(FBOP) - In 2009 Joseph Kelly Lara was sentenced to 240 months (twenty years) in prison for securities fraud. During his time in federal prison, Mr. Lara turned his life around by participating in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) reentry programs. Reentry programs have helped a plethora of former and current adults in custody (AICs) like Mr. Lara become prolific members of society.
Through a partnership with the Mississippi Department of Public Safety: Driver's License Bureau, FBOP employees from Education, Reentry Affairs, and the Unit Team were able to assist Mr. Lara with obtaining his driver's license so he could enroll in the CDL program at Delta Tech College while an AIC at FCC Yazoo City. Recently, Mr. Lara sent an email to Ms. Reams thanking her and the institution for all they did to improve his odds for a successful return to the community. In his email, he says, "Much gratitude to Mr. Lee, Mrs. Foster, Mrs. B. Webb, and Counselor Henderson for making the CDL Program a reality for me at Delta Tech College. What you, M[]s. Reams, and the others did, along with the Camp Administrator was provide[] me with [an] opportunity..."
Once he obtained his CDL, Mr. Lara was hired by Coca-Cola as a driver upon his release into community confinement. Shortly after, he acquired a job driving tractor trailers for the Mississippi Food Network where he earns competitive pay with full medical benefits; dental and vision insurance with no copay; and a guaranteed fifty hours a week. He has "never been late and never missed a day of work" and was recognized as employee of the month. In his own words, "all of this was made possible by the CDL Program [I was enrolled] in. I drive a new [F]reightliner with [a] 53-foot trailer State-wide daily. I am tremendously grateful for this opportunity made possible by all of you. I cannot thank you enough for making it all happen." Mr. Lara will be released from FBOP custody on June 6, 2024.
From an investment and security fraud to beneficial and high-yielding citizen, Mr. Lara proves that -with the support of the FBOP's reentry programs, commitment, and dedication-AICs, both current and former, can turn their lives around for the better.