Jahson Atiba Alemu's profile

24 January 2013

Greetings.

Thank you for the courtesy yo're prepared to give me. Please allow me to introduce myself.

My name is Jahson Atiba Alemu but here in Tecumseh State Prison, I am also known as #62184. I am a resident of Chicago, IL, raised on the south side. I am 56 years old, light-skinned Mulatto, 200 pounds, 5'11", born 7 October 1957. For eighteen years, I worked as an independent/subcontractor for banks and finance companies that repossessed vehicles. I also did motor club assistance in the Chicago area and surrounding counties. I enjoyed my profession; it was interesting, unique, and fun.

I came to Lincoln, NE to visit in-laws and decided to stay. I found a job in a dry cleaners, pressing 500 to 700 shirts a day. It was fun, steady work. I located an apartment in the downtown Lincoln area with a view of the capital. One day, while picking up trash and butts around the building, I was approached by the owner. I knew the landlord but I didn't know the owner. He asked me if I would like a job and I said yes. My job title was building manager. My job duties were to maintain 75 apartments in and around the Lincoln area. Summertime, I cut the grass, raked leaves, answer calls, unclogged drains and toilets, the simple things. In the winter time, I shoveled snow on sidewalks, driveways—you get my drift. In the process of these job duties, I have a newfound respect for the owners and the landlords. Tenets move and leave your property in a mess, lie about the rent so much, it will make your head spin. But again, it was a job that I liked and did well.

In closing, never in a million years did I expect to be in prison. I refused to accept the four years for a plea bargain. Yes, I gambled with my life. Why would anyone who is innocent of a crime be willing to accept a plea agreement where they freely admit that they are guilty when they are not? Boggles the mind!

While in prison, I occupy my time reading, writing, and playing chess. I became a legal aide to obtain some knowledge of the law, doing research on Lexus-Nexus for post-conviction relief.

This brief introduction has been written with the utmost respect. I am presently being held in isolation. Any mail that is received under these cold steel doors will be very much appreciated.

This is my first pen-pal blog. My first with a live personal contact. Thank you. Hope to hear from anyone. All letters are welcome and will be answered.

Sincerely,
Jahson Atiba Alemu #62184
Tecumseh State Prison
P.O. Box 900
Tecumseh, Nebraska 68450-0900

[photo of a man standing against a white brick wall wearing a rosary and a striped beanie. He has a half-smile towards the camera.]