Tuesday, April 7, 2009

... And That's a Wrap Here...

Updated @ 4/12/2009: Any additional information about Harlow Cuadra and Joseph Kerekes' case will be made available at Harlow & Joe... Part 2.

PC

Harlow to File Appeal...

Sources tell me that an attorney is preparing to file an appeal for Harlow Cuadra.

Update @ 4:26 PM: The appeal has been filed to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania by Attorney Paul J. Walker.

Update @ 4:34 PM: The appeal is from "the Conviction and Sentence on March 16, 2009".

Update @ 4:41 PM: The Citizens' Voice is also reporting that Harlow Raymond Cuadra, who was convicted of first-degree murder and given a life sentence for Bryan Kocis' January 2007 stabbing death, is appealing his guilty verdict.

Cuadra "hereby appeals to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania from the Conviction and Sentence on March 16, 2009," reads a one-page document filed at the Luzerne County Courthouse today by Cuadra's attorney Paul J. Walker.

Cuadra, 27, of Virginia Beach, Va., was found guilty following a three-week-long trial, but the jury could not reach a unanimous decision for the death penalty.

Update @ 5:50 PM: If I had to guess... the appeal will have something to do with inadequate time for Harlow's (paid) attorney's to mount a proper defense... that and probably some moaning about the Fannick issue a year ago (that's my guess). Look for the complete filing to the Superior Court to be revealed shortly.

Sunday, April 5, 2009

I am Harlow Raymond Cuadra...

It's quite interesting to watch this again, especially now knowing that Harlow Cuadra was found guilty of first-degree murder, and sentenced to two life terms:



What's most interesting to me: contrary to what Harlow Cuadra thought/says... the jurors that I've spoken with had no issue about the 'being gay' factor... hell, some of them even happily admitted to having gay family members... but I guess just like the testimony during his trial... Harlow's 'spin' didn't win.

Ever since Harlow's arrest, many shouted from the rooftops... 'Harlow's innocent'... 'Harlow wouldn't hurt a fly'... 'Harlow was framed'... etc.

Hmm... makes you wonder where all of these same so-called 'supporters' are now, as it's been a virtual 'cricket-fest' ever since the verdict was announced by the jury.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

The Inmate Handbook

When you're going to spend the rest of your life in prison, I guess reading a handbook that's 77 pages long can help pass some of the time away. This inmate handbook was given to Harlow Cuadra and Joseph Kerekes when they arrived at SCI Camp Hill. It's an interesting read:

"The Mission of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections is to protect the public by confining persons committed to our custody in safe, secure facilities, and to provide opportunities for inmates to acquire the skills snd values necessary to become productive law-abiding citizens; while respecting the rights of crime victims."

"The purpose of this handbook is to provide general information to you and others interested in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC). When DOC policies are changed you will be given notice of the change(s), and the most current policy will become effective, regardless of what information is in this handbook. A new handbook will be issued at least every three years.

The handbook is not a guide to the detailed policies of the DOC (which are subject to change) or all procedures in effect at each DOC facility. That information will be made available to you during the facility's reception and orientation program. The material in this handbook will help you understand what you will encounter when you enter the DOC, and help you in your adjustment to facility life.

You are to keep this handbook from the time it is given to you until you are released. If your handbook is lost or ruined, you may receive a new one, but you must pay for it. The cost of the new handbook will be determined when you get the new one. You are expected to conduct yourself in an orderly and mature manner and to respect the rights of others. Some of the programs and services available to you are mentioned in this book. You may get more information about available programs or services by reading your Facility Handbook Supplement, or by sending a request slip to the staff member in charge of that program or service. You should discuss your needs, goals, and interests with staff. Your conduct and attitude will be observed and will be reviewed by staff when they consider you for programs, pre-release, parole, and other privileges. You should try to make good use of the time you are in the DOC by using programs and services to better yourself and get ready for parole. If you are serving a life sentence, taking part in programs and being misconduct free is an important part of the commutation process.

You are responsible for knowing and following all of the DOC's rules that directly affect you. When a rule change is made, you will either be issued a bulletin that outlines the change and a notice will be posted on the housing unit bulletin boards. All notices and signs prepared by DOC officials are considered policy and must be followed. All of the policies containing rules that directly affect you are available on your housing unit and in the facility library. The policies in the library may be checked out just like a library book."

Inmate Handbook

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

After Camp Hill... the Next Step

Once classification is completed and room becomes available, convicted murders' Harlow Cuadra and Joseph Kerekes will likely be moved to another facility. Once they get to their respective prison(s), they'll meet with a corrections counselor that will help them make a Correctional Plan:

The Correctional Plan is intended to serve as a "road map" for the inmate to help him chart behavior and program activities during his life in custody. The Correctional Plan lists problems and treatment needs to be worked on by the inmate and recommends specific programs that the inmate needs to attend. Additionally, the Correctional Plan makes it clear that the inmate is expected to maintain good housing, work and school evaluations and remain misconduct free.

In addition to the program needs, the Correctional Plan looks at the inmate’s custody level and interests. The Correctional Plan is signed by both the inmate and the counselor and is reviewed and updated at least once a year. The Correctional Plan includes maintaining good behavior, going to school if needed and having a job in the facility. The results of the Correctional Plan are given to the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole so that the Board knows whether the inmate has worked on his/her program and how the inmate has behaved while in prison. This will help decide if the inmate is ready to be released or needs to serve more time.

[PC Notes: Since Harlow and Joe have both been sentenced to spend the rest of their lives in prison, it's unlikely the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole would ever consider a release... but then again you never know.]

Source: Prison Handbook for Families and Friends