My Story

Hello. My name is Quentin Morgan.

In 2009 I was sentenced to 48 years in prison after pleading guilty to second-degree murder and robbery.

I won't make excuses for my actions. At the time it happened I was young, dumb, broke and confused. I was 20 years old with a four month pregnant wife and no job. Bills were coming in and I panicked. I decided I would rob someone and when the guy resisted, I shot him once in his shoulder. Unfortunately, the bullet traveled at an angle and hit his heart. 

Seven months later I was sentenced. Despite my confession and these being my first felony convictions, the circuit court judge still decided to sentence me to 3.5 times my recommended sentencing guidelines range of 10 to 18 years.

Upon review of my case file I discovered that, according to Virginia code 19.2 - 298.01 and Lutrell v Commonwealth, a judge must state in writing any reasons for departure from the recommended sentencing guidelines, the failure to do so constituting a “procedural. error.” According to Federal sentencing statues, such an error would grant me a new sentencing hearing but, unfortunately, Virginia state code currently offers no remedy short of executive clemency. I am not alone in this predicament. According to the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commissions annual reports from fiscal year 2007 to fiscal year 2013, no written reason for departure was provided by judges in more than 3,000 cases in which the sentence imposed exceeded the recommended guidelines. The volunteer organization, Resource Information Help for the Disadvantaged (RIHD), estimates that there are currently 15,000 persons presently incarcerated with sentences like mine. Also, after further study of the federal systems warranted reasons for departure from the recommended guidelines range, I learned that my particular case failed to meet any of the criteria that would have warranted such a high departure.

And although all of this is true, I am basing my petition on more than just procedural errors and technicalities. I am not the same young man who committed those crimes. If the system is truly meant to rehabilitate and not simply punish then it's goal has been met. I am no longer the young, insecure, and frightened young man that committed those crimes.

Although rehabilitation is hard to quantify, I have consistently striven to achieve tangible benchmarks that can serve as evidence of my change of thought and behavior. I have spent these last eleven years working to be my best self and though I am far from finished, the metamorphosis that I have undergone is under night with anyone that has met me by the prisoner or staff alike. To keep me in prison for the next 30 years will not only be a waste of valuable tax dollars and state resources it would be an injustice and perversion of the ideals that our penal system is pledged to uphold.

In the 11 years that I have been incarcerated I have:

–Began the Associate's Degree program at Ashworth College
–Completed the "Thinking For A Change" cognitive treatment program
–Completed the Fatherhood program, "Dad's Inc." where I was featured at the speaker at the graduation ceremony
–Obtained my vocational certification in "Print Production and Graphic Communications"
–Remained infraction free since June 2015
–Served as a "Inmate Representative" on the "Inmate Advisory Committee"
–Served as a Vocational Education teacher's aide
–Gained my ProLiteracy Tutor certification
–earned my ServSafe Food Safety and Preparation certification
–Maintained steady employment
–served as a moderator for various religious programs
–Served as a mentor and unofficial GED aide for many young men
–Earned college credits through the Adult Basic Education Program
–started Lost Word Publishing a book publishing company to help inmate authors like himself
–Self-published five books under the pen name Q. Jones III and have wrote 7 others
–work with the nonprofit “Victorious Ambition”
–Most importantly, I've been an active father and good example for my daughter. 

I admit that I did something horrible. I often wonder if I will ever be forgiven for my crimes. But whether I am forgiven or not I know I had to make the situation more than just tragedy. I am grateful to be alive and I work hard to honor my victims Life by helping others be their best self as well. I believe that "beliefs" are the basis of action and it was my fault belief system that led me to commit such horrible acts. And with that understanding I have diligently worked to correct those beliefs within myself and others.

I see myself as a spiritual man. I believe that all life is connected and that by the end of life, it is intelligent and good. I do my best to be a mentor and example that breeds positive transformation; If it is possible, I would not mind going to the military to pay off more of my debt to society as well. 

I have met many new people during my incarceration and it is inspiring to see myself through their eyes. I am very hard on myself and it probably is the load of guilt that I feel for what I've done. But I do believe that in my essence I am a good man. I have received many support letters from people who have known me in the past just met me and even from some staff members at prisons I've been to. I do not believe I am a threat to anyone. I have a strong support system and when I re-enter society I plan to do so as a contributing citizen.

I ask that you sign this petition and add your name to my list of supporters. If it is possible please share it on your social media platforms or anywhere else. Thank you. I appreciate all the love and support. I will not let you down.