3-Strike Stories: Gary Formosa
I fit in where there using a 1983 Plea Bargain as a strike prior. I was arrested for
1st Degree Burglary but as I expected the home, the police were there. Everything was
returned, nothing broken, and nobody home. The two elderly women who saw me going in the
back yard didn't show up for pretrial. I was
offered a lesser charge, 2nd Degree burglary and three years or postpone the court date
and walk if they didn't show up. Being on my 3rd
term, I'd most probably get the six years. It
carried 2-4-6. I took the lesser charge and the three years.
On Jan 6, 1996 I was involved in a terrible car accident. No seat belts, I was clean
and not driving. I was given a week to live and my mom was told if I loved I'd be brain dead. I broke C-1-2-3- in my neck,
completely paralyzed and only my lungs worked because I never smoked. I received a trace
knocked a brunch of teeth out and ruined four of the six right eye muscles. The man
upstairs had other plans for me because I'm
writing this letter. I missed a misdemeanor court date because I was in a coma for a
month. As soon as I could barely walk the detectives picked me up. I was in here with a 20
lb. Halo on.
People who brake C-1-2-3. 90% die and all the rest except for me are paralyzed. I was
called the miracle patient. Everything I drank I would cough up. I didn't know until my release my brain damage didn't tell the liquid which pipe to go down. Christopher
Reeve broke C-1-2- and look at him. I was in a board and care home after my incarceration
and found a knew one because of the food.
I was there for two days and because of my hair, tatoos, and prison record they set me
up. If you want to know how, I'd be happy to
explain. Upon arriving here in the beginning I had no thick-it to make my liquids. My
right lung was a scared bud. After I was here a nurse sent me to VMC and the Doctor order
thick-it and resource to gain weight which also needs thick-it. The doctor here only
ordered resource because they thought they were saving money. That was Sept. 15, 1997.
Records at VMC will prove it. Either the ACLD or Prison Law firm called here and the next
day thick-it. That was March 13, 1998. They x-ray my left lung and from no thick-it for
about six months my left lung is now scarred. The Doctors say its from smoking, but find
one person on earth who saw a cigarette in my mouth. You can't. The prison law firm says I have a great case but I
need a lawyer. If you can find me one who will sue this county, he or she will be rich. I
have x-rays to prove and much more, so if you know a lawyer anywhere he can make a bundle.
Second Letter:
5/27/98
I would like to thank you for your quick response. The public defenders office knows
all about FACTS but for some reason they keep it to themselves. I guess that is why they
are public defenders. My copy was the first in this county jail. After I wrote you I gave
my copy to show John Draper. He got sentenced Friday and was expecting 55 years. He had a
little crank and heroin. He has five strikes which is 25 years, 5 prison priors is 5 years
and the 25. Is this Double Jeopardy or what? He is down a bit but hopefully you will hear
from him. I have been passing the word to strikers who go to court. I am giving your
address out, so hopefully more people will write. All this was possible because of Scott
Place at Corcoran. I am sure you have read his case and every word is true. Chris thought,
if I say it was a half a pint and we shared it, it would be better for Scott. I grew up
living a five minute walk from Scott and Chris. Chris was driving the car when we wrecked
very bad. So, I know them both good. Scott’s mom sent me the paperwork at
Scott’s request. I can’t believe Scott’s attorney, did not talk to Chris
first. Scotts mom and sister go to your meetings. I have this guy, Lance, who will be
writing you soon. His dad will call and send money and start going to meetings. I put a
request in for this county jail for "Blood Sports Death", because about 5 nights
a week they put some Educational Videos on. I have heard of "Blood Sports" a
while back but I bet my request will be denied. If you people ever do go to bat for one
person, please do it for Scott Place. I would pick him over myself, that’s how
innocent he is. In my case I am guilty of one-third of my case, a misdemenor. Even my
under the influence was a clean test. The cop said I have a raspy voice, and I don’t
walk good. My voice has been raspy for years. If you called VMC and checked on my wreck,
maybe breaking your neck and just coming out of being completely paralyzed would cause
that. but it got bound over. Christpher Reeve broke C 1-2. I broke C 1-2-3. Check with a
doctor on breaking C 1-2-3. You will be shocked. I was told by doctors with 40 years
experience that 90% die and all the rest are paralyzed but one person. You may check and
it still got bound over. I started this just to thank you and praise Scott. When you sit
in a one man cell 23 hours a day for almost 10 months, it changes you a bit. I hope one
day soon, all 3 Strikers with non-violent crimes get called back to court the same day. I
would love to see some of these worthless officers when they have no room for us. The Day
will come. I pray for that. I will send my four stamps next week. Please keep the
newsletters coming. They are valuable.
Love and Respect
Gary
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Date last modified: 6/18/98.