Readerspeak
Dec. 5, 1997
Dear Editor,
HELP!
I am being held hostage at the Norfolk County House of Correction on an eight-year old domestic case. I was surrendered to the remaining 20 month of a 2 1/2 year sentence in December of 96. I previously served the initial 10 months in 1991. I was surrendered for allegedly failing to maintain contact with my probation officer before relocating out of state after my release. I can prove that I reported for the two years of my releases, however, my probation officer had long since retired. Someone activated my case and issued a warrant, part of the sweeping trap involving all domestic cases.
The day I wrapped up my ten months in '91 I was handed a notice by the Sheriff's office informing me my visits with my daughter had been suspended for allegedly making threats to harm her and her mother upon my release. I never made any such statements, however all my visitations with my daughter were immediately suspended.
I went to Dedham Family Court and asked them to help me face my accuser in court to substantiate these allegations and was told it's not their responsibility. I was told I had to have a sheriff serve her a summons with a ten-day notice to appear; however, they would not give me her address.
My ex-girlfriend, upon being granted temporary full custody, was given the golden opportunity to pack up my daughter and disappear without a trace. I have not seen my daughter (who is my only child) since she was stolen from me at the age of three. She will be eleven in January of 1998. Obviously this matters to absolutely no one except me in this evil system.
I guess my daughter gets cheated out of her father for life, that's the real crime, as well as someone getting away with making such a sick accusation and walking away without so much as a fucking hearing from the court.
Meanwhile, because I refused to participate in the domestic anger management classes here at N.C.C.C.S.O. and go along with all their little programs, I was denied work-release - halfway houses, or any positive placement. I was told to go to substance abuse unit although I have never been convicted of a drug offense and I am not serving a new sentence, nor have I since my release in 1991....
I need help finding my daughter, I am, and have been, worried about her. There's no justice left for fathers.
John Ragucci, Inmate # 89491
PO Box 149
Dedham, MA 02026
There but for the grace of God ... We have received several letters from inmates. Unfortunately, we simply do not have the time or resources to respond and help these individuals. If anyone is willing to volunteer to coordinate, we will cooperate in a prisoner outreach program to provide some help to these people.
- Editor