Gary Settle, a former bank robber serving a staggering 177-year sentence, now champions the cause of compassionate release for inmates. He shares compelling stories about his journey and the daunting healthcare issues faced by prisoners. Settle's advocacy has helped over 40 inmates secure their freedom, revealing the emotional and systemic hurdles within the prison system. The discussion highlights the profound impact of health crises on incarcerated lives and the desperate quest for redemption amidst the harsh realities of confinement.
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Quick takeaways
Gary Settle's advocacy for compassionate release showcases the need for supportive healthcare environments for aging and terminally ill inmates.
The First Step Act has empowered inmates like Settle to directly petition for compassionate release, transforming their ability to seek hope and redemption.
Deep dives
Life in a Federal Prison Hospital
Gary Settle provides insight into his daily life as an inmate at FMC Butner, a federal prison hospital for inmates with serious health issues. He explains his routine includes taking medication, attending a chronic illness class where he serves as a mentor, and trying to spend time outdoors despite his health limitations. Time in his cell is punctuated by medical appointments, chemotherapy, and reading or maintaining communication with friends and family. The stark reality he faces is compounded by his illness, as he expresses uncertainty about ever leaving the facility, stating he is waiting for either release or death.
Chronic Illness and Inadequate Medical Care
Settle reflects on the inadequate healthcare in prison settings, sharing his experience of delayed cancer diagnosis due to the lack of standard medical tests. He highlights that upon arriving at Butner, he realized the seriousness of his condition, having been transferred specifically for medical care. Settle points out the irony of residing in a hospital prison yet struggling with basic health needs, including insufficient food options that do not cater to cancer patients. He emphasizes the need for genuinely supportive environments tailored to aging or terminally ill inmates, noting that the existing care system is often bureaucratic and lacking in compassion.
The Impact of the First Step Act
The discussion touches on the transformative aspect of the First Step Act, which changed the process of applying for compassionate release, allowing inmates to petition judges directly. Settle became aware of this change and began advocating for other inmates, using his skills to navigate the paperwork and legal processes, particularly for those unable to advocate for themselves. He recalls specific cases, such as that of Bobby Smith, a fellow inmate suffering from serious health issues, for whom he helped secure legal representation. Through his efforts, Settle estimates he has assisted over 40 inmates in gaining release, which has sparked a sense of hope among those who previously felt powerless.
Personal Reflection on Justice and Redemption
Settle, who has been incarcerated for over three decades, grapples with the idea of personal redemption while helping others in a comparable plight. He recounts his own challenges with applying for compassionate release, facing multiple denials despite his terminal illness, and emphasizes the emotional toll of watching others go free while he remains confined. His work with other inmates has become a source of purpose for him, bridging his past mistakes with a desire to contribute positively to the lives of those around him. Despite the struggles of his long sentence and health issues, he expresses a commitment to continue advocating for those in need and seeks to mend familial relationships upon any potential release.
In 1993, Gary Settle was sentenced to 177 years in prison. Twenty-six years into his sentence, he started helping other inmates get out of prison through something called compassionate release - a policy that allows people in prison to petition to be let out for “extraordinary and compelling” reasons.
You can learn more about Gary Settle in Anna Altman’s piece, "The Quality of Mercy," in The Atavist Magazine.