We Got ’em on the Run

3 CommentsFelix Garcia Case, , , , , , , ,
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By BitcoDavid

Talila Lewis of HEARD sent out an e-mail describing the Florida DOC’s new regulation prohibiting inmates from posting to Internet sites, or – more importantly – having non-inmates post to sites, for them.  A forward within that e-mail, from the Florida Justice Institute, describes the new regs in detail. The ruling would forbid inmates from establishing accounts or maintaining an Internet presence on any Web site. Further, Inmates who have existing accounts would be required to close those accounts, in writing, via the U.S. mails. Florida already prevents inmates from using computers, going online or using e-mail.

Here’s a block quote of the actual ruling as issued by the Florida DOC.

33-602.208 Inmate Internet Presence.
(1) Establishment of accounts or presence on internet websites by inmates.
(a) Inmates are prohibited from establishing or maintaining an account, or any other presence, on any internet website.
(b) Internet website means an internet-based website that has any of the following capabilities:
1. Allows users to create web pages or profiles about themselves, including dedicated websites, blogs, or other online communities, that are available to the general public or to any other users.
2. Offers a mechanism for communication among users, including but not limited to directory, forum, chat room, electronic mail, or instant messaging.
(c) Account or presence means the inmate has an actual account in their name which is created and maintained either by the inmate or by a proxy whereby information is posted about the inmate.
(d) Inmates who create an internet account or have a presence created with the assistance of another person shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C. If an inmate alleges that an account or presence was created without his assistance or permission or that the account or presence was created before this restriction became effective, it is the responsibility of the inmate to request that the account or presence be removed by submitting a written request, within 10 days, to the owner, operator, or administrator of the site if it is reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of such entity. No inmate shall be subject to discipline if the account or presence is not removed subsequent to submission of the written request. If it is not reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the account or presence is located, the inmate must submit Form DC6-236, Inmate Request, to the warden indicating that the account or presence was created without the inmate’s knowledge or consent or that it was placed prior to this restriction. The inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action only if it is discovered that the inmate solicited the creation of the account or presence and that it was created subsequent to this restriction. Form DC6-236, Inmate Request, is incorporated by reference in Rule 33-103.005, F.A.C.
(e) Inmates who post information to the internet or have information posted with the assistance of another person shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with Rules 33-601.301-.314, F.A.C. If an inmate alleges that information was posted without his assistance or permission or that the information was posted before this restriction became effective, it is the responsibility of the inmate to request that the information be removed by submitting a written request, within 10 days, to the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the information is located if it is reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of such entity. No inmate shall be subject to discipline if the information is not removed subsequent to submission of the written request. If it is not reasonably possible for the Department to identify the physical address of the owner, operator, or administrator of the site in which the information is located, the inmate must submit Form DC6-236, Inmate Request, to the warden indicating that the information was posted without the inmate’s knowledge or consent or that it was posted prior to this restriction. The inmate shall be subject to disciplinary action only if it is discovered that the inmate solicited the posting of the information and that it was posted subsequent to this restriction.

Attorney General Pam Bondi

Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi. I wonder if she reads DeafInPrison.com. As much as I put up her picture, you’d think she’d be a fan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Now here’s the thing. Felix Garcia – as you all well know – has one hell of an Internet presence. I must confess that I’m responsible for a big chunk of that, albeit not all of it. Felix’s first foray into the world of Internet media came from an article in Mother Jones Magazine by James Ridgeway. DeafInPrison.com however, has not only chronicled – and is still chronicling – his story, but we created the petition site, post on his behalf to FaceBook, Twitter and all the other big social networks, and we maintain a page, specifically for Felix on FaceBook.

So, I guess all that means, Pam Bondi‘s got me in her sights. I’ll be breakin’ rocks in the hot sun. But you know what? I’m not going to quit. Even after Felix is free, DeafInPrison.com will remain committed to seeking justice for the Deaf and HoH incarcerated in America, for the wrongfully convicted, and for all inmates who suffer injustice, maltreatment or abuse in America’s prisons.

BitcoDavid is a blogger and a blog site consultant. In former lives, he was an audio engineer, a videographer, a teacher – even a cab driver. He is an avid health and fitness enthusiast and a Pro/Am boxer. He has spent years working with diet and exercise to combat obesity and obesity related illness.

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