Funds for Justin and Jolene while he's gone

Hi all, if everyone gives a little, it will quickly amount to a lot! Let's do it for Justin, and if not him, for his family who will have to pick up some of the slack and for his dog Jolene to live a happy life until he is home with her. I will be handling the money situation for the next 9 months, as well as collecting for a separate Commissary account, so please reach out to me with any questions or you can always venmo me as well and put Justin's name in the subject line - Annie-Quay is my venmo. Thank you <3

Here is a note from Justin:

On November 17th, 2022, I made a terrible mistake. After attending Suwannee Hulaween, a music and arts festival, I had, in my possession a very small amount of left-over MDMA, aka Molly.

For those of you who aren't familiar, this drug/medicine is in the process of being approved by the FDA. It has reached the final stages, and is only a year or two away from being approved and fully legalized for use in therapy. So far, it's been used to quickly and effectively CURE combat veterans of debilitating PTSD, and has also been used in couples therapy with great success.

Two people, who I thought were my friends, came to me and requested to buy the left over MDMA, weighing in at a total of 1.1 grams. I foolishly agreed, as money was tight and I needed the extra funds.

What I did not realize was that one or both of these individuals had recently been arrested for some sort of crime. Detectives with St. Johns county offered them a way to have their charges dropped so they could walk away free. Their task was to become confidential informants. They would need to seek out drugs and buy them while the police had them under surveillance. They would have to 'rat out' one of their friends, to use the parlance of our times.

For whatever reason, they chose me. Probably because they know I'm not a dangerous or violent drug dealer. Just a beach bum that loves to surf and go see live music. Thus the consequences of their actions would be little, if any. (If the informants are reading this now...OUCH! But also thank you. I am using this opportunity to clean up my act and better myself. I forgive you. But I hope you don't ever do this to anyone EVER again.)

About one year later the state filed the charges and issued a warrant for my arrest. I chose to take full responsibility for my actions. I WILL NOT become a rat under any circumstances. Therefore, on March 4th, 2024, the day before my 40th birthday, I was convicted of selling MDMA, a third degree felony.

I was hoping for probation or house arrest, but alas I was sentenced to 366 days in Florida State Prison. I write this to you now from my cell in St John's county jail, awaiting my transfer to the Department of Corrections, Lake Butler State Prison Facility.

It is not likely that you've ever heard me ask for help. Not my strong suit. But right now I need my friends more than ever. I need to pay two months rent and bills to avoid eviction before my lease is up. I also need storage for my property and money to care for my dog, Jolene, while I'm incarcerated. Jolene is a rescue, fear reactive, and a bite risk. She was severely abused before I adopted her at the age of 8. Any leftover funds will be used to help me get back on my feet once I'm released.

I know my current situation is of my own doing. There is no excuse for my actions. So I do not judge anyone who doesn't see fit to help me. But if you do want to help, and you have the means to do so, I will be forever grateful. If you choose to donate funds please include your name so I can thank you personally when the time comes. Please understand no donation is too small and I will deeply appreciate every cent I receive. My friends and family are graciously handling the funds to use them appropriately on my behalf.

Once I'm transferred to prison I will want to keep in touch with all of you and I'll will have a mailing address and contact information sent out.

If all goes as projected, I will receive standard gain time and be home mid- December 2024.

I look forward to warm hugs and big beautiful smiles upon my release. Its keeping me alive deep in my soul. Sending much love, peace, and strength to you all. Dance real hard and take care of each other for me. I'll see you all in December!

Gratefully, Justin Whitney Christmas (~;-}