Hi, I'm Terry Helvey. Some of you may know that name from the movie, the documentaries or even by my much televised trial, but very few people reading this know the real me. Let me first say, I’m very saddened by how my name and my incredibly stupid & regrettable actions 31 years ago were used to divide this country and the last thing I'm seeking is to have my actions now used to create more division. I’m reaching out because right now my problem is a universal one, and one, I think everyone can get behind, no matter their feelings toward me.
My time has been served, despite this, I’ve not been allowed to reenter society or go home to my elderly parents. There are those who carry so much hate for me that they’ve convinced authorities to look the other way and ignore the fact that my sentence was up long ago. Maybe some of you might wonder why you should even care if a person who’s committed a crime stays behind bars? You should care because government, military officials & political parties abusing their power to deny anyone their freedom, is a very dangerous precedent to set. Under federal guidelines I should have been released October, 2022. Under military guidelines (the old law ones that I fall under) I should have been released 17 or 18 years ago, but due to "politics" here I sit, still in prison.
Some facts: I'm 51 now, but I was 20 years old when I committed my offense. I'm a youthful offender, a first time offender and obviously a veteran. In my 31 years locked up I have not been in any trouble, I've taken every program made available to me, and I know I’ve become a better man in these years. My crime was unpremeditated and it was not a hate crime, nor do I hate anyone. I’ve apologized and expressed my deep regret numerous times in person to the victim’s family and I want to formally apologize to everyone that my crime impacted – I am so sorry.
On a personal note, my parents are disabled and they need me. My mother worked 2 jobs my entire childhood to take care of her children and now it’s my turn to step-in and help her. I've done double the average time served for people that have committed my crime and more than 150% over the sentencing commission's recommendation for my crime. I’ve served my time. I’m asking for my second chance, for due process, and for what should be legally granted to me - my freedom. I’m up against political counter parts that hold an unconscionable advantage, which means I’m in need of a lawyer who can take this to court and expose the gross overreach of power and for that I need all of your support. My motto is Faith, Family, Flag, and I love what this country is supposed to stand for. I'm asking everyone that believes in freedom and second chances to help in any way you can.
Any funds left over after attorney’s fees will go a long way to helping me get on my feet. Thank you for caring.
