To: Dean Stensberg, parole chairman, Edward Wall, WI DOC Secretary, The Wisconsin State House, and The Wisconsin State Senate
Release Eric Rivera to his loving family
Name: Eric Rivera 302971, FLCI
Eric is 35 now, has been in prison for 17 years (since 1998), on a charge of 1st degree reckless homicide and 1st degree recklessly endangering safety. His sentence was 45 years which meant that he was eligible for parole after 11 ¼ years. His record of achievement is impressive and includes MATC college correspondence courses plus all the programming allowed him. He has a loving family who s waiting to have him home.
Eric Rivera is one of the hundreds of Old Law prisoners that are given impossible requirements for release. In his case he is supposed to transition to minimum security but the prisons are stuffed and openings are hard to come by. People wait years.
Here is his mother’s statement:
“Eric has been incarcerated for 17 years, served sufficient time, has completed all programs available, demonstrated positive behavior change and has an amazing support system (family and friends) that will assist him in re-integrating into society. I am sure that if given the opportunity he will be a great addition to our community.
Why is this important?
I am Eric’s mother. My whole family has long been waiting for him and we know he is ready. There must be a way that parole is opened up for these prisoners. Upon closing I pray that my son is allowed the opportunity of coming back home. His internal scars will forever remind him of his bad choices. I have faith that on top of that mountain of NO’S there is a YES for our family. We will forever be graciously thankful.