Hey, I’m
Jeffrey
Shortal
Christian/Advocate/Father/Incarcerated
EVER THOUGHT ABOUT COMMITTING A CRIME?
Jeffrey Shortal, a man well-regarded for his goodness and decency, was handed an excessively harsh sentence in the Virginia Judicial system in December of 1999 for his involvement in a bank robbery conspiracy. He did not rob a bank, nor had he actually intended to execute a plan to rob a bank. He simply thought about robbing a bank and discussed it with some friends. In fact, he NEVER COMMITTED a physical crime! He is incarcerated because of his words. Jeffrey- who is a father, grandparent, and a meaningful figure in his community, is suffering immensely due to this over-sentencing. Despite his past mistakes, Jeffrey is a human being who deserves mercy, and a chance to redeem and reintegrate himself into society.
The centerpiece of our demand is that Jeffrey's punishment appears grossly disproportionate given the nature of his conviction. The GLOBAL average sentence for actually committing a bank robbery is around 15 YEARS, far divorced from the decades-long sentence that Jeffrey received (Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics). His punishment not only affects him directly, but also extends to his innocent daughter and grandchildren who are left longing for his presence in their lives.
About Me
Hello, my name is Jeffrey Shortal and I want to welcome you to my website. My goal is to interact with you in this space on topics of interest to me.
It is my desire to discuss topics that, under my life experience, will give a different perspective.
I am 56 years old. I was born in the state of New York and raised between the states of New York and Virginia. I also had the opportunity to live in New Mexico and Florida for short periods as a child. Before I was incarcerated, at the age of 30, I was lucky enough to be able to travel and see most of the United States. Although I have been in prison for more than 25 years, I am much more than a prisoner or a number. I am a proud father of an extraordinary young woman who is a married mother of 4 beautiful children .
My daughter was 6 years old when I came to prison. No child should have to endure the hardships of growing up with a parent in prison. Despite these adversities, I am very proud of our relationship. In addition to being a father and grandfather, I am also a son and a brother. I have a loving family and supportive family who, despite the difficulties of my incarceration, continue to love and support me.