Deal drugs and at the age of 19 I was sentenced to 30 years serve 20 years in prison for Trafficking Cocaine.I ended up doing 9 years and 1 month before paroled, but with no plan it only took me 88 days to find myself back in the prison system. Finally after 3 times in prison I was able to answer this question bothered me for 6 months while I was in isolation confinement, (23 hours a day lock down.) Finally I was able to identify somethings that I realized were sending me back. First it had to deal with what I saw when I looked at myself? No I realized with limited skills and no job I had to invest in myself to learn how to start my own business. I was introduced to network marketing where I was introduced Personal Development. I remember reading and listening to anything they inspired me to live my best life. While doing this I learned how to market online and begin doing videos and facebook ads that allowed me to share how to overcome struggle. Even though many of the people I spoke would had never been to a physical prison I was able to help them become aware of the mental prison of limitation many were living in. This led me Coaching, and many were Entrepreneurs also, so I was able to teach them how to build a business online. I have been doing this now for almost 4 years. I am now looking to help more people as well as inmates being released to take advantage of the unlimited opportunities that exist if you believe in yourself and are willing to invest in yourself. I've have personally spent thousands of dollars on coaches and training to enhance my skills and continue to.

    Alaways remember it's not where you come from that matters it's all about where you are going. John Thomas email: [email protected] Phone: 229-234-1391 Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/john.t.lifecoach
    33 min
  • 256: Transformation from State Prison in New York

    Shakoure Char Carpenter grew up in a tough, New York environment. As a young boy, leaders from the streets influenced him. He got sucked into their lifestyle. The friends he chose led him into deeper problems than he could imagine. At 18, authorities arrested him for felony murder. A judge slammed Shakoure with a life sentence. He served 23 years in high-security prisons.

    While incarcerated, Shakoure made a commitment to prepare for success. He educated himself. When resources dried up, eliminating funding for prisoners to study toward a university degree, he kept going. After 18 years in prison, he earned his first bachelors degree. Then he earned another, and eventually he earned a master’s degree.

    Shakoure is a mastermind. Rather than being traumatized by life term in prison, he found strength from within. He rejected the criminal lifestyle and prepared for success. His podcast describes strategies that empowered him through the decades he served. Now that he’s free, Shakoure works to improve outcomes for others.

    Below is a copy of his bio and the impressive work that he’s done.

    Shakoure Char Carpenter

    MEDIA INTRODUCTION:

    Pascual “Shakoure Char” Carpenter (pronounced Sha-kori Shar) is a stage actor, ministerial counselor, social media entrepreneur, and screenwriter. In addition to published poetry and commentaries, he has written four screenplays, one of which completed as quarterfinalist at the International Filmmakers Script Competition, 2009.

    Shakoure is also the founder of Scripticket.com, an upcoming social media startup that bridges moviegoers, screenwriters, and production studios.

    Academically, he has earned three college degrees, including two Bachelor of Science degrees, a Master’s in Professional Studies and over a dozen other certifications. What makes these accomplishments interesting, however, is that he earned them while incarcerated in the State of New York.

    After a controversial life sentence for an unjust, high profile conviction, Shakoure vowed to develop his potential to the highest extent possible while behind the wall.

    This led many on the outside to take interest in his case and a subsequent documentary that was instrumental in his campaign for release.

    Today, after a year of walking out a free man, Shakoure has taken his experience, education, and entrepreneurial skills to found a new, uniquely positioned production venture called From Bars II Benjamins. In the foregoing interview, we’ll let him tell us more about what this organization is about and the unique impact it is trying to effect in the world of reentry.

    Short Award-Winning Documentary: 23 Reasons

    Press: NY Times Article (day after release)

    http://www.fbiib.org

    https://youtu.be/JuNGHsXiHRU

    https://www.facebook.com/FromBarsIIBenjamins

    https://twitter.com/FBIIB?s=09

    38 min
  • 255: Conquering Prison to Become Success

    Conquering Prison

    Rodney White is a native of Richmond Virginia and served 15 years of an 18-year sentence for drugs and firearm charges. He tells his inspiring story on the Earning Freedom podcast. After release from prison, Rodney became an award winning sales person, motivational speaker, facilitator, community college academic adviser, and radio host.

    Audiences are drawn to Rodney because of his unique ability to develop and deliver practical solutions to people in transition and growth. His strength is in providing simple strategies that enable individuals and organizations to pursue their goals with confidence and clarity. In his “R.E.A.D. to Succeed,” motivational program Rodney delivers a message that inspires and teaches a very simplistic way of problem solving.

    Drawing on skills honed as an inmate, salesperson, business owner, and speaker, Rodney has created and conducted training programs for groups ranging from trade associations to governmental agencies and educational institutions. Rodney’s insightful program makes an impact instead of an impression because they regularly include the use of humor, powerful examples, and frequent audience involvement. His client list includes Richmond Public Schools, National Work Force Development Association, Virginia Department of Corrections, Goodwill Industries, Federal Bureau of Prisons, The US Justice Department, and a host of other business and education-related organizations.

    In addition to his success as a speaker, Rodney is an accomplished producer. His latest DVD, “R.E.A.D. to Succeed from prison to paradise,” with Rodney White, offers a powerfully practical way to get better results in times of change and reentry.

    Rodney is also a member of the International Honor Society and graduated with honors from the University of Richmond and earned a Master’s degree in Adult Education at North Carolina A&T State University in Greensboro NC where he resides and works as an academic adviser for a local community college.

    When asked about his approach to life,

    Rodney responds by saying that “Every setback is a setup for a great comeback.” Rodney is active in his community and because of his commitment to improving the lives of others; Rodney has been presented several awards and honors as a speaker and has volunteered with youth programs such as Street Law and Richmond Midnight Basketball League. He is a consultant and mentor with R.O.O.T.S (Reinventing Ourselves Outside of The System) an offender based reentry program started within the Richmond City Jail.

    Rodney is CEO of the Rodney White Group; a business meeting the training and development needs of individuals and organizations.

    --

    Everything that you want in life you will get by just helping others get what they want. Rodney E. White P.O. BOX 78188 Greensboro, NC 27427-8188 804.381.7751 [email protected]
    35 min
  • 254: Gang Leader Transforms in Prison, Becomes Author

    Gang Leader Transformation: Becoming Published Author

    I interviewed Abner Garcia, a remarkable young man who transformed his life while serving lengthy prison terms. He is an inspiration to anyone in prison, showing that at any time, a man can become more than past bad decisions. He grew up in a gang infested neighborhood and become a product of the streets that attracted him. While incarcerated, he chose a different path.

    Learn from his leadership.

    Below I include information about the career Abner created after decades in prison.

    The Pastor’s Son – Back Cover

    Abner Garcia Falero, the sixth son of a renowned pastor, grew up in the shadow of his parents’ painful divorce. His life began to unravel at an escalating pace when as a young boy he realized that his broken family now lived a life of poverty and hardship. Confronted by constant struggle, juvenile delinquency, crime, violence, and an overwhelming feeling of hopelessness, Abner had to choose between life and death. It was the consequences of his decisions that led him to the singular most life-altering encounter he would ever experience. This moment of divine intervention ultimately led him to his destiny—to be a witness of God’s tremendous power and grace to rescue a life from the grip of darkness and bring in into the light.

    About the Author

    Abner Garcia Falero was born in New York City as the youngest son of a large Puerto Rican Christian family. For almost two decades, he lived a life of crime, was a member of two notorious gangs, and was charged with violent felonies. While serving a prison sentence in solitary confinement, God revealed himself to Abner, and his life was supernaturally transformed. Today, Abner is a minister at Destiny International Church under the covering of Bishop Efrain Nieves and Pastor Daniel Nieves. He lives with his wife, gospel recording artist and minister Paulis Sanchez, and his son, Sebastian. Together they travel the world and share the radical message of God’s power to transform lives and His unending grace for salvation.

    36 min
  • 253: Former Prison Gang Leaders Becomes Judicial Expert, 2

    Dr. Jesse De La Cruz: Prison Gangster to Community Leader, part 2

    So proud to feature part two of my interview with Dr. Jesse De La Cruz, a formerly incarcerated prisoner who emerged incredibly successfully--as a doctor of education and judicial expert. Check out his resume. Listen and watch his amazing two-part story on Earning Freedom, at MichaelSantos.com

    Dr. Jesse De La Cruz

    JSD ConsultationsP.O. Box 1993 Stockton, CA 95201Cell: 209-423-4794Email: [email protected]

    www.jsdconsultations.com

    Education: Ed.D: California State University, Stanislaus Turlock, CA 2014Concentration: GangsDissertation: Mexican American/Chicano gang members’ voice on social control in the context of school and community: A critical ethnographic case study in Stockton, California

    Masters of Social Work: California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA 2003Concentration: Deviant behaviorThesis: An evaluation of a substance-abuse treatment program for criminal offenders

    Bachelors: Sociology, California State University, Turlock, CA 2001

    ______________________________________________________________________________ Teaching Experience: Instructor 2010–2012Heald CollegeTaught Courses in: Police Procedures Theory and Practice; Corrections; Juvenile Delinquency; Victimology; Introduction into Criminology; Criminology; Organized Crime, Street Gangs & Terrorism.

    Teaching Assistant (TA)California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA 2011 2012

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Personal Experience:

    My involvement with gangs spans 50 years, beginning with my initiation into a street gang at age 13. In 1973, at age 21, I became a member of the Nuestra Familia prison gang while serving time at Deuel Vocational Institution (DVI). I left the NF once I was released from prison in 1976. After my defection from the gang, I maintained a high degree of respect from my street gang homeboys simply because I never testified against any of my former Homeboys. In the course of my criminal career and going in and out of prison for twenty-eight years, I witnessed the proliferation of gangs. Mostly, I observed all the superficial, and few substantial changes between old and modern gangs. In 1996, I was released from prison for the last time and have turned my life completely around. However, as a result of my multiple gang involvement (street and prison), and my many years in different jails and prisons throughout the state of California, Texas and Washington, I have developed a unique and thorough insight into the gang phenomena that neither law enforcement nor academics can ever achieve because they have never been on the inside of a gang or served time in jail or prison.

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Academic & Professional Experience:

    Since leaving prison for the last time on April 2, 1996, I have earned three University degrees and each of my degrees has been primarily the study and research of gangs. It is due to these distinct achievements, coupled with my personal experience, that I have been qualified on many occasions to testify as an expert witness.

    • In my very first case as a gang expert, I testified in Siskiyou County on a Death Penalty case involving an alleged White Supremacy gang. The gang allegations were dismissed after my testimony at preliminary hearing.
    • In October, 2013, I testified in Stanislaus County on an alleged Norteño gang murder case involving one adult and two juveniles who were prosecuted as adults. All three defendants in that case were found not guilty of gang enhancements. My client was found innocent of all charges as a direct result of my testimony.
    • I again testified in Stanislaus County in November, 2014 where a defendant had been charged with being a gang member under a gang injunction. The defendant was found not guilty as a direct result of my testimony.
    • In December, 2014, I testified on a homicide case in Stanislaus County where gang allegations were filed. The jury was unable to reach a verdict due to my testimony. The case is currently set for trial later this year (2016).
    • Recently, (January, 2015) I submitted a report on a robbery case in Marin County where the defendants had been charged with 186.22 and the gang allegation was dismissed as a result of my report.
    • I also testified in Tulare County on December 2014 on an Asian Blood gang case. All three defendants were found guilty of the gang allegation filed against them.

    I have testified in:

    • Los Angeles County (2)
    • Contra Costa County (1)
    • Santa Barbara County (1)
    • Santa Clara County (4)
    • San Joaquin County (1)
    • San Mateo County (1)
    • Sacramento County (1)
    • Siskiyou County (1)
    • Stanislaus County (4)
    • Placer County (1)
    • Tulare County (2)
    • Hillsborough, Oregon (1)
    • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (1)

    I have also participated in aiding lawyers in preparation of testimony and given opinions on approximately 95 gang cases. Currently, I am working one death penalty case in Tulare County and a post conviction death case with the Habeas Corpus Resource Center in San Francisco CA. I have also worked with the Federal Public Defenders Office on a case out of Sacramento, CA on a post conviction case and two other post conviction cases in Oregon. I am also currently working on four R.I.C.O. cases and expected to testify late October or early November on one R.I.C.O. case in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

    Consultant & Mentor for Fathers & Families of San Joaquin: I currently work with and mentor gang members who are interested in leaving their gang. I provide the gang member guidance and resource information that will facilitate their transition from the gang lifestyle into mainstream society. On-Going

    Founder of Criminals & Gang members Anonymous: A 12-Step program for gang members and criminals alike that addresses problems pertaining to gang & criminal involvement. Group membership is constantly evolving. As a result, new members bring with them a wealth of current information, which keeps me abreast of gang trends, both locally and on a state level. 1998-On-Going

    Founder Of Jonah Foundation: A sober living facility that provided counseling and sustenance for ex-offenders. It was through the group counseling and rap sessions that I developed meaningful contacts with the participants, all who had just been released from prison or jail. These men were attempting to disassociate themselves from the gang/criminal lifestyle. To date, many of them continue to share with me valuable gang and other crimino-genic trends. 2006-2008

    Program Director of a Day Reporting Center: In 2008, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation awarded BI, Inc. a contract to operate a facility targeting high-risk offenders. The intent of this program was to alter the behavior of the offender by using evidence-based practices. I was the day-to-day operations manager in charge of insuring that the safety and security of my employees, and the clients, was assured. In the process of my daily interactions with clients who were just recently released from California State Prison and out of state prisons as well, I was fortunate to gather intelligence concerning not only state gang trends, but national gang trends too. 2008-2010

    __________________________________________________________________________

    Publications:Detoured: My Journey from Darkness to Light. Barking Rooster Publications: Los Angeles, CA (My Memoir)

    Journal of Prisoners on Prisons: Volume 21, Number 1 & 2, 2012

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Presentations:

    Gang Involvement: A Look at Why Minors Join Gangs and How WE Can Reach Our Youth. The 41st National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE), Dallas, Texas 2012

    Seeing Ourselves Emancipating Our Dialogue: Research as Hope From Incarceration Today And Tomorrow. Presented at the 2nd Annual Alliance for Multilingual Multicultural Education Conference: San Antonio, Texas 2011

    Facilitated Gang Awareness Workshops:

    Merced Unified School District: Merced,

    Stockton Unified School District: Stockton, CA

    Roseville School District: Roseville, CA

    Parks & Recreation Department: Stockton, CA

    Monterey County Juvenile Hall: Salinas, CA

    San Francisco County Juvenile Hall: San Francisco, CA

    Alameda Juvenile Hall: Oakland, CA

    San Joaquin Delta College: Stockton, CA

    CSU Stanislaus: Turlock, CA

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Some cases I have testified on and/or participated as a gang expert/consultant:

    People vs. Arturo Manzanero

    Rancho San Pedro Sureño Gang Case

    Henry Salcido Attorney at Law

    Long Beach, CA

    562-597-9925

    Defendant found not guilty of

    Gang allegation

    People vs. Hernandez et. al.

    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

    RICO Case

    Michael Wiseman Attorney at Law

    121 Locust Street

    Philadelphia PA 19107

    215-450-0903

    5 defendants found guilty

    7 found not guilty

    People vs. Angel Rivera

    Stanislaus County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Ben Jacob Attorney at Law

    770 L Street #950

    Sacramento, CA 95814

    Defendant Found Not Guilty

    People vs. Herrera, Pedro

    Santa Clara County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Lindsey Dazel: Attorney at Law

    93 Devine Street Suite 203

    San Jose, CA 95110

    408-271-2969

    Jury Hung 11 to 1 for acquittal

    People vs. Alvarez

    San Mateo County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Maria Fonseca: Attorney at Law

    702 Marshall Street Suite 511

    Redwood City CA 94063

    650-367-7727

    Gang Allegations Dismissed

    As a Result of my Testimony

    At Preliminary Hearing

    People vs. Espinoza et. al

    Sacramento County

    Sureño Gang Case

    Keith Staten: Attorney at Law

    1023 H. St. Suite A

    Sacramento CA 95814

    (916) 443-5600

    Defendants Found Guilty

    People vs. Andrew Rodríguez

    Santa Clara County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Timothy Clancy: Attorney at Law

    1290 B Street, suite 304

    Hayward, CA 94541

    510-409-5413

    Defendant Found Not Guilty of Gang Allegation

    People vs. Bustamante et. al

    Santa Clara County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Lindsey Dazel: Attorney at Law

    93 Devine Street Suite 203

    San Jose, CA 95110

    408-271-2969

    Defendants Found Not Guilty of Gang Allegation

    People vs. Sebourne et.al Homicide

    Sureño Gang Case

    Stanislaus County

    Gregory Bentley: Attorney at Law

    500 Broadway

    San Francisco CA 94133

    415-986-5591

    Hung Jury. Set for Re-Trial

    People vs. Ernesto Munguia: Gang Injunction

    Norteño Gang Case

    Stanislaus County

    Mark Girdner: Attorney at Law

    811 15th Street

    Modesto, CA 95354

    (209) 524-7600

    Defendant Found Not Guilty

    People vs. Velasco

    LASC, South Central District (Compton)

    Don Kelly Attorney at Law

    317 Rosecrans Blvd # 2 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

    310-546-6700

    Gang allegations: Not Guilty

    People vs. Errik Roman: Attempted Homicide

    Sureño Gang Case

    Santa Barbara County

    K.C. Williamson: Attorney at Law

    Santa Barbara Public Defender

    Santa Barbara, CA

    Defendant Found Guilty

    People vs. Rocky Riberal- Homicide

    Norteño Gang Case

    San Joaquin County

    Ralph Cingcon: Attorney at Law5250 Claremont Ave

    Stockton, CA 95207

    (209) 462-5600

    Defendant Found Guilty

    People vs. Niaz Mohammed Khoshnaw- Homicide

    Norteño Gang Case

    Hillsborough County

    Edie Rogoway: Attorney at Law

    6312 SW Capitol Highway # 1102

    Portland, OR 97239

    (503) 334-0331

    Defendant Found Guilty

    People vs. Jah-Kari, Phyall- Homicide

    Stanislaus County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Frank Carson: Attorney at Law

    815 15th Street

    Modesto, CA 95354

    (209) 549-0984

    Defendant Found Not Guilty

    People vs. Elizondo, Christian Orlando- Possession of Drugs/Firearm

    Norteño Gang Case- Defendant Plead to Lesser Charge:

    San Joaquin County

    David Atkinson: Attorney at Law

    343 East Main Street Suite 911Stockton, CA 95202

    Gang Enhancement Dismissed

    People vs. Eady, Howard Lamont-Homicide

    Sutter Street Crip Gang Case

    Douglass C. Jacobsen: Attorney at Law

    1811 Grand Canal Blvd., Suite 2

    Stockton, CA 95207-8107

    Gang Allegation Dismissed: Defendant pled guilty to 22 years.

    People vs. Orozco, Josue- Homicide

    Sureño Gang Case

    San Mateo, County,

    Ray, Buenaventura: Attorney at Law

    2171 Junipero Serra Blvd.

    Daly City, CA 94014

    Ph. (650) 756-2000

    Hung Jury: Defendant Pled to 43 Years

    People vs. Gonzalez, Abel, Jr.-Drug Trafficking

    Sureño Gang Case

    Ted, Bastian, Jr.: Attorney at Law

    600 Fourth St. P.O. Box431

    Yreka, CA 96097

    Ph. (530) 842-2000

    Defendant Pled to Seven Years. Gang Enhancement Dismissed.

    People vs. Shifflett, William Jr. Drug Possession

    Arron, Williams: Attorney at Law

    1721 Court St Redding, CA 96001

    Ph. (530) 241-6991

    Defendant Pled: Gang Allegation Dismissed

    People vs. Lieffer, Donald- Homicide

    Alleged Northern Peckerwood Gang Case

    Charles Slote: Attorney at Law

    305 N. El Dorado Suite, 301

    Stockton, CA 95202

    Ph. (209) 948-5711

    Gang Enhancement Dismissed After My Testimony at Preliminary

    38 min
  • 252: Former Prison Gang Leader Becomes Dr. Jesse De La Cruz

    So proud to feature Dr. Jesse De La Cruz, a formerly incarcerated prisoner who emerged incredibly successfully--as a doctor of education and judicial expert. Check out his resume. Listen and watch his amazing two-part story on Earning Freedom, at MichaelSantos.com

    Dr. Jesse De La Cruz

    JSD Consultations P.O. Box 1993 Stockton, CA 95201 Cell: 209-423-4794 Email: [email protected]

    www.jsdconsultations.com

    Education: Ed.D: California State University, Stanislaus Turlock, CA 2014 Concentration: Gangs Dissertation: Mexican American/Chicano gang members’ voice on social control in the context of school and community: A critical ethnographic case study in Stockton, California

    Masters of Social Work: California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA 2003 Concentration: Deviant behavior Thesis: An evaluation of a substance-abuse treatment program for criminal offenders Bachelors: Sociology, California State University, Turlock, CA 2001

    ______________________________________________________________________________ Teaching Experience: Instructor 2010–2012 Heald College Taught Courses in: Police Procedures Theory and Practice; Corrections; Juvenile Delinquency; Victimology; Introduction into Criminology; Criminology; Organized Crime, Street Gangs & Terrorism.

    Teaching Assistant (TA) California State University, Stanislaus, Turlock, CA 2011 2012

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Personal Experience:

    My involvement with gangs spans 50 years, beginning with my initiation into a street gang at age 13. In 1973, at age 21, I became a member of the Nuestra Familia prison gang while serving time at Deuel Vocational Institution (DVI). I left the NF once I was released from prison in 1976. After my defection from the gang, I maintained a high degree of respect from my street gang homeboys simply because I never testified against any of my former Homeboys. In the course of my criminal career and going in and out of prison for twenty-eight years, I witnessed the proliferation of gangs. Mostly, I observed all the superficial, and few substantial changes between old and modern gangs. In 1996, I was released from prison for the last time and have turned my life completely around. However, as a result of my multiple gang involvement (street and prison), and my many years in different jails and prisons throughout the state of California, Texas and Washington, I have developed a unique and thorough insight into the gang phenomena that neither law enforcement nor academics can ever achieve because they have never been on the inside of a gang or served time in jail or prison.

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Academic & Professional Experience:

    Since leaving prison for the last time on April 2, 1996, I have earned three University degrees and each of my degrees has been primarily the study and research of gangs. It is due to these distinct achievements, coupled with my personal experience, that I have been qualified on many occasions to testify as an expert witness.

    • In my very first case as a gang expert, I testified in Siskiyou County on a Death Penalty case involving an alleged White Supremacy gang. The gang allegations were dismissed after my testimony at preliminary hearing.
    • In October, 2013, I testified in Stanislaus County on an alleged Norteño gang murder case involving one adult and two juveniles who were prosecuted as adults. All three defendants in that case were found not guilty of gang enhancements. My client was found innocent of all charges as a direct result of my testimony.
    • I again testified in Stanislaus County in November, 2014 where a defendant had been charged with being a gang member under a gang injunction. The defendant was found not guilty as a direct result of my testimony.
    • In December, 2014, I testified on a homicide case in Stanislaus County where gang allegations were filed. The jury was unable to reach a verdict due to my testimony. The case is currently set for trial later this year (2016).
    • Recently, (January, 2015) I submitted a report on a robbery case in Marin County where the defendants had been charged with 186.22 and the gang allegation was dismissed as a result of my report.
    • I also testified in Tulare County on December 2014 on an Asian Blood gang case. All three defendants were found guilty of the gang allegation filed against them.

    I have testified in:

    • Los Angeles County (2)
    • Contra Costa County (1)
    • Santa Barbara County (1)
    • Santa Clara County (4)
    • San Joaquin County (1)
    • San Mateo County (1)
    • Sacramento County (1)
    • Siskiyou County (1)
    • Stanislaus County (4)
    • Placer County (1)
    • Tulare County (2)
    • Hillsborough, Oregon (1)
    • Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (1)

    I have also participated in aiding lawyers in preparation of testimony and given opinions on approximately 95 gang cases. Currently, I am working one death penalty case in Tulare County and a post conviction death case with the Habeas Corpus Resource Center in San Francisco CA. I have also worked with the Federal Public Defenders Office on a case out of Sacramento, CA on a post conviction case and two other post conviction cases in Oregon. I am also currently working on four R.I.C.O. cases and expected to testify late October or early November on one R.I.C.O. case in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

    Consultant & Mentor for Fathers & Families of San Joaquin: I currently work with and mentor gang members who are interested in leaving their gang. I provide the gang member guidance and resource information that will facilitate their transition from the gang lifestyle into mainstream society. On-Going

    Founder of Criminals & Gang members Anonymous: A 12-Step program for gang members and criminals alike that addresses problems pertaining to gang & criminal involvement. Group membership is constantly evolving. As a result, new members bring with them a wealth of current information, which keeps me abreast of gang trends, both locally and on a state level. 1998-On-Going

    Founder Of Jonah Foundation: A sober living facility that provided counseling and sustenance for ex-offenders. It was through the group counseling and rap sessions that I developed meaningful contacts with the participants, all who had just been released from prison or jail. These men were attempting to disassociate themselves from the gang/criminal lifestyle. To date, many of them continue to share with me valuable gang and other crimino-genic trends. 2006-2008

    Program Director of a Day Reporting Center: In 2008, the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation awarded BI, Inc. a contract to operate a facility targeting high-risk offenders. The intent of this program was to alter the behavior of the offender by using evidence-based practices. I was the day-to-day operations manager in charge of insuring that the safety and security of my employees, and the clients, was assured. In the process of my daily interactions with clients who were just recently released from California State Prison and out of state prisons as well, I was fortunate to gather intelligence concerning not only state gang trends, but national gang trends too. 2008-2010

    __________________________________________________________________________

    Publications: Detoured: My Journey from Darkness to Light. Barking Rooster Publications: Los Angeles, CA (My Memoir)

    Journal of Prisoners on Prisons: Volume 21, Number 1 & 2, 2012

    ___________________________________________________________________________

    Presentations:

    Gang Involvement: A Look at Why Minors Join Gangs and How WE Can Reach Our Youth. The 41st National Association for Bilingual Education (NABE), Dallas, Texas 2012

    Seeing Ourselves Emancipating Our Dialogue: Research as Hope From Incarceration Today And Tomorrow. Presented at the 2nd Annual Alliance for Multilingual Multicultural Education Conference: San Antonio, Texas 2011

    Facilitated Gang Awareness Workshops:

    Merced Unified School District: Merced,

    Stockton Unified School District: Stockton, CA

    Roseville School District: Roseville, CA

    Parks & Recreation Department: Stockton, CA

    Monterey County Juvenile Hall: Salinas, CA

    San Francisco County Juvenile Hall: San Francisco, CA

    Alameda Juvenile Hall: Oakland, CA

    San Joaquin Delta College: Stockton, CA

    CSU Stanislaus: Turlock, CA

    ______________________________________________________________________________

    Some cases I have testified on and/or participated as a gang expert/consultant:

    People vs. Arturo Manzanero

    Rancho San Pedro Sureño Gang Case

    Henry Salcido Attorney at Law

    Long Beach, CA

    562-597-9925

    Defendant found not guilty of

    Gang allegation

    People vs. Hernandez et. al.

    Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

    RICO Case

    Michael Wiseman Attorney at Law

    121 Locust Street

    Philadelphia PA 19107

    215-450-0903

    5 defendants found guilty

    7 found not guilty

    People vs. Angel Rivera

    Stanislaus County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Ben Jacob Attorney at Law

    770 L Street #950

    Sacramento, CA 95814

    Defendant Found Not Guilty

    People vs. Herrera, Pedro

    Santa Clara County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Lindsey Dazel: Attorney at Law

    93 Devine Street Suite 203

    San Jose, CA 95110

    408-271-2969

    Jury Hung 11 to 1 for acquittal

    People vs. Alvarez

    San Mateo County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Maria Fonseca: Attorney at Law

    702 Marshall Street Suite 511

    Redwood City CA 94063

    650-367-7727

    Gang Allegations Dismissed

    As a Result of my Testimony

    At Preliminary Hearing

    People vs. Espinoza et. al

    Sacramento County

    Sureño Gang Case

    Keith Staten: Attorney at Law

    1023 H. St. Suite A

    Sacramento CA 95814

    (916) 443-5600

    Defendants Found Guilty

    People vs. Andrew Rodríguez

    Santa Clara County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Timothy Clancy: Attorney at Law

    1290 B Street, suite 304

    Hayward, CA 94541

    510-409-5413

    Defendant Found Not Guilty of Gang Allegation

    People vs. Bustamante et. al

    Santa Clara County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Lindsey Dazel: Attorney at Law

    93 Devine Street Suite 203

    San Jose, CA 95110

    408-271-2969

    Defendants Found Not Guilty of Gang Allegation

    People vs. Sebourne et.al Homicide

    Sureño Gang Case

    Stanislaus County

    Gregory Bentley: Attorney at Law

    500 Broadway

    San Francisco CA 94133

    415-986-5591

    Hung Jury. Set for Re-Trial

    People vs. Ernesto Munguia: Gang Injunction

    Norteño Gang Case

    Stanislaus County

    Mark Girdner: Attorney at Law

    811 15th Street

    Modesto, CA 95354

    (209) 524-7600

    Defendant Found Not Guilty

    People vs. Velasco

    LASC, South Central District (Compton)

    Don Kelly Attorney at Law

    317 Rosecrans Blvd # 2 Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

    310-546-6700

    Gang allegations: Not Guilty

    People vs. Errik Roman: Attempted Homicide

    Sureño Gang Case

    Santa Barbara County

    K.C. Williamson: Attorney at Law

    Santa Barbara Public Defender

    Santa Barbara, CA

    Defendant Found Guilty

    People vs. Rocky Riberal- Homicide

    Norteño Gang Case

    San Joaquin County

    Ralph Cingcon: Attorney at Law 5250 Claremont Ave

    Stockton, CA 95207

    (209) 462-5600

    Defendant Found Guilty

    People vs. Niaz Mohammed Khoshnaw- Homicide

    Norteño Gang Case

    Hillsborough County

    Edie Rogoway: Attorney at Law

    6312 SW Capitol Highway # 1102

    Portland, OR 97239

    (503) 334-0331

    Defendant Found Guilty

    People vs. Jah-Kari, Phyall- Homicide

    Stanislaus County

    Norteño Gang Case

    Frank Carson: Attorney at Law

    815 15th Street

    Modesto, CA 95354

    (209) 549-0984

    Defendant Found Not Guilty

    People vs. Elizondo, Christian Orlando- Possession of Drugs/Firearm

    Norteño Gang Case- Defendant Plead to Lesser Charge:

    San Joaquin County

    David Atkinson: Attorney at Law

    343 East Main Street Suite 911 Stockton, CA 95202

    Gang Enhancement Dismissed

    People vs. Eady, Howard Lamont-Homicide

    Sutter Street Crip Gang Case

    Douglass C. Jacobsen: Attorney at Law

    1811 Grand Canal Blvd., Suite 2

    Stockton, CA 95207-8107

    Gang Allegation Dismissed: Defendant pled guilty to 22 years.

    People vs. Orozco, Josue- Homicide

    Sureño Gang Case

    San Mateo, County,

    Ray, Buenaventura: Attorney at Law

    2171 Junipero Serra Blvd.

    Daly City, CA 94014

    Ph. (650) 756-2000

    Hung Jury: Defendant Pled to 43 Years

    People vs. Gonzalez, Abel, Jr.-Drug Trafficking

    Sureño Gang Case

    Ted, Bastian, Jr.: Attorney at Law

    600 Fourth St. P.O. Box431

    Yreka, CA 96097

    Ph. (530) 842-2000

    Defendant Pled to Seven Years. Gang Enhancement Dismissed.

    People vs. Shifflett, William Jr. Drug Possession

    Arron, Williams: Attorney at Law

    1721 Court St Redding, CA 96001

    Ph. (530) 241-6991

    Defendant Pled: Gang Allegation Dismissed

    People vs. Lieffer, Donald- Homicide

    Alleged Northern Peckerwood Gang Case

    Charles Slote: Attorney at Law

    305 N. El Dorado Suite, 301

    Stockton, CA 95202

    Ph. (209) 948-5711

    Gang Enhancement Dismissed After My Testimony at Preliminary

    33 min
  • 251: From Decades in Prison to Business Success

    Michael E. Jordan transformed his life while serving multiple decades in prison. He's become a role model for others who aspire to lives of meaning and relevance after struggle.

    Michael E. Jordan, CEO and Co-Founder |Managing Business Partner - Folsom, CAMichael E. Jordan, was a career Medical Imaging Technologist with over 20 experiences; Mr. Jordan earned a PhD in Human Relations and Ethics at the School of Hard Knocks, Mr. Jordan also earned a Bachelor of Theology at Sacramento Theological Seminary and Bible College.Mr. Jordan also has expertise in the Financial services arena, as an Independent Life Insurance Agent # 0J15055, areas of expertise are Premium Financial Services; Indexed Universal Life; Fixed Indexed Annuities; Debt and Mortgage Elimination. "My responsibility is to share financial instruments which fill the Client's need and too educate the Client on those financial products. I share with the client about the traditional IRA's, 401K's and 403b's and the volatility of those products, coupled with the excessive fees and taxation upon distribution. I answer or find the answer to every question the Client has about why Insurance products are a Safe and Viable alternative to traditional retirement accounts! Growing our Agency and our agent base is paramount; we accomplish this by providing our licensed and unlicensed agents with the tools and training needed to grow their income and ultimately, their book of business!"​

    Mr. Michael E. Jordan is listed on the Business Partners Group, LLC website under the category of “about us”.

    • http://www.businesspartnersgroupllc.com
    • http://worthaccount.com/1001201
    • http://worthaccount.com/1001201/MoreInformation
    • https://worthunlimited.com/1001201/AgentEnrollment
    • https://twitter.com/mejordan1954
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    Michael E. Jordan | Chief Executive Officer

    Co-Founder | Managing Partner

    Business Partners Group, LLC

    555 Republic Drive, Suite 200

    Plano, TX 75074

    Corporate Phone: 972-516-4235

    Direct Phone: 916-458-1447

    www.businesspartnersgroupllc.com

    34 min

About Earning Freedom with Michael Santos

From the publisher's feed

Earning Freedom offers insight into strategies that empower people through struggle. Michael Santos went to prison as a consequence of bad decisions he made as a young man. While serving a 45-year…