As a Chaplain and advocate, I am deeply troubled by the continued incarceration of James Scott, who remains behind bars under an outdated sentencing law. Convicted in 1993 during the Great Flood, James was given a 50-year sentence, yet Missouri’s 1994 revised statute (RsMo) reduced life to 30 years—a change that should apply to his case. Justice must reflect fairness, mercy, and the acknowledgment of time served. How long must he wait for Missouri to correct this injustice? As people of faith, we are called to stand for truth and redemption. It is time for Missouri to do what is right and grant James the fair review he deserves. Let justice prevail.

Potosi Correctional Center (PCC) remains a breeding ground for unchecked abuse, retaliation, and corruption, where staff operate with impunity under a system designed to break prisoners, not rehabilitate them. Among its victims is former death row prisoner Deandre Buchanan, a man who has endured targeted retaliation for exposing the inhumane conditions within PCC.

Buchanan, once sentenced to death, fought his way through the system, but his survival has come at a price. PCC officials attempted to strip him of his dignity, silence his voice, and break his spirit through relentless harassment, fabricated infractions, and isolation. His refusal to comply with their cycle of oppression made him a target, yet he remains defiant in seeking justice and exposing the corruption within Missouri’s prison system.

Insiders confirm that PCC’s abuse extends beyond Buchanan—staff manipulate policies to punish whistleblowers, withhold medical care, and enforce brutal conditions. Retaliation is swift for those who speak out, ensuring that PCC remains a stronghold of cruelty, hidden behind bureaucratic indifference.

Buchanan’s story is not just about survival—it’s a call to action. Missouri authorities must investigate, intervene, and dismantle the culture of abuse within PCC before more lives are lost to a system built on fear and silence. Now that he's at JCCC, similar abuse and retaliation occurs with CO's.

South Central Correctional Center (SCCC) remains a breeding ground for abuse, corruption, and medical neglect, protected by nepotism and retaliation. Staff and prisoners alike suffer under unchecked power, with reports of brutality, neglect, and sexual coercion ignored by higher authorities.

Mark Jones, is breaking the silence. He has documented the abuse and secured testimony from officers fed up with the corruption, yet they fear retaliation. Jones is calling for officials in Jefferson City to meet with him—he has names, evidence, and the truth.

But Jones isn’t just exposing the problem—he’s offering a solution. U.S. Rescue Corps, his vision, would train prisoners, veterans, and the homeless in disaster relief, allowing them to rebuild communities ravaged by natural disasters while earning redemption. Veterans could serve with honor, and the homeless could gain stability and purpose.

SCCC’s corruption thrives in silence. Jones is speaking out. Will Missouri leaders listen?

In this powerful and urgent episode of Resilience2Redemption, Reginald Clemons speaks out about the abuse, retaliation, and human rights violations he has endured within the Missouri Department of Corrections. Clemons details a harrowing account of suffering abuse and an attempted sexual assault by a Correctional Officer, whom he names in his testimony. He further exposes a pattern of misconduct, including allegations of rape and abuse involving a mentally ill prisoners and a female correctional staff , one have a current lawsuit—Lawson vs. Missouri Department of Corrections—brought forth by a 65-year-old staff employee.

Clemons calls on the Governor of Missouri to lift a protective order preventing the full exposure of these retaliatory actions, particularly against himself and eight other prisoners who were maced for praying during Ramadan as practicing Muslims. He provides documentation and proof of systemic cruel and unusual punishment dating back to his time at Potosi Correctional Center from 1993 to 2018, where he alleges the facility engaged in record tampering and illegally monitored privileged legal phone calls, including conversations with his attorneys and chaplain.

This episode is a must-listen for those advocating for prison reform, transparency, and accountability in the criminal justice system. Clemons' testimony sheds light on the deeply entrenched corruption within Missouri's prison system and the urgent need for public safety changes.

DeAndre Buchanan’s story is one of redemption and reflection. Once sentenced to death for the murders of loved ones while under the influence of PCP, his sentence was later commuted to life without parole due to a technicality. DeAndre openly acknowledges the pain he caused and continues to seek forgiveness for his actions. Featured in Netflix’s documentary I Am a Killer, he shares his journey of facing the consequences of his choices and finding ways to advocate for restorative justice. Deandre highlights moments not included in the documentary, such as a powerful visit from the grandmother of his daughters, seeking understanding and healing after her daughter’s tragic death. Their shared commitment to their two beautiful granddaughters underscores the possibility of reconciliation amidst loss. Hear DeAndre’s exclusive interview for insights into that fateful night and his ongoing efforts to make amends.

The case of Alan Clark underscores the systemic corruption within Jackson County, Kansas City, where allegations of police misconduct have plagued the criminal justice system. It is well-documented that officers in this jurisdiction have faced charges for mishandling cases to secure convictions. Such corruption raises serious doubts about the integrity of past convictions, including Clark's.

Notably, Sean Carter, Jay-Z, and Team ROC, along with the Midwest Innocence Project, recently filed a motion for a change of judge in a lawsuit against the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department (KCKPD) and the Unified Government. Their efforts to expose injustice further highlight the critical need for accountability in the region.

Given this context, Alan Clark’s case warrants urgent attention from the Conviction Integrity Unit to review potential misconduct. Seeking relief for Clark is not only a matter of justice but also a step toward restoring faith in a system riddled with corruption.

Vanessa Strength’s journey is one of resilience and unwavering courage. Sold into human trafficking by her own mother at just 13 years old, Vanessa endured unimaginable pain and loss. Years later, she reunited with her brother, who had also been trafficked, only to tragically lose him to murder in the mid-2000s. Despite the scars of her past, Vanessa has become a fierce advocate for change, dedicating her life to empowering women and survivors in Texas to break free from the chains of exploitation. Through her advocacy, she sheds light on the harsh realities of being a trafficking survivor—navigating trauma, seeking justice, and finding a voice to help others reclaim their lives.

Mark Jones, an inmate at South Central Correctional Center (SCCC), proposed a technical solution to combat contraband issues in prisons. He suggested a bracelet device that monitors heart rate, blood pressure, and movement to detect signs of drug use or unauthorized activity. This innovative idea could enhance safety and accountability within correctional facilities.

However, Jones also highlighted a troubling rights violation at SCCC. Caseworkers allegedly open legal mail in front of prisoners, make copies for them, and send the originals to investigators to test for drugs—potentially from attorneys. This practice violates constitutional protections, including the right to confidential legal communication, as outlined in 18 U.S.C. § 1702 (Obstruction of Correspondence) and 42 U.S.C. § 1983 (Civil Rights Violation).