Lamont Jones

The rats are the size of a book bag. There's cockroaches two inches, three inches long in that joint. And I can tell you what, when he was walking me down the steps to that basement, I was walking into a torture chamber.

The rats are the size of a book bag. There's cockroaches two inches, three inches long in that joint. And I can tell you what, when he was walking me down the steps to that basement, I was walking into a torture chamber.

You couldn't tell someone that's done time there that these things weren't happening. This is serious. This is family. And I want to know what happened. So many people are passing away here.

You couldn't tell someone that's done time there that these things weren't happening. This is serious. This is family. And I want to know what happened. So many people are passing away here.

When we confront you, the first thing you do is deny. I'm like, either you're naive or you're just a part of covering this up. Shame on every single person responsible for the death of so many people inside of this building.

When we confront you, the first thing you do is deny. I'm like, either you're naive or you're just a part of covering this up. Shame on every single person responsible for the death of so many people inside of this building.

People are excited. Of course, you know, you have the machine at work. They can see me coming like a Justin Douglas. You know, I'm not a part of the status quo. I am not owned. I am not bought. I am not paid for. So the response that I'm getting to the community, they are ready for change for the people that really understand and the people that really know Lamont Jones from his core.

People are excited. Of course, you know, you have the machine at work. They can see me coming like a Justin Douglas. You know, I'm not a part of the status quo. I am not owned. I am not bought. I am not paid for. So the response that I'm getting to the community, they are ready for change for the people that really understand and the people that really know Lamont Jones from his core.

Even when I was making mistakes as a young man, I never was a person to overlook someone that was in need. I was always a compassionate person. I think my spirit, my aura exemplifies that through action. And the people are ready. When we are elected, I'm just going to speak that into existence, not only would I be the first African-American male to ever take the seat in Harrisburg. Wow.

Even when I was making mistakes as a young man, I never was a person to overlook someone that was in need. I was always a compassionate person. I think my spirit, my aura exemplifies that through action. And the people are ready. When we are elected, I'm just going to speak that into existence, not only would I be the first African-American male to ever take the seat in Harrisburg. Wow.

Yeah, that's history. I didn't know that. Right? Right. they're going to see a mayor that's focused on reentry. You're going to see a mayor just as you see a councilman, roll his sleeves up, on the ground, be accessible. You will be able to see me at your local grocery store, at your barbershop.

Yeah, that's history. I didn't know that. Right? Right. they're going to see a mayor that's focused on reentry. You're going to see a mayor just as you see a councilman, roll his sleeves up, on the ground, be accessible. You will be able to see me at your local grocery store, at your barbershop.

You still want to make sure that you have the pulse of your community and that accessibility so you can actually see in real time the issues that people are dealing with. And I think that's what I'm going to be able to bring to the city of Harrisburg. But I don't want to make a career out of this.

You still want to make sure that you have the pulse of your community and that accessibility so you can actually see in real time the issues that people are dealing with. And I think that's what I'm going to be able to bring to the city of Harrisburg. But I don't want to make a career out of this.

If you fix something, you come into a space and you make it better than it was before you got there, then move on to do something else. You know, I actually get to get into a position similar to Commissioner Douglas to actually have real effect.

If you fix something, you come into a space and you make it better than it was before you got there, then move on to do something else. You know, I actually get to get into a position similar to Commissioner Douglas to actually have real effect.

during your investigative reporting, which I do commend you on. Uncovering a lot of the things that you uncovered, I didn't know until I read a little bit about some of the anxiety and stuff that you experience when you learn some of this information.

during your investigative reporting, which I do commend you on. Uncovering a lot of the things that you uncovered, I didn't know until I read a little bit about some of the anxiety and stuff that you experience when you learn some of this information.

What was it like to uncover some of these things?

What was it like to uncover some of these things?

For me, there's certain things in this job. A lot of my job is not just overseeing or looking at our budget and policy, but also the constituent services and some of the conditions that I see people are living in. And it's hard for me to sleep at night. You know, when I see that and I'm like, that's what makes the fight more worthwhile. But is that kind of what you were experiencing?

For me, there's certain things in this job. A lot of my job is not just overseeing or looking at our budget and policy, but also the constituent services and some of the conditions that I see people are living in. And it's hard for me to sleep at night. You know, when I see that and I'm like, that's what makes the fight more worthwhile. But is that kind of what you were experiencing?

So was it pressured? Because you like, once you see people really gravitating to your writings and it's like, okay, we can trust this guy. You know, I've connected you with several people like, hey, you know, I know we don't trust reporters, but this is one that... I can trust and I think you should trust them as well.

So was it pressured? Because you like, once you see people really gravitating to your writings and it's like, okay, we can trust this guy. You know, I've connected you with several people like, hey, you know, I know we don't trust reporters, but this is one that... I can trust and I think you should trust them as well.

So was it more so of the pressure like people are depending on me to do this work and get this information accurate?

So was it more so of the pressure like people are depending on me to do this work and get this information accurate?

So it's just not a job.

So it's just not a job.

I think our relationship has budded. into a real relationship. We see each other occasionally at events, but no, not hanging out. But I think that's something we need to do.

I think our relationship has budded. into a real relationship. We see each other occasionally at events, but no, not hanging out. But I think that's something we need to do.

We're going to do it this summer. I haven't been to Hershey Park in years, man, and I'm just a roller coaster freak. I'll go to any park, and all I will do is spend my day riding roller coasters. I'll have a lot of anxiety, but we'll do it.

We're going to do it this summer. I haven't been to Hershey Park in years, man, and I'm just a roller coaster freak. I'll go to any park, and all I will do is spend my day riding roller coasters. I'll have a lot of anxiety, but we'll do it.

For me, I think the last time actually Well, being there was the last, I want to say, two meetings ago. That was my first time in a while. They know that I was fighting, and I am fighting to change the conditions because I don't know how many people ever came back after incarceration to stand and fight. There was times when I was younger and I was incarcerated and I would come out.

For me, I think the last time actually Well, being there was the last, I want to say, two meetings ago. That was my first time in a while. They know that I was fighting, and I am fighting to change the conditions because I don't know how many people ever came back after incarceration to stand and fight. There was times when I was younger and I was incarcerated and I would come out.

I'd be like, you know what? I'm going to do this. And as soon as I got out, I said...

I'd be like, you know what? I'm going to do this. And as soon as I got out, I said...

Woo!

Woo!

And I said it was strong because we haven't heard this from someone sitting in these seats. Even for me, he said this is the most monies that he's made in his life. This is the least money I've ever made in my life. I wish I had your salary. So again, it's not about the money. We have to be able to bring people back and get them to trust government again.

And I said it was strong because we haven't heard this from someone sitting in these seats. Even for me, he said this is the most monies that he's made in his life. This is the least money I've ever made in my life. I wish I had your salary. So again, it's not about the money. We have to be able to bring people back and get them to trust government again.

And if it's only just him and I, hopefully this trends in the right direction. Changing a culture, that doesn't happen overnight. And putting people in the right places. still they get pushed back because of how they're looking to operate and implement change. So I'll give you an example, the room and board. I'm like, why would I pay to stay in prison?

And if it's only just him and I, hopefully this trends in the right direction. Changing a culture, that doesn't happen overnight. And putting people in the right places. still they get pushed back because of how they're looking to operate and implement change. So I'll give you an example, the room and board. I'm like, why would I pay to stay in prison?

I was like, wait a minute, taxpayers are already paying for people to be housed. Why are we double dipping? When it first started, it was supposed to be a deterrent, but obviously it went way beyond that. And this created a lot of debt for people. And it actually was, another way to keep recidivism going.

I was like, wait a minute, taxpayers are already paying for people to be housed. Why are we double dipping? When it first started, it was supposed to be a deterrent, but obviously it went way beyond that. And this created a lot of debt for people. And it actually was, another way to keep recidivism going.

So once we were able to bring it to a minimum, I don't want to say to an end because I think they still collect 125 to come in. But then after that, for him to be really pushing to, let's take this debt off the people. The baton was kind of like handed and he took it and ran with it.

So once we were able to bring it to a minimum, I don't want to say to an end because I think they still collect 125 to come in. But then after that, for him to be really pushing to, let's take this debt off the people. The baton was kind of like handed and he took it and ran with it.

And I was like, wow, you know, so that's a huge change because not only did it take the strain off of those individuals that were being housed there, it also helped the families on the other side.

And I was like, wow, you know, so that's a huge change because not only did it take the strain off of those individuals that were being housed there, it also helped the families on the other side.

I'm still not sold. And that's just my honesty. And I could tell them that to their face, you know, until I see some more significant things happening. Because again, like he said, a system, it's been in place. I'm looking to see that we expose more to things that aren't right. If another guard does something that's out of pocket, I think it should be publicly shared.

I'm still not sold. And that's just my honesty. And I could tell them that to their face, you know, until I see some more significant things happening. Because again, like he said, a system, it's been in place. I'm looking to see that we expose more to things that aren't right. If another guard does something that's out of pocket, I think it should be publicly shared.

So not only the people know that this is happening, But it also sends a message to any other congressional officer. Hey, if you're involved in this type of behavior, we're going to put your picture up. I don't think that there should be a shield there when it comes to that. So I'm looking forward to seeing things like that.

So not only the people know that this is happening, But it also sends a message to any other congressional officer. Hey, if you're involved in this type of behavior, we're going to put your picture up. I don't think that there should be a shield there when it comes to that. So I'm looking forward to seeing things like that.

They're okay, but for my cousin Carmen, she probably will never be okay. You know, she's very silent now. And she's been a private person anyway, but this right here with her only child, It's like pain. You know she's dealing with it. I think it's still going to take time for our family to wrap our heads around this, especially finding out

They're okay, but for my cousin Carmen, she probably will never be okay. You know, she's very silent now. And she's been a private person anyway, but this right here with her only child, It's like pain. You know she's dealing with it. I think it's still going to take time for our family to wrap our heads around this, especially finding out

what we found out versus what we were told in the beginning. So that's the painful piece in my family. They know I'm the fighter, so they don't mind me being on the front line and saying the things that I need to say. So the family has not completely healed, and I think it's still going to take some time.

what we found out versus what we were told in the beginning. So that's the painful piece in my family. They know I'm the fighter, so they don't mind me being on the front line and saying the things that I need to say. So the family has not completely healed, and I think it's still going to take some time.

So I think, yeah, just keep them in your prayers and continue doing the works that we're doing here to expose some of this.

So I think, yeah, just keep them in your prayers and continue doing the works that we're doing here to expose some of this.

I want people to be able to pick up this baton, and again, not just looking at Tyreek Riley or Ishmael or Jamal or all of the other people that have lost their lives, to join in this fight to make sure people are protected and safely getting to court, safely being able to serve their sentence and get out.

I want people to be able to pick up this baton, and again, not just looking at Tyreek Riley or Ishmael or Jamal or all of the other people that have lost their lives, to join in this fight to make sure people are protected and safely getting to court, safely being able to serve their sentence and get out.

So I go and I see the pictures at my cousin Carmen's, which is Tyreek's mother. There's a few family members that came and gathered on the porch outside. And I was pulled to the side and they let me see them. And I was like, wow.

So I go and I see the pictures at my cousin Carmen's, which is Tyreek's mother. There's a few family members that came and gathered on the porch outside. And I was pulled to the side and they let me see them. And I was like, wow.

I was like, the body doesn't do this. You can see where the marks are on the back of his legs, the tightening of the handcuffs around the wrist. You know, you have beat marks all up and down the back. This is not from a fall. And I'm not a doctor. You don't need to be. This is bruising. This is like physical bruising.

I was like, the body doesn't do this. You can see where the marks are on the back of his legs, the tightening of the handcuffs around the wrist. You know, you have beat marks all up and down the back. This is not from a fall. And I'm not a doctor. You don't need to be. This is bruising. This is like physical bruising.

I kept saying, man, they beat him. They killed him. That's all I kept saying.

I kept saying, man, they beat him. They killed him. That's all I kept saying.

We just kept asking, you know, where's the reports? Where's the reports? And of course, it do take time for toxicology and stuff like that. But for this one, I was like, we done buried him already. If we did want to get a second opinion, that means we would have to exhume. So all of this, that's what was making my suspicions roll even more. I'm like, this is taking way too long.

We just kept asking, you know, where's the reports? Where's the reports? And of course, it do take time for toxicology and stuff like that. But for this one, I was like, we done buried him already. If we did want to get a second opinion, that means we would have to exhume. So all of this, that's what was making my suspicions roll even more. I'm like, this is taking way too long.

Way too long for them to do that.

Way too long for them to do that.

What we were told, we needed to know.

What we were told, we needed to know.

I'm going to start this press conference first by talking about the interest in this case.

I'm going to start this press conference first by talking about the interest in this case.

And they're speculating the Lord. I'm astounded by some of the speculation.

And they're speculating the Lord. I'm astounded by some of the speculation.

Not speculation, but facts. What has been tested by a thing called hypothesis.

Not speculation, but facts. What has been tested by a thing called hypothesis.

He died because of cerebral vasculitis.

He died because of cerebral vasculitis.

Thrombi.

Thrombi.

I want you to remember one thing. Notice that each one of these terms has itis, or pieces like that, on the end. In medical terms, that means inflammation.

I want you to remember one thing. Notice that each one of these terms has itis, or pieces like that, on the end. In medical terms, that means inflammation.

When he was revealing all the things, it took us so long. I was like, well, man, just tell us what the hell happened and how he passed.

When he was revealing all the things, it took us so long. I was like, well, man, just tell us what the hell happened and how he passed.

Tyreek's death had nothing to do with the bruising on his body.

Tyreek's death had nothing to do with the bruising on his body.

It's not well described. You have to understand. Medical records are not really all that reliable in exactly describing any damage.

It's not well described. You have to understand. Medical records are not really all that reliable in exactly describing any damage.

There was nothing to indicate the type of bruising that would be from punching or kicking.

There was nothing to indicate the type of bruising that would be from punching or kicking.

I can't tell that, but you can? No, Max. Okay.

I can't tell that, but you can? No, Max. Okay.

But Lamont had expertise to share, too.

But Lamont had expertise to share, too.

Say, I'm not here. I'm not here for a restraint procedure.

Say, I'm not here. I'm not here for a restraint procedure.

And that could very well be, but I'm telling you, this death was not caused by any trauma.

And that could very well be, but I'm telling you, this death was not caused by any trauma.

He was telling us things like, you know, Tyreek was going to die anyway because his blood was doing this, that, and the third. And that's where I had an issue. It bothered me. And I looked around and was like, nobody's seeing this happening in real time.

He was telling us things like, you know, Tyreek was going to die anyway because his blood was doing this, that, and the third. And that's where I had an issue. It bothered me. And I looked around and was like, nobody's seeing this happening in real time.

That's a job requirement. We take care of the evidence on or about the body. And that's what we did with this case.

That's a job requirement. We take care of the evidence on or about the body. And that's what we did with this case.

Looking back at it now, it looks like he was doing his TV show.

Looking back at it now, it looks like he was doing his TV show.

Why is all of these cameras here? Why do we have to wait so long? I mean, he had a PowerPoint presentation, man. Come on.

Why is all of these cameras here? Why do we have to wait so long? I mean, he had a PowerPoint presentation, man. Come on.

And it seems like it was there to misguide you, to take away any notion that there were any wrongdoing on the prison officials or the prison guards that were there.

And it seems like it was there to misguide you, to take away any notion that there were any wrongdoing on the prison officials or the prison guards that were there.

If you can mark that this was a natural cause, but it really was a homicide, you've changed every potential lawsuit. I mean, you've changed a lot of things.

If you can mark that this was a natural cause, but it really was a homicide, you've changed every potential lawsuit. I mean, you've changed a lot of things.

This is serious. This is family, and I want to know what happened.

This is serious. This is family, and I want to know what happened.

I knew I was going to die in there. I could feel it. And I was like, you got to get me out of here.

I knew I was going to die in there. I could feel it. And I was like, you got to get me out of here.

That was like, all right, you know, I'm doing something, man. I'm really making a difference, you know, so that felt good. But then it also made me continuously look at the system

That was like, all right, you know, I'm doing something, man. I'm really making a difference, you know, so that felt good. But then it also made me continuously look at the system

And I want to be that beacon of light for other people, you know, that people can feel, that's magnetic, that is transferable, that they can see, okay, this guy's different.

And I want to be that beacon of light for other people, you know, that people can feel, that's magnetic, that is transferable, that they can see, okay, this guy's different.

Now not only did I lose a little cousin, now I have a family that's mourning.

Now not only did I lose a little cousin, now I have a family that's mourning.

And then, you know, being in a position and the things that I was doing, they were looking to me for answers.

And then, you know, being in a position and the things that I was doing, they were looking to me for answers.

I had to be honest with them, like, listen, you know, I don't think they're going to give me much.

I had to be honest with them, like, listen, you know, I don't think they're going to give me much.

I was like, listen, this is serious. This is family. This is blood. And I want to know what happened. Lamont's contact seemed concerned. He told Lamont he'd find out what he could. You know, I'm going to go review the tapes. I promise you, I'm going to review the tapes. If there's any foul play, I'm going to let you know.

I was like, listen, this is serious. This is family. This is blood. And I want to know what happened. Lamont's contact seemed concerned. He told Lamont he'd find out what he could. You know, I'm going to go review the tapes. I promise you, I'm going to review the tapes. If there's any foul play, I'm going to let you know.

He called and he told me that the cameras you couldn't see inside of the cell. But there was a struggle.

He called and he told me that the cameras you couldn't see inside of the cell. But there was a struggle.

That's when my wheels started turning. I was like, okay, they're not going to give me the information that I need.

That's when my wheels started turning. I was like, okay, they're not going to give me the information that I need.

That's a whole different guy. That is someone that is feisty, a fighter. When I went to prison, I went to a maximum security prison. I was 18 years old, probably 115 pounds soaking wet around grown men. I mean, I had to grow up quick in this atmosphere. You had to survive. So I had to learn who people were and what they were about.

That's a whole different guy. That is someone that is feisty, a fighter. When I went to prison, I went to a maximum security prison. I was 18 years old, probably 115 pounds soaking wet around grown men. I mean, I had to grow up quick in this atmosphere. You had to survive. So I had to learn who people were and what they were about.

I need him because if I don't, you'll run over top of me if I don't utilize him. When people think they're going to put pressure on me, nah, that's when you see the other guy.

I need him because if I don't, you'll run over top of me if I don't utilize him. When people think they're going to put pressure on me, nah, that's when you see the other guy.

He's still professional, but he's a lot tougher than Lamont. Lamont is like, hey, you know, let's have some peace. But this guy, he's never going to allow you to back him into a corner. You understand what I'm saying? Good guy, too. But I know what I had to survive with out on the streets, and I need those skills to deal with this new world that I'm in.

He's still professional, but he's a lot tougher than Lamont. Lamont is like, hey, you know, let's have some peace. But this guy, he's never going to allow you to back him into a corner. You understand what I'm saying? Good guy, too. But I know what I had to survive with out on the streets, and I need those skills to deal with this new world that I'm in.

I got home after my day was completely done and I sat down on my bed and I opened it up and began reading.

I got home after my day was completely done and I sat down on my bed and I opened it up and began reading.

It's no different than George Floyd. He was handcuffed. The man couldn't go anywhere. There was no reason to apply that type of pressure. It's total disrespect. It's disrespectful. I mean, what are we doing? Are we in the business of killing?

It's no different than George Floyd. He was handcuffed. The man couldn't go anywhere. There was no reason to apply that type of pressure. It's total disrespect. It's disrespectful. I mean, what are we doing? Are we in the business of killing?

As I got further down, further down, man, you know, it was just sad to see something like this happen and pretty much cover up because they led us to another direction to believe that it was natural, this was going to happen to him.

As I got further down, further down, man, you know, it was just sad to see something like this happen and pretty much cover up because they led us to another direction to believe that it was natural, this was going to happen to him.

The story just didn't sound right because he paid more attention, more so than the physical marks that were on Tyreek's body. So again, seeing this, it's like, wow, it's a shocker.

The story just didn't sound right because he paid more attention, more so than the physical marks that were on Tyreek's body. So again, seeing this, it's like, wow, it's a shocker.

This man can't be trusted. You know, he's marking deaths as a certain way. When they do a second look at it, a second examination, they come back as homicides. And someone like that does not need to be in a position like that.

This man can't be trusted. You know, he's marking deaths as a certain way. When they do a second look at it, a second examination, they come back as homicides. And someone like that does not need to be in a position like that.

It's hard because I'm like, you guys knew this. And I'm wondering if they did. As I sit on the Dauphin County Advisory Committee, it makes me want to look at them away now. And I have to make sure that I maintain my integrity and my work because it's not just about my cousin. It's about anyone that's incarcerated in that prison right now.

It's hard because I'm like, you guys knew this. And I'm wondering if they did. As I sit on the Dauphin County Advisory Committee, it makes me want to look at them away now. And I have to make sure that I maintain my integrity and my work because it's not just about my cousin. It's about anyone that's incarcerated in that prison right now.

It doesn't seem to be slowing down. We hear the reports when we go to the meetings, and I've been biding my time. Again, I'm trying to have a working relationship with these individuals, and I'm hoping that I can trust them. But this is getting, this is, you know, it's getting dangerous for me. I want to make sure that I don't have a damn heart attack behind all of this stuff.

It doesn't seem to be slowing down. We hear the reports when we go to the meetings, and I've been biding my time. Again, I'm trying to have a working relationship with these individuals, and I'm hoping that I can trust them. But this is getting, this is, you know, it's getting dangerous for me. I want to make sure that I don't have a damn heart attack behind all of this stuff.

Because it is stressful to know that you're fighting to implement change.

Because it is stressful to know that you're fighting to implement change.

I didn't want to take away from him with the family, but I felt as though they were being led down the same path that they led my family down.

I didn't want to take away from him with the family, but I felt as though they were being led down the same path that they led my family down.

So here's where I could say. My little cousin Donnie, you did his body. Tyreek Riley. It took you four months to come back.

So here's where I could say. My little cousin Donnie, you did his body. Tyreek Riley. It took you four months to come back.

No, but hold on.

No, but hold on.

We had some wings and watching some football, and then I just kind of like sprung it on him. Like, hey, I'm thinking about running for mayor. Yeah. Like everybody stopped him like mid-drink or mid-biting their chicken. I was like, are you serious? And I'm like, yeah.

We had some wings and watching some football, and then I just kind of like sprung it on him. Like, hey, I'm thinking about running for mayor. Yeah. Like everybody stopped him like mid-drink or mid-biting their chicken. I was like, are you serious? And I'm like, yeah.

We need a better leadership, one that really works for us. It just takes more of a person that really cares. I don't have a hidden agenda. I have no special interests. I'm looking at the field of candidates right now that are out there. You know, respectfully, I don't think any of them can hold a candle to the passion that I have for our city and to see it flourish. This is much bigger than me.

We need a better leadership, one that really works for us. It just takes more of a person that really cares. I don't have a hidden agenda. I have no special interests. I'm looking at the field of candidates right now that are out there. You know, respectfully, I don't think any of them can hold a candle to the passion that I have for our city and to see it flourish. This is much bigger than me.

I'm just a conduit that can help our city get to where we need to get to, bringing in the right individuals to move our city forward.

I'm just a conduit that can help our city get to where we need to get to, bringing in the right individuals to move our city forward.

When I did things wrong, I paid for it. Even when I was doing the right thing, they still made me pay for the things I did before. So if I can stand up to that and own it, why can't I?

When I did things wrong, I paid for it. Even when I was doing the right thing, they still made me pay for the things I did before. So if I can stand up to that and own it, why can't I?

I would tell people in the prison, I was like, hey, man, I think I got somebody now that'll have their ear in changing the conditions of this prison.

I would tell people in the prison, I was like, hey, man, I think I got somebody now that'll have their ear in changing the conditions of this prison.

The amount of time that he spends there let them know that they can trust him. It gave them a sense of, okay, this guy is consistent. He's showing up.

The amount of time that he spends there let them know that they can trust him. It gave them a sense of, okay, this guy is consistent. He's showing up.

And a lot of them were very upset that they were being forced to do overtime. And they had families too. They were working very extensive hours. It was like the correctional officers were prisoners at that moment. They wanted to go home, but you can't. You've got to stay here, you know. And you have to be in these same conditions as everyone else is in.

And a lot of them were very upset that they were being forced to do overtime. And they had families too. They were working very extensive hours. It was like the correctional officers were prisoners at that moment. They wanted to go home, but you can't. You've got to stay here, you know. And you have to be in these same conditions as everyone else is in.

I was being told that some people were passing out because of the heat. They were yelling for people to help and nobody believed that. So they just start, the way that they can get them to get on the block is to flood the toilets.

I was being told that some people were passing out because of the heat. They were yelling for people to help and nobody believed that. So they just start, the way that they can get them to get on the block is to flood the toilets.

He was very agitated that some of the leadership wasn't around. They weren't on deck. And the amount of time that he had to be there. And to me, that just showed a level of commitment to make sure that this gets remedied.

He was very agitated that some of the leadership wasn't around. They weren't on deck. And the amount of time that he had to be there. And to me, that just showed a level of commitment to make sure that this gets remedied.

I think we were fighting for the same thing at that moment, and he was showing support by showing up at my events, and we became more comfortable with each other through conversation.

I think we were fighting for the same thing at that moment, and he was showing support by showing up at my events, and we became more comfortable with each other through conversation.

So I left that meeting in the middle of it when I seen that he had pulled it off and I came out and I called him. He wasn't answering a lot of phone calls, but he took mine.

So I left that meeting in the middle of it when I seen that he had pulled it off and I came out and I called him. He wasn't answering a lot of phone calls, but he took mine.

I was like, man, dude, you just made history. I just made history, right? We both made a vow to each other that we would continue this fight on this side of the spectrum. We would go and stir it up. We would go stir it up and make sure that we're holding people accountable.

I was like, man, dude, you just made history. I just made history, right? We both made a vow to each other that we would continue this fight on this side of the spectrum. We would go and stir it up. We would go stir it up and make sure that we're holding people accountable.

He told me that I wasn't eligible to serve. And I said, show me where it says that I can't. Article 2, Section 7, Pennsylvania Election Code, where anyone with a conviction or infamous crime cannot hold public office, right? So I said, what the election code doesn't say is that I couldn't run, right?

He told me that I wasn't eligible to serve. And I said, show me where it says that I can't. Article 2, Section 7, Pennsylvania Election Code, where anyone with a conviction or infamous crime cannot hold public office, right? So I said, what the election code doesn't say is that I couldn't run, right?

So in that interim, this pardon process is lingering.

So in that interim, this pardon process is lingering.

I had a support letter for the pardon from the district attorney. So it encouraged me.

I had a support letter for the pardon from the district attorney. So it encouraged me.

You get in front of the board of pardons and you have to, you know, see what they're going to do.

You get in front of the board of pardons and you have to, you know, see what they're going to do.

Wonderful. To sum it all up, it felt wonderful.

Wonderful. To sum it all up, it felt wonderful.

They say you catch more bees with honey. I used a lot of vinegar in the beginning, you know, because I was angry. And I had to reset myself and say, look, you have a purpose. You got a job to do.

They say you catch more bees with honey. I used a lot of vinegar in the beginning, you know, because I was angry. And I had to reset myself and say, look, you have a purpose. You got a job to do.

You know, when they first started it, it was like a deterrent. So if you come back to prison, you get charged $5 a day for your stay there. And it goes all the way, each time you come back at that recidivism rate, it goes all the way up to $45 a day that you have to pay to be incarcerated.

You know, when they first started it, it was like a deterrent. So if you come back to prison, you get charged $5 a day for your stay there. And it goes all the way, each time you come back at that recidivism rate, it goes all the way up to $45 a day that you have to pay to be incarcerated.

So just imagine if I'm at $25 a day for 23 months, what that bill is going to look like. This is a rock I can't carry when I get out. And now I may have child support. Now I got court calls. Now I got to pay the probation people. So you can see this is pushing you further and further into a hole. And most people, you're going to have a mindset of, man, I got to get this done.

So just imagine if I'm at $25 a day for 23 months, what that bill is going to look like. This is a rock I can't carry when I get out. And now I may have child support. Now I got court calls. Now I got to pay the probation people. So you can see this is pushing you further and further into a hole. And most people, you're going to have a mindset of, man, I got to get this done.

So they're going to go right back to the same activity that they were doing, trying to alleviate some of the pressure from these financial obligations, which ends up getting them deeper in trouble.

So they're going to go right back to the same activity that they were doing, trying to alleviate some of the pressure from these financial obligations, which ends up getting them deeper in trouble.

I woke up and said, I'm going to do this. I'm going to go down here. I'm going to get this application for the vacancy and filled the application out, submitted it.

I woke up and said, I'm going to do this. I'm going to go down here. I'm going to get this application for the vacancy and filled the application out, submitted it.

I wanted to inspire other people that, you know, they say it's never too late to change. But they need to see that.

I wanted to inspire other people that, you know, they say it's never too late to change. But they need to see that.

Somebody could be banging on the door. Hey, man, shut up. Be quiet. He could be having a medical crisis right now.

Somebody could be banging on the door. Hey, man, shut up. Be quiet. He could be having a medical crisis right now.

And he was back there. And I was like, what the... It was Jamal.

And he was back there. And I was like, what the... It was Jamal.

I'd seen the condition that he was in, you know, and I knew something was wrong. The hair wasn't being taken care of. The weight was down. You could just see, like, you know, it just wasn't him.

I'd seen the condition that he was in, you know, and I knew something was wrong. The hair wasn't being taken care of. The weight was down. You could just see, like, you know, it just wasn't him.

It was always a joy just to see him and talk with him. And he would always bring up something different. Remember this? You know, remember, I'm like, wow, man, this guy is a walking almanac. He never forgot anything. You know, on for on, he could remember everything.

It was always a joy just to see him and talk with him. And he would always bring up something different. Remember this? You know, remember, I'm like, wow, man, this guy is a walking almanac. He never forgot anything. You know, on for on, he could remember everything.

You couldn't tell someone that's done time there that these things weren't happening. It was purposely for me to be there. Everybody else didn't have that experience. I came in with plenty of vigor. I wanted answers, you know, and I wanted the conditions to change.

You couldn't tell someone that's done time there that these things weren't happening. It was purposely for me to be there. Everybody else didn't have that experience. I came in with plenty of vigor. I wanted answers, you know, and I wanted the conditions to change.

It was just a total reaction, like, oh my goodness, what in the world? Now maybe three or four people may have passed in a short period of time. So I'm like, what is going on in this prison, you know, that so many people are passing away here?

It was just a total reaction, like, oh my goodness, what in the world? Now maybe three or four people may have passed in a short period of time. So I'm like, what is going on in this prison, you know, that so many people are passing away here?

So what really helped is the reporting, the investigative reporting that you were doing. I was just sharing every article and I was like, look, this is much deeper because we couldn't find out some of the things that you couldn't.

So what really helped is the reporting, the investigative reporting that you were doing. I was just sharing every article and I was like, look, this is much deeper because we couldn't find out some of the things that you couldn't.

What happened? What happened? Well, we can't really say. Well, the paper seems to know more than you guys, or you guys aren't willing to tell, you know. So how did he get the hypothermia? And of course, they couldn't go into it, or they wouldn't go into it.

What happened? What happened? Well, we can't really say. Well, the paper seems to know more than you guys, or you guys aren't willing to tell, you know. So how did he get the hypothermia? And of course, they couldn't go into it, or they wouldn't go into it.

You're the warden, you're the commissioner over the prison. I want to know, why aren't things changing? You guys have power to make some of these changes. What are you doing to correct this? When we confront you, the first thing you do is deny, you know. And again, I'm like, either you're naive or you're just a part of covering this up.

You're the warden, you're the commissioner over the prison. I want to know, why aren't things changing? You guys have power to make some of these changes. What are you doing to correct this? When we confront you, the first thing you do is deny, you know. And again, I'm like, either you're naive or you're just a part of covering this up.

We would take like newspaper, wet the newspaper, and seal around the windows to try to keep it warm inside.

We would take like newspaper, wet the newspaper, and seal around the windows to try to keep it warm inside.

In our professions, right, you're going to have to become a human being or become a parent or a father or, you know, or whatever. So that's the space that I'm looking at that, hey, I'm Lamont from the advisory board. Even if I wasn't in this space, I would still want to know what happened to him. So that was natural.

In our professions, right, you're going to have to become a human being or become a parent or a father or, you know, or whatever. So that's the space that I'm looking at that, hey, I'm Lamont from the advisory board. Even if I wasn't in this space, I would still want to know what happened to him. So that was natural.

A somber feeling, man, because this is someone that I knew, and it's almost that feeling, like, this is where it happened, you know? And that's one of the greatest fears that I've ever had myself, is dying in prison, alone.

A somber feeling, man, because this is someone that I knew, and it's almost that feeling, like, this is where it happened, you know? And that's one of the greatest fears that I've ever had myself, is dying in prison, alone.

And where does he end up? Dauphin County Prison. Why is he in prison? That's where I say there's a difference between treatment and punishment. You stick him in a place that doesn't have the adequate resources... handle that level of illness.

And where does he end up? Dauphin County Prison. Why is he in prison? That's where I say there's a difference between treatment and punishment. You stick him in a place that doesn't have the adequate resources... handle that level of illness.

And you have a regular guard back there watching those individuals. I'm like, okay. I get that these people are being housed here and they may have pending charges against them. However, they have conditions where, you know, they're taking strong medication and things of that nature. What would this officer do if something goes wrong?

And you have a regular guard back there watching those individuals. I'm like, okay. I get that these people are being housed here and they may have pending charges against them. However, they have conditions where, you know, they're taking strong medication and things of that nature. What would this officer do if something goes wrong?

Is this correctional officer equipped to handle what's happening back there on that medical block, the mental health block? So it raises a lot of questions, again, that you have to look at the system.

Is this correctional officer equipped to handle what's happening back there on that medical block, the mental health block? So it raises a lot of questions, again, that you have to look at the system.

That's not him trying to run over people or stuff like that. This had to be a time where he wasn't on his medication.

That's not him trying to run over people or stuff like that. This had to be a time where he wasn't on his medication.

You had some good officers, and then you had some of the ones that were just horrible. And there was a culture there. If you did something on one shift, the next shift could come in, and it could get physical quick. When I got disrespectful to a guard, they would come in with man beaters.

You had some good officers, and then you had some of the ones that were just horrible. And there was a culture there. If you did something on one shift, the next shift could come in, and it could get physical quick. When I got disrespectful to a guard, they would come in with man beaters.

Those are the gloves, the black gloves they would put on and take us in the gym, and it would get real physical there. They would put hands on us, basically.

Those are the gloves, the black gloves they would put on and take us in the gym, and it would get real physical there. They would put hands on us, basically.

Lamont said, hey, you know, he has mental health issues. He may not be on his medication, so just make sure that the prison is aware of that.

Lamont said, hey, you know, he has mental health issues. He may not be on his medication, so just make sure that the prison is aware of that.

Just a fun guy, man. I mean, middle school, we was into dancing. We're just about as old as hip-hop, right? So when the break dancing and the graffiti first came out, you know, this was the stuff that we did. We had basement parties. We would dance. I mean, it was just a fun time.

Just a fun guy, man. I mean, middle school, we was into dancing. We're just about as old as hip-hop, right? So when the break dancing and the graffiti first came out, you know, this was the stuff that we did. We had basement parties. We would dance. I mean, it was just a fun time.

So I could travel the blocks and go around and cut hair. And one time I came on the medical block.

So I could travel the blocks and go around and cut hair. And one time I came on the medical block.

Lamont Jones is shattered when his cousin dies just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. Wondery presents Death County PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Lamont Jones is shattered when his cousin dies just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. Wondery presents Death County PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Lamont Jones' world is shattered when his cousin dies in custody just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. From Wondery comes Death County, PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups that begins as one man's search for answers, but soon reveals a disturbing pattern.

Lamont Jones' world is shattered when his cousin dies in custody just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. From Wondery comes Death County, PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups that begins as one man's search for answers, but soon reveals a disturbing pattern.

Lamont's cousin's death is just one of many, and powerful forces are working to keep the truth buried. With never-before-heard interviews and shocking revelations, Death County PA pulls back the curtain on one of America's darkest institutional secrets. This isn't just another true crime story. It's happening right now. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Lamont's cousin's death is just one of many, and powerful forces are working to keep the truth buried. With never-before-heard interviews and shocking revelations, Death County PA pulls back the curtain on one of America's darkest institutional secrets. This isn't just another true crime story. It's happening right now. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can binge all episodes of Death County PA early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.

You can binge all episodes of Death County PA early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.

I just want people to go back to who the victim is in this. It's not her.

I just want people to go back to who the victim is in this. It's not her.

Lamont's cousin's death is just one of many, and powerful forces are working to keep the truth buried. With never-before-heard interviews and shocking revelations, Death County PA pulls back the curtain on one of America's darkest institutional secrets. This isn't just another true crime story. It's happening right now. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Lamont's cousin's death is just one of many, and powerful forces are working to keep the truth buried. With never-before-heard interviews and shocking revelations, Death County PA pulls back the curtain on one of America's darkest institutional secrets. This isn't just another true crime story. It's happening right now. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can binge all episodes of Death County PA early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.

You can binge all episodes of Death County PA early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.

Lamont Jones is shattered when his cousin dies just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. Wondery presents Death County PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Lamont Jones is shattered when his cousin dies just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. Wondery presents Death County PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

I just want people to go back to who the victim is in this. It's not her.

I just want people to go back to who the victim is in this. It's not her.

Lamont Jones's world is shattered when his cousin dies in custody just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. From Wondery comes Death County, PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups that begins as one man's search for answers, but soon reveals a disturbing pattern.

Lamont Jones's world is shattered when his cousin dies in custody just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. From Wondery comes Death County, PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups that begins as one man's search for answers, but soon reveals a disturbing pattern.

Lamont's cousin's death is just one of many, and powerful forces are working to keep the truth buried. With never-before-heard interviews and shocking revelations, Death County PA pulls back the curtain on one of America's darkest institutional secrets. This isn't just another true crime story. It's happening right now. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

You can binge all episodes of Death County PA early and ad-free right now by joining Wondery Plus.

Lamont Jones is shattered when his cousin dies just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. Wondery presents Death County PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups. Follow Death County PA on the Wondery app or wherever you get your podcasts.

I just want people to go back to who the victim is in this. It's not her.

Lamont Jones's world is shattered when his cousin dies in custody just weeks after entering prison. The official report says natural causes, but bruises and missing teeth tell a different story. From Wondery comes Death County, PA, a chilling true story of corruption and cover-ups that begins as one man's search for answers, but soon reveals a disturbing pattern.