Will I be a free man in 2004? Maybe, maybe not. As far as my release, at this point I am due to be released from the Federal system in November 2004. Then I have an additional 5 to 15 year sentence in NY State. I would probably serve at least 8 years in NY, possibly more.

There is a possibility that I may be able to appeal my New York time on the basis of double punishment, but that is not yet decided. Obviously there is a major difference between being released in 2004 and going on to serve another eight plus years! But more on that later.

I am still very interested in computers and see the Internet and my programming skills as my way to earn a living upon my release. You should see how screwed up the systems are here! This is another topic for future letters.

[Editor] Updated Dec. 17, 2004: The good news is Pete is no longer a Federal prisoner. The bad news is that he is now a New York State prisoner. His NY appeal is still pending. If this appeal is unsuccessful, he will not be a free man until 2009 at the earliest.
  ¶ 3:08 PM