Pieces of my puzzle
Part of my story is that in my active addiction I broke many laws and paid many prices for them. One of the biggest is the scars on my permanent record for each crime I paid a price for. I am working to clean that part of my past up. In that regard I have reached out to people who used to hold me accountable in my community. One of the most influential authorities whether she knew it or not was a parole officer I once was under charge of named Jennifer. I recently contacted her regarding this project. Yesterday I received correspondence from her with the following letter attached.
This is a letter she has prepared on my behalf in order to attach to a governors pardon application.
“Dear Governor Beshear,
I am writing to you today with the utmost sincerity and conviction to recommend a full pardon for Michael Deno, a remarkable individual who has transformed his life through the power of recovery and redemption.
I have known Michael for many years, first as his Social Service Clinician and then as his Probation and Parole Officer. During those challenging times, I witnessed firsthand the grip that addiction had on his life. He struggled with opiates and methamphetamine, which led to the breakdown of his family relationships, his inability to maintain employment, and a life entangled in criminal activities. The last time I saw him, he was being arrested for a probation violation related to a drug charge, and it was heart-wrenching to witness his downward spiral.
However, the Michael Deno that I now know is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. He has been sober and in active recovery for an impressive 9 years, and the changes he has undergone are truly remarkable. Michael has mended his relationships with his wife and four children, and he is actively involved in his local church, River of Life, where he has fostered a deep, personal relationship with God.
In the years since his last interaction with the justice system, Michael has accomplished so much. He is currently a student at Shawnee Community College, where he was elected Student Trustee and is a member of the prestigious Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, as well as the Student Support Services (SSS) and Esports programs. Additionally, he volunteers at the local Food Bank, where he was once a client, and he is on the cusp of earning his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Computer Systems and Security Specialist.
But perhaps the most remarkable aspect of Michael's journey is his desire to help others who are struggling with addiction. He is in the process of establishing his own non-profit organization, The House of Care, with the aim of guiding others down the path of recovery and redemption that he has trodden.
Governor Beshear, I firmly believe that Michael Deno is a shining example of what is possible when someone is given the chance to turn their life around. He has worked tirelessly to make amends, to better himself, and to become a productive, contributing member of society. His story is one of hope, resilience, and the transformative power of recovery.
I humbly implore you to consider granting Michael Deno a full pardon. He has more than earned this opportunity to move forward with his life, free from the burden of his past mistakes. I truly believe that this act of clemency would not only be a testament to Michael's unwavering commitment to his own rehabilitation, but it would also send a powerful message of hope and second chances to all those who are battling addiction.
Thank you for your time and consideration. I stand ready to provide any additional information or support that may be helpful in your decision-making process.
Sincerely,
(hidden Name)
Retired KY State Employee 2020”