3-Strike Story: Minister Vernis Brown Jr.

My name is Minister Vernis Brown Jr. I’m 47 years old and I truly love God. I’m a family man and I have four beautiful children, Vernis, Azavia, Frances and Velton. I was sentenced under California’s Three strikes Law on August 28, 1995 for a second degree burglary of a coin-operated washer machine. My trial attorney did not represent me adequately before trial, during trial, or post trial. I’m innocent of this crime but thus far I haven’t been able to get anyone to see the truth of the whole matter. I’ve been given 25 years to life for something that I did not do, this is wrong.

My first strike was an arson of structure, a closet in my home caught fire and I plead no contest on advice from my attorney in 1986, my second strike was for 1st degree burglary, I accepted a 6 year deal. I have no violent history. I have never committed a violent crime. This is hard for me to bear knowing that I was railroaded by defense attorney and placed in a place like this. I was found in the washroom, yes I found a razor but I did not do this crime. The world needs to know that innocence people are being locked away for crimes they didn’t commit. This is hurting my family because they have to be along without me and then see me in this condition. But in spite of all of this when I get a chance I will send you a donation and I will get the inmates here at Lancaster involved. I play the piano here for the church services, these are Christian brother’s here at Lancaster State Prison, please pray for all of us that God will have his way in our love.  

Return to Index.

Please send questions or comments to facts@mediaone.net.

Everything on this web site can be distributed to the general public, reprinted, or reposted without permission of Families to Amend California's 3-Strikes.

Date last modified: 9/17/98.

.