Archive for October, 2013

Joseph Allen Out of the Hole

Monday, October 28th, 2013

Joseph’s lawyer emailed me a while ago. Joseph has been released from solitary and is now in the general population.

Joseph Allen Has Chance for Parole in January

Saturday, October 26th, 2013

“Allen had served roughly 15 years before he was released, along with codefendant Nancy Smith, in 2009 by Lorain County Common Pleas Judge James Burge, who later acquitted the pair. Smith and Allen originally were found guilty by a jury in 1994 of molesting 4- and 5-year-old children on Smith’s Head Start bus route, allegations they have long denied. – See more at: http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2013/10/26/joseph-allen-has-chance-for-parole-next-year.”

From the Lorain Chronicle-Telegram:

http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2013/10/26/joseph-allen-has-chance-for-parole-next-year/

A Letter From the Hole

Thursday, October 24th, 2013

I finally heard from Joseph Allen today. Here are a few excerpts from his letter: (some grammar and spelling corrections were applied)

“The reason that no one’s heard from me or received any phone calls is because the prison on 10/10/13 put me in the hole because my case is high profile. And I’ve been in the hole ever since. I do not see how they can keep me in the hole because my case is high-profile. My case has been high-profile since November 1993. They seem to be doing everything wrong to me in trying to keep me away from talking to all the inmates. No inmates have ever given me a problem about my case. They know about it and they all speak well of me. They should not have me in the hole like this. They won’t even allow me to call anyone but one time on Wednesday late at night. Only once. They seem like they are trying to keep me from being in the news of from having freedom of speech. The prison staff wants me silenced. I need someone to contact me, some one to help put a stop to them holding me in the hole. I need a lawyer to come see me here so I can let him know what is going on against me in here by some of the staff.”

“I need to be out of here so I can make phone calls or talk with the inmates. I don’t have anyone I can talk to, being in the hole like this. They won’t even allow me to watch TV or go to the law library or religious services. All day and all night I see nothing but the wall of the cell. Most of the time it is very cold in the cell.

“And every time the CO’s take me anywhere they always handcuff me and my legs too. I haven’t been to any programs in here because they won’t allow me to say nothing in here. I asked them for a holy King James Bible and a dictionary and I still haven’t got them.”

“I do not read any newspapers or watch TV. I do not know if they will allow me to receive newspapers.”

There is no reason to keep Joseph Allen in solitary confinement and to subject him to this kind of inhumane treatment. I suspect the prison does this in response to political pressure. His innocence is likely a great embarrassment to some powerful people in Ohio.

Since Joseph is not allowed books, magazines, newspapers, or TV. It is important to his sanity that he receive cards and letters. Cards and letters will also remind the prison authorities that there are people outside the walls that care about him. His address:

Joseph Lee Allen
#A293-486
Lorain Correctional Institution
2975 South Avon Beldon Road
Grafton OH 44044

Joseph can’t get through this terrible ordeal without the help and support of his friends and people who still care about justice.

-Bob Chatelle

Family Vows to Free Joseph Allen

Thursday, October 24th, 2013

JosephAllen2

photo: jim d’entremont


“Much evidence was not seen by the jury, most damning to prosecutors was a videotape of parents and even detectives coaching the children to pick Allen out of a line up, even pinching a child to get a reaction when asked to look at Allen. The jury never saw it.”

http://www.19actionnews.com/story/23767983/family-vows-to-free-lorain-county-man-imprisoned-on-controversial-conviction

‘S.A. 4’ evidence now called flawed

Wednesday, October 23rd, 2013

From the San Antonio Express News.

“All four women who say they were falsely accused in 1994 of child sexual assault could be out of prison by the end of the year following an acknowledgement by prosecutors Tuesday that faulty scientific evidence helped convict them.”

http://www.expressnews.com/news/local/article/S-A-4-evidence-now-called-flawed-4917226.php?t=f0d2526d9bd6621201

Major NCRJ Victory Imminent! San Antonio Four May Soon be Freed!

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

Here is the post from the NCRJ web site:

http://ncrj.org/the-san-antonio-four-major-ncrj-victory-imminent/

This is a major development. Please share the NCRJ’s post far and wide: Facebook, Twitter, your blogs, other social media, etc.

Here’s wishing the best for these four fine young women.

-Bob

Joseph Allen’s Prison Mistreatment

Tuesday, October 22nd, 2013

Here is a statement from Joseph’s niece, Cassandra:

“A recent visit to Joseph Allen at Lorain Correctional Institution in Grafton, OH leaves family members concerned, worried, and hopeful that the Truth will Soon Set Him Free! Family members are wondering why a man who spent the past four years free and living a productive life AND most importantly, a man who has been wrongfully convicted, is sitting in visitation shackled at the ankles and handcuffed. Joseph told family members that he has been in isolation (the hole) since he arrived at Lorain Correctional and he was not sure why. Family members contacted the prison and spoke with someone regarding Inmate Matters but no answers were given. While family members are praying for Joseph’s safety and sanity, they remain hopeful that the Truth be exposed and Nancy and Joseph’s names finally be cleared. Family members, friends, and supporters worldwide who believe and Know these two are innocent are uniting together and prepared to fight till the end.

“Also, we need people from all over to start sending letters, postcards, correspondence with Joseph. He needs to know that we are fighting for him and we need to show the warden, parole board, and of course the governor, that he has supporters. Write as often as we can, spread the word, even if it’s a note that says I’m praying for you, I’m supporting you…Don’t give up…….an encouraging word goes a long way…especially since he has been unable to get a Bible. “
 
This is Joseph’s address:
 
Joseph Lee Allen
A293486
Lorain Correctional Institution
2075 South Avon Beldon Road
Grafton, Ohio 44044
 
Joseph’s lawyer is aware of the situation and is doing what he can to help. He hopes to get him moved to a better facility soon.
 
-Bob

The National Center for Reason and Justice is Now on Twitter

Monday, October 21st, 2013

Please follow us.


Rally in Support of Joseph Allen

Monday, October 14th, 2013

A message from Cassandra Allen, Joseph Allen’s niece:

I am so saddened about what happened to my uncle! Being in the court room when they arrested him to send him back to prison was heart breaking. My family and I are so torn. I am so thankful that Bob Chatelle has been keeping the world posted about my uncle. Although most of his family lives in Alabama, he has countless of supporters who are all around and willing to continue to fight for his justice. A Rally for Freedom in support for Joseph Allen will be held next Saturday, October 26, 2013 at Ely Square in Elyria, Ohio starting at 9am. We are inviting all supporters to come out to show their support. If you have any questions or need further information please email me at allencassandra12@yahoo.com Thank you!

Joseph Allen’s Prison Address

Friday, October 11th, 2013

Yesterday, Joseph was transferred to the Lorain Correctional Institution. His address:

Joseph Lee Allen
A293486
Lorain Correctional Institution
2075 South Avon Beldon Road
Grafton, Ohio 44044

I hope some of you will find the time to send him a letter or a card.

It’s very important to remind him that there are those on the outside who care about him.

-Bob