Sam Stein

Sam Stein @samstein

This is the story that I was referencing when I said it is the piece of mine that I am, perhaps, the most proud of reporting and writing. I don’t know if an item like this makes it through the clutter. But I certainly hope so. Please share https://t.co/Wh4XlZQb4j — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

And that os the story of Rufus Rochell. He’s 67 years old and spent 31 years of his life behind bars for a crime he likely was not involved in (though he did sell drugs). His best friend in prison got a pardon after writing a pro-Trump book. Rufus has no such means or audience — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

“I never forget what my mom used to tell my brothers, my sister, and me whenever we made a mistake," he told me. "She would say, alright now, ‘You’re going to miss me when I’m gone.’ And we do. I wish I could tell her how much I love her one more time, just one more time.” (19) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

In 2018, Rufus' mom died. When she was young, she would prepare meals for the hungry in the neighborhood even while raising eight kids of her own. Rufus didn't get the chance to say goodbye in person. The last time he'd seen her was nine months before. (18) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

But even if Black does get Rufus out, this story is a not a positive one. it's a story of injustice. It is, in large part, a human tragedy. (17) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

I asked Black if he'd helped Rufus if Rufus had helped him. You'll have to read the story to find out what he said. But, needless to say, it wasn't overwhelming. (16) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

A few weeks ago, Trump pardoned Balck (after he wrote a pro-Trump book). And Rufus was as sure his time would come soon. It's not that he expects Black to help him (though he would love that). He believes Trump's First Step Act will. He's enthusiasm has never been higher. (15) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

Years passed and Rufus remains in Coleman. He's written to Tavis Smiley and Eric Holder. He's gotten help from Bill Nelson's office and from a friend of Joe Biden. His case was championed during the late stage Obama commutation push. Nothing's worked. (14) https://t.co/rn8ZzZzSmL — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

When Black was granted a retrial, he asked Rufus to write a letter attesting to his character. Rufus gladly did. Black was ultimately granted parole. “I think of you often and am grateful yet for your warm reception of me there," Black wrote Rufus. (13) https://t.co/zJmjhYaNJm — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

Rufus and Conrad got along well. They helped inmates with education and law and found subtle absurdities in prison life. On the day Rufus' biological father died, it was Conrad who sat and prayed with him. "We were the best of friends," Rufus told me. (12) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

The guards came in and shut down the floor of his dorm. In walked a white man with white parted hair. It was.... CONRAD BLACK! (11) https://t.co/Wh4XlZQb4j https://t.co/oxfAdscitu — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

So, yeah. It was a different guy. But Rufus was still in prison and he was broken. His fiance was pregnant with their daughter. But over time he turned his disposition around, taught himself Spanish and photography, and so on. Then, one day, something crazy happened. (10) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

The trial was quick and so was the sentencing. But one year later that the cops found the actual dealer: Eugene Scott, who went by the nickname “Ice.” (9) https://t.co/Wh4XlZQb4j — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

The tip they got was that the dealer went by the nickname "Ice." Well, Rufus's cousin was a dealer named Willie “Ice Bird” Reed. Rufus had sold drugs for/with him (though he insists not crack) and the crew got picked up. (8) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

At the time there was a major scandal at the U of Florida. Athletes, including star basketball player Vernon Maxwell, were doing coke. This was post-Len Bias and the school and police pledged to get to the bottom of it. (7) https://t.co/bqzgQZkdR0 — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

Along the way, I discovered something truly incredible. Well, two things actually. The first was that the circumstances around Rufus' arrest were both remarkably unfortunate and somewhat suspicious. (6) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

Rufus and I talked a couple times a week. He'd call me a lot and ALWAYS used the 15 mins allotted. I felt guilty that he spent his phone money on me. But he loved to talk. Relationships were his lifeblood. (5) https://t.co/Wh4XlZQb4j — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

Rufus was an obvious choice. He'd applied for clemency three times. He was a model prisoner who taught fellow inmates, helped with legal issues, and even raised funds for Katrina victims. (4) — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

I met Rufus over email. I was looking to profile a prisoner who didn't get a commutation under Obama and was now petitioning Trump, who was, at least then, presenting himself as a throwback on crime. (3) https://t.co/Wh4XlZQb4j — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

That's because 31 years ago, Rufus was convicted of selling crack. He was 36 at the time and given a 40 year sentence with no chance of parole. He is currently in the federal prison facility in Coleman, Florida. (2) https://t.co/Wh4XlZQb4j — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

Indulge me in a thread about a man named Rufus Rochell who you almost certainly do not know and have never heard of before. (1/???) https://t.co/Wh4XlZQb4j https://t.co/J3NZ0K3h5s — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

And I luv Yashar. Editorial disagreements are…. normal! — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

Everyone here is crazy — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

RT @pnrodenbush: Rufus Rochell has dealt with the randomness of our flawed criminal justice system with an optimism I can’t fathom. It’s ha… — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

RT @Timodc: Rufus Rochell grew up during segregation, got 40 years for allegedly selling drugs to future NBA Star Vernon Maxwell, befriende… — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

@TPCarney @kpoulsen Tim. You’re better than this. — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

RT @MajorCBS: Trump Pardoned Billionaire Conrad Black but Left His Prison Buddy Behind Via ⁦@samstein⁩ “Perhaps it will be legislation sign… — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

@admiralmpj https://t.co/cSiXCITZWH — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

@TPCarney 1. It’s not my story. It’s @kpoulsen’s And 2. Rudy pushed it. Clinton denounced it. Pelosi cited it criticized FB for it, etc. The video sparked a nationwide debate involving the biggest social media company in the world. But sure, there’s no value in knowing who's behind it — PolitiTweet.org

Sam Stein @samstein

@TPCarney Well that would have been a dumb editorial blunder (not just considering, as you know, that this wasn’t just a James Wood RT). I’m glad we think differently. — PolitiTweet.org