I did 2 years at Hardee. So many people had life and I was only there for a few years. It changed my perspective. They were so humble and respectful as long as you show respect and don’t get in any mess. So many of them were so happy to see me leave. I’ll never forget.

I’ll never forget my senior year in high school we went on a field trip to a prison and they served us the exact same garbage that we had been eating in public school all those years for lunch. Lol I applied for college the same day.

Life in prison for stealing a woman's necklace? For Christ sake, is this really justice?

coming from someone who went to the penitentiary i'm not going to lie (some) people need to be lock-up cuz they are straight up phycopaths

I lived in FL for about 15 years, moved back up north in 2009 and I can’t express in words just how thankful I am that I did… I won’t lie, I was in a motorcycle accident in 1998 and was prescribed ridiculous amounts of pain medication for years until the government decided to crack down on prescribing regardless of wether the patient had legitimate need of medication or not. My doctor literally retired from practice because, in his own words, he was “too afraid of the DEA”. This was a legitimate doctor mind you, a man who spent 4 decades in medicine and didn’t have an enormous facility or run anything that could even remotely resemble a “pill mill” (insurance only, no on-site pharmacy, etc.). I was forced to transition to buying my medicine on the street which became more and more costly as time went on. Obviously, I eventually landed on heroin and as one can imagine, it caused extensive turmoil throughout all aspects of my life. Again, in the spirit of transparency, I won’t lie. After losing an excellent job, destroying my credit, leeching off family and friends, etc., the well had run dry so to speak so I used my experience within the financial sector to begin committing bank fraud. I was eventually caught and served time for my crimes. I have had in the neighborhood of 40 surgeries since my accident, yet finding consistent treatment is nearly impossible. I have been clean for almost 5 years now, haven’t even had a drink during that time, but I can barely function. If it weren’t for my wife, my parents, friends and others, I wouldn’t be able to live. I spend everyday in constant pain and relief is something I know exists, but because of legislation and the stigma surrounding “drugs”, regular people don’t stand a chance. The reason I shared all of this is because it isn’t often that people look past the crime of an individual to consider why they did what they did. When someone is faced with surviving, they will often make choices that they wouldn’t under other conditions. How many people do you think are in prison with a story similar to mine? I believe it’s exponentially larger than the one in your mind right now. I didn’t grow up a criminal. My mother is an attorney and my father was a professor at Penn University, they’re still married and happy, 48 years in November. I went to a solid school, got my degree from USF, am a card carrying Mensa member, etc. I never hurt anyone in the commission of my crimes, I made sure the fraudulent deposits were covered via FDIC and other oversight mechanisms would ensure that nobody (outside the multi-billion dollar bank) would be liable for anything. I got the harshest sentence possible for my offenses and now live with the moniker “felon” forever. Try getting a job in America as a former heroin addict, felon and borderline disabled person. This man and what I can only imagine amounts to tens of thousands of others deserve better! Some of the most intelligent, loyal, caring people I’ve ever met, I met in prison. The population doesn’t see it that way though. The content of one’s character is irrelevant in America, it’s the size of one’s bank book and sphere of political influence. This entire situation is a fiasco. I apologize for the lengthy comment. This topic is one that hits close to home. I hope the sharing of my story doesn’t come across as making it about me, I wanted to illustrate what I said about WHY someone may have done what they did and how that doesn’t completely encompass their humanity. The best way I could think of was to use my story, as there’s no speculation needed.

Life without parole for robbery or any drug charge is nuts.

Anybody who had anything to do with this man receiving the same sentence as the Parkland shooter with all jokes aside being totally realistic they should be incarcerated themselves, and I mean that very literally anybody involved in such an injustice should be held accountable(killed 17 people is serving the same exact prison sentence as a man who stole a necklace, and nobody was injured. That makes us look really bad.

30 seconds in and you can tell how genuine that one man’s guilt is. Prisoners are regular people. The majority are in for non-violent offenses and/or drug offenses. And every single person in America is one bad day or one MISTAKE away from jail/prison. It doesn’t matter how “good” of a person you are. We badly need reform in our justice system.

I was blessed to see Mr. Saddiqq perform his stand-up comedy show. As a Pardons and Parole Officer , I love to see people transform their lives. Being formerly incarcerated does not define who these people are. They made mistakes but life is not over.

My first reaction is to say don't break the law. The reality of the situation is that life is complicated, people are flawed, and we often make mistakes. There needs to be a reform to the prison and justice system. We know now that many innocent people are convicted, and many more, who may be guilty, are overly sentenced. With the privatization of the prison system the ability to make money off of someone's incarceration takes the blind trust of the justice system into doubt. This man featured clearly made some bad judgments but it's clear to me that he could 100% still be an asset to society.

While this shows the pendulum swung too far one way, punishment not matching crime, in other areas-like California and Washington- there are no consequences for crime. Yes, robbery should be punished, and robbing twice (or any crime twice) should be punished severely, but life without parole for theft is ridiculous and exists only for profit prisons.

I mean they're basically keeping the prison business rolling.

You know what they say, follow the money. I'd love to know how many of the prosecutors and judges have ties to the prison industrial complex. Because for every person sentenced to life means it's a lifetime of profite/income for those sentencing and convicting.

Dont let any of this fool you. There are real criminals doing repeat offenses and they need to be beyond bars. With that said provide better services for helping these people get help to rejoin society.

More people need to watch this.

The two/three-strike rule is horrible, I'll never live in a state like this; even though I wouldn't commit crimes, what counts as a felony nowadays is pathetic and being falsely accused can be deadly.

They should change the name of life without parole to “Death by incarceration” because that’s exactly what it is.

It would be nice to have a honest conservation about the subject of incarceration. Just a simple Google search provided the glossed over details of Dorian Mackeroy. He was in a group who robbed a man, who all beat him, and another individual stabbed with a screwdriver. In the second incident, he wrapped a wrench in a bandanna and pressed it against the woman's head, telling her he would shoot her if she didn't give up her rings and necklace. And this woman is living a life sentence as well because of his actions, still terrified by what occurred. And as predicted, this wasn't even his second rodeo, from the "Tampa Bay Times": "In his early teens, he racked up a string of arrests. Things like running out of the store without paying. Or breaking into cars. Or carrying a concealed weapon." On the numbers of incarcerated people, it would be nice to quit throwing the race card into the discussion. One can easily confirm that over half of all violent crime is being committed by roughly 6% of the population (black males). That is why the two strike law or similar laws are applied, not because of some racist agenda. This is a hard pill to swallow, one that needs to be recognized so that we as a society can work toward reducing those numbers, instead of blaming a phony racist boogie monster. Creating families where the father is present in a young man's life for guidance, and education would go a long way in reducing these numbers, and quit filling kids' head with phony dreams of becoming a sports star or entertainer.

Us prison justice system is f ing broken

Yet another person gets 10-20 s for the same crime with the same record . Give them both 10-20 or both life but not pick and choose who you throw the book at.

How about doing a story on they're victims who have been harmed by the actions.

Prison is a business. They don’t really care about rehabilitating these people. Half, if not, most of the people sitting in there are in there for non-violent crimes or crimes they didn’t even do

The fun part is if you DARE to take your case to trial and LOSE, they’ll use the statute VINDICTIVELY for making them go through a trial. A Fair, speedy trial… you know, that silly wording about rights- doesn’t matter.

I don’t think he should have gotten life without parole but we need to remember, this is a result of his actions. No one forced him to reoffend, he robbed that woman knowing that there could be consequences. That being said, definitely deserves a much lesser sentence.

Harsh punishment, but he did do it. You have to be held accountable for your actions. This is what I teach my kids. Any action you take can come with consequences, and you have to be prepared for that regardless of what they may be.

Get them in young and they're trapped in the prison system forever. If they get out the first time, don't worry, they won't find jobs and will likely re-offend. Meaning they will end back in prison. This makes the prison elites happy. They have free labour.

That dialogue with the guy from the wire. That was amazing

First, prosecutors do not hand down sentences. They recommend and argue for them but only a judge can sentence a person. Second, Vice spends a lot of time pleading the case for convict but they never interview or show the side of the victim.

Just give 'em 50 years and leave the death sentences for murderers. These young thugs need locking up until they're old. Wish we had these types of sentences in the UK..

We can thank drug prohibition for a large part of this....when are we going to be able to act like adults and have an HONEST discussion about drug policy and how prohibition IS NOT WORKING.

The victim of your robbery was someone you knew, you literally study with her.... To this day she still have trauma after what you did to her. She also said recently that the memory of the crime still gives her anxiety and panic attacks. “It doesn’t go away,” she said. She told a reporter not to call her again.

Breaks your heart to see this. Life behind bars for stealing is really messed up

As a former Florida doc inmate prayers to this brother I always felt like the system was harsh but thought it was just my opinion

I can't say I feel sorry for criminals not getting 2nd chances when I see so many murders on news committed by criminals that received a 2nd chance

Non violent burglaries should not be on the three strikes list. I’m supportive of narrow three strikes laws. I also think judges should have the power to overturn the sentences when it would lead to disproportionate sentencing.

Life in prison for armed robbery! That's insane!!!!!!!! 54% are African American whilst African Americans only make up 16% on Florida's population. If minorities don't start understanding how systematic racism is prominent, unfortunately they will continue being the subjects of these institutions. My oldest brother is in Prison in Florida right now, serving time for his second offense, same charge. I told him "you have 1 more time and you'll be sentenced to life in prison". He's originally from N.J, moved to Florida with a women. She's the reason he's in his predicament, I'm Not making excuses for him because overall he's responsible for the choices he's made. However, she's abusive towards him, degrades him, spits on him, calls him the lowest names you can call anyone, he was constantly accused of cheating (when he wasn't), taking his money, getting drunk and sleeping with other men with no recollection of doing so. One day he reacted to her physically attacking and in his own defence he grabbed her up in an attempt to stop the assault, and he then left the home. Well, she called the police and falsified what actually happened. Immediately, the police took her side and locked him up. He's been locked up for a year and a half now. I really wish he'd leave Florida once he gets out because I know if he doesn't he's going to find himself in the worse situation ever, especially if he continues a relationship with the female. Florida's laws are no joke. I'd never want to live there.

I've done almost 10 years behind those walls in the state of Tennessee and that's been with 3 different separate sentences and I think God Tennessee isn't one of those 3 strikes state's or i would be singing those blues still to this day. I understand some of those sentences fit the crimes but when a life sentence without parole for drug charges especially marijuana is beyond ridiculous and WRONG!!!

Nowadays there’s absolutely no reason to rob someone, it’s way to many ways to make a dollar ..It’s hard to feel sorry for someone that commits a crime and are sent to prison .. even tho the punishment might not fit the crime… Could have all been avoided if they didn’t commit the crime in the first place..

Imagine the amount of lives that were saved from the tragedies these criminals bring to society due to these life sentences.

One prison habit I took home & still continue to do this day is spitting into the toilet instead of the sink after brushing your teeth. It just makes sense cuz u don’t get any toothpaste residue left behind in your sink. That also reminds me of one prisoner ritual which was the oddest & toughest to get used to. Any prison I’ve been to where u spend the majority of the day in the cell prisoners are really buggy about keeping the sink absolutely spotless. Every time water hits that sink u wipe it clean afterwards. At first I had a really hard time getting used to this cuz most people will use the same towel designated as the sink towel. The first cellmate I ended up with who did this I absolutely refused to go along with it. I wasn’t gonna wash my hands & then immediately after touch this rag that’s previously been used to wipe out soap scum cuz now your hands are no longer clean. To compromise with that cellmate I told him I would fully bleach the whole sink twice a day but I wasn’t gonna wipe after each individual use. When I ended up in another cell & that guy did the same thing I finally thought of a way I could do it without getting my hands dirty. I just used a longer towel & would always fold it in a way that the dirty side was down & the portion I grabbed was always clean. I understand why people do it tho. That little tiny cell is like your house & the sink is usually right near the door so it’s the first thing people see if they come to your cell. Plus the sinks are typically stainless steel so water spots & soap scum shows easily.

This series is excellent Vice!

This is one of those docs you watch and say well….

Thank you for awesome piece.

What ever awards, recognition, or exposure this show is eligible for it deserves. 100%. Has not once failed to strike a chord with me in every segment.

This law is cruel and ridiculous, how does anyone know for sure that the prosecutor's are really acting for the best interests of the public and not acting on personal grudges or racist views they have ????.

Lawrence Lawrence you continue to amaze me great job

Hands down - what a breath of fresh air-y’all bringing sense to nonsense …

what ali talked about how he started standup thats so awesome, reenacting whole episodes of martin for a whole prison block XD

Going out on a limb and argue some bastards are in need of cheap labour....Follow the money and you'll figure out who benefits from prison labour soon enough.

I feel for this man, and i hope he gets out one day, he looks like someone with a good heart and good intentions that just hung with the wrong crowd.

my favorite serie of vice

Young people deserve to informed and educated about this laws and the consequences that come along breaking the law. Criminals should know that public safety is number priority for any government no matter what ! Just as criminals are not reasonable when committing crimes they should NOT expect the government to be reasonable when punishing crime. When you read the comments section no one is talking about the victims of crime.

Idk why but I really like the way Lawrence talks lol

"Street pharmaceutical rep" my man made it look so plush and posh 😂😂😂

No matter what I would do whatever I could to stay out of jail since I’m afraid of getting raped I know people would fight over me.

"The Walling Dead", is what we "lifers" are in here (CDCR) because even thought we are moving from box to box we are not living. I have been down 18 YEARS and have not seen statistics about how many ppl return, about how Mass Shooters are rarely ex convcts, ect... Anyways, THANK YOU FOR bringing AWARENESS, and providing a VOICE for US in here.

Sad but great reporting as always

Excellent review, 🙏🏾

Yo im from NYC and I've seen it with my own eyes how Rikers Island not can but does turn a 17-18 year old kid with some problems into a 21-22 year old emotionless savage with severe PTSD. Its gotta be one of the most evil places in America with all the violence and stabbings and slashings and feces and urine throwing and self-harm. I see at least one young man a day while walking around with a giant scar from their mouth to their ear. Its insane.

Offenses committed of any kind when you're a minor shouldn't count under the 2 strikes law imo.

Don't do the crime if you can't do the time.

Life without parole for 2 armed robbery’s, with no serious injuries, is absolutely insane. I don’t like saying stuff like this but that definitely has to have some racism involved.

DEATH penalty is a joke when they keep em alive for ,30 years.

Murder, sexual crimes, trafficking, and financial crime (fraud and scams) should get no bail, prison forever with maybe a chance of parole. These criminals ruin lives, beyond the initial victims.

What's crazy if you don't break the law especially like armed robberies then you usually don't go to prison

A life sentence for stealing THINGS is insane, especially since stealing is usually an act of desperation. A good job would end a lot of robbing careers

Why does a man/woman have to pay for something when they’re 41 for a crime they did at 17!!? You’re two different people at the time! Once you’re released from prison you’re still in prison because you’re still limited to what you can do. The JS needs to be rectified immediately!

I been in America for 20 years came from Kenya Africa did not speak english worked my ass off now I make 6 figures in the Tech indudtry. Make education a priority stay away from gangs and gang culture I'm sure you can stay out of prison.

How many strikes do you need? Still haven’t gotten my 1st strike and I’m 62.

This is the most upside down story I’ve seen from vice in while. “Public safety is paramount” he said it best. It’s not a race thing.

The victim would say they didn’t get enough time

A COMMERCIAL AT A MINUTE IN?!?! LOL GFTO!!!

if you got 2 strikes they should keep u, im sorry but enough of our children getting caught in the crossfire

HERE IN SWEDEN WE GET 2 YEARS FOR ARMED ROBBERY. WE NEED TO CHANGE IT TO LIFE IN PRISON!

It's pretty simple if you don't want "harsh treatment." Don't rob people.

It blows my mind what humans are capable of adapting to.

My friend got his three strikes in tdcj every charge was 30 yrs he got total 90 yrs . One day changed his whole life

Still don't compare to the pain a loved one suffers

California: we have a 3 strikes law we are the toughest in the country! Florida: hold my beer.

Informative

Police torture and Prison are the most important thing to be aware of and afraid of in the United States. School to Prison pipelines are open wide and cops have a full immunity to any responsibility for their actions legal or not.

I love how the video started off so serious and then the vibes become relaxed

Love this show. My friend is on Texas DR

Does anyone know how to send a letter to Dorian? Not sure of FL rules and DIN # requirements. Any info for the envelope would help 🙏

Coming from an addict in recovery, among other struggles I've been threw including being incarcerated. This is a prime example of F around and find out!. Like bro you all ready F" ed around and found out the first time!.. then you proceed to F around again? Naaaa chiefy you on yall own😅

I’ll never forget the field trip to the prison. I went to a very rough school. Today I have a idea how to end the cycle of reoffending by opening a Tiny Home Village for Men and Women being released from prison. A place where people being released can come and live while they get their life on track, my plan is to offer job training, provide collage opportunities in a place where Parolees can come and not fall back into crime.

The justice system is all messed up my boy in high school got 3 years for selling drugs but the while one of our other classmates actually got caught with more received community service and probation many believe because he came from an affluent family

16:00 - This guy sounds like he's making the argument to keep prisoners behind bars. lol

im glad there is still good people who want the better for people

It's unfortunate but our society needs more of this. I live in the Minneapolis area and we're experiencing huge spikes in car jackings and assaults since many of these criminals are right back out on the streets with barely a slap on the wrist.

Guys that commit armed robberies will eventually seriously harm or kill someone

Or you could just not rob innocent hardworking people. It’s worked for me all these years. Call me crazy…

I have mixed feelings on this one, Vice. I live in Milwaukee, but grew up in Waukesha. Darrell Brooks was out on some early release parole stuff and bond, and he mowed down the Waukesha Christmas Parade with his SUV in November of 2021, killing several and sending over 50 people to the hospital.. Since then, I have been paying closer attention and irl lives experience tells me that we have yet to figure out a good system on who should be eligible for early release/parole, etc.

There's a lot of people that have really ugly ego's and a deep lack of empathy for others. That mixed with a for profit prison system creates this kind of problem. Huge parts of out society are broken and corrupt.

“To those who have fought for us freedom has a taste the protected will never know, to those who have lost it freedom has a taste that the protected will never appreciate.” - Edwin L. Craft

There's a difference between life in a level 5 maximum security prison, versus a low level prison. That is one way these sentences can differ.

Until a criminal understands that should they commit a crime, are found guilty, and the judicial system removes time reductions/parole, that they will complete full time of sentence, what else does a society do to deter criminal activity???!!!

Need to abolish parole. Do your full sentence and stfu. Any victim crime should be life in prison. Crime needs to be stopped.

I'm currently serving a life sentence with two bogus strike charges, and a prior DV. Wonder who my warden is...

If that necklace thief hadn't been given life, there would be dozens of additional victims, and it typically gets worse over time, today's necklace thief is tomorrows double homicide. Thank you Florida for keeping good people safe. His mom shares the blame, didn't raise him right