ConComCorp.com Blog

                                                                        Reform Ecstasy Sentencing Now

If you or someone you know has been sentenced (or will be) under the federal guidelines, there is important information available regarding the disproportional sentences MDMA offenders receive compared to other more harmful drugs. The circumstances surrounding MDMA sentencing are similar to reasons that compelled the Sentencing Commission to amend guidelines on four previous occasions. ( Most recently, the crack cocaine amendment 2007).

MDMA (ecstasy) Sentencing Information:

MDMA has fewer related fatalities than nearly all the other drugs on the equivilency table, with MDMA having less than .50 of 1% of drug abuse fatalities and 2% to 3% of what is attributed to cocaine. (As reported the the Government’s foremost reporting agency DAWN – Drug Abuse Warning Network) There is also a  recent report by the British Government’s, Advisory Counsel on the Misuse of Drugs, affirming these facts.

Yet , MDMA sentences are calculated at (2 1/2 ) times that of cocaine at the gram level and five times on a dose comparative basis.  Even heroin, has a lower dose to dose ratio. This contravenes the sole purpose of the equivilancy table…to provide proportionate ratios based on a harm compatrative basis.  The empirical (medical/scientific) data proves categorically that MDMA is not as harmful as cocaine and heroin.

In plain language the guidelines are flawed; the marijuana equivilant used to calculate MDMA sentences is disproportionate to its proven harm and creates the very disparity the guidelines were established to correct.

There is a current proposal being drafted to the Sentencing Commission to amend the guidelines back to the original ratio (35 to 1, from the current 500 to 10).  We are in discussions with a former US Attorney and a former

“A Man Working Hard To Maintain His Sanity”

I am not quite sure how I should introduce myself. I understand the value of first impressions. Do allow me to give u a brief summary of the darkness that has surrounded my state of being over the years.

I will commence by stating my name is: Johnny Jahya Harris and I am currently serving a sentence at SCI-Forest. I am engaged in a battle to overcome this sentence, that was imposed upon me by this bloodthirsty state of Pennsylvania.  I was convicted without any physical evidence linking me to this crime. This state, through zealous prosecution and persecution, managed to attain a conviction on their third try; two prior trials resulted in Hung Juries/mistrials. As well as, a part of this sentence being vacated and another unjust sentence being imposed.

When dealing with an unjust and wicked system of oppression, you are faced with many evils that will not stop until they have you imprisoned.

It’s an ongoing struggle for life each day in this environment, as it was, when I was a free young man on the streets of Philadelphia (Philly). However, I offer these words because a human heart can only be torn asunder for so long, before it’s hardened and the fighting positive spirit deteriorates to the point where a human being becomes, someone other than himself.

The psychological torture I’m forced to endure, can only be sustained but for so long before it starts taking me under.

As a man working hard to maintain his sanity, I’m reaching out to you (those who are caring and willing to help save a good heart) for whatever support that can be given, to a man in my position!

I must keep fighting against this system, in order to maintain a sense of balance in life. This way, I won’t fall victim to this diabolical place. I don’t want to fall into the deep dark waters of (hatred, ignorance, and deceit) that besiege my vitality. This is why I am extending my hand out to you, in order to keep my mind where it should be, on productive matters.

It’s my sincere hope that you will take the time to engage me in some serious dialogue. These words are not sent to garner sympathy, because the light of truth shall shine over my head one day.

                Submitted By Inmate:

                                                  Johnny Yahya Harris CF-5206

                                                                       SCI Forest, Box 945, Marienville, PA 

                                                                         16239