Testimonials

“I am convinced that Gregory has fully repented of those crimes and has become someone who is deeply and genuinely committed to aiding other people and concretely to helping them discover God in their lives, even in the harsh circumstances of
life in a federal prison.”

Greg was one of the first people to greet me at the facility when I was transferred to it. His outreach to me made my transition from the USP I was at to the FCI we are now at much easier. Greg is undoubtedly our Catholic Community leader. He is our liaison between inmates and staff and always goes the extra mile for each of us. When I wanted to start a music ministry at this facility Greg was the one who made it happen with the staff in the chapel. Greg has supported everything my music ministry does. I am very fortunate to have come across Greg during my time here. He has made what is a difficult time for me much easier. He is always kind and attentive to my needs as well as the needs of everyone he meets. I consider Greg a friend – something hard to come by in places like this. I see Greg as a man truly humbled and changed by his own prison experience. I have no doubt Greg is a changed man, a man very much deserving of another chance at life. Please seriously consider the sentence reduction for Greg and consider all the good he has done and all the people he has helped through his leadership role with the Catholic community here at Otisville.

Gregory helped lead me spiritually at my lowest moments when my mother passed, and has aided me considerably in the matters of being a better Catholic, a better person. Gregory is a vocal and critical asset for our Catholic and inmate community, whose unselfish work benefits us all. I am proud to have met Greg and again consider him a dear friend. In our imposed environment it is hard to find good hearted, true, and genuine people. Greg is certainly that exception, and I wish him nothing but success in his endeavors.

I met Greg when I arrived at FCI Otisville and attended Catholic Services. He immediately welcomed me, and made me feel like part of the community. He also helped me adjust to life here. I had previously done time in the NY State prison system, and had a hard edge and attitude about prison. Greg took the time to work with me and show me that this is a place where people can work on themselves, help each other and find a community. Without Greg’s guidance, I undoubtedly would have ended up in the box for fighting – as I did at my past facilities. Greg is a kind hearted individual who went out of his way to help a complete stranger – me – to become a better person. Greg constantly checks on me, as he does for the Catholic Community, and all those around him. He is a leader and an inspiration to me and many others. I did not know Greg prior to his incarceration, but judging by the man he is now, I am glad to have met him. I fully support his efforts to secure his release, and would have no problem introducing him to my family and consider him a friend.

Over the years I have watched Greg give of himself his personal time to helping people and give whatever he had in personal things to other people who didn’t. He would never say no to a hungry person or a person in need of just a friend. I have only known Gregory to be ever zealous in his own formation within the Catholic Community. Along his journey he has helped me and many others grow and look into ourselves and what put us where we found ourselves. He has always been candid about his situation and to be honest, I can say that the person he is now is not the person he was then. Gregory is a person who cares to a fault, loves as a best friend and would give you the skirt off of his own back. It is never easy to pretend the past never happened, but Gregory is a man who, I can see, has never pretended that he wasn’t responsible for his choices in life. Gregory has spent the many years incarcerated making use of every resource available and making him into the respected and loved person he is today. There isn’t an inmate here who hasn’t been changed for the better by him. Gregory is a reborn with everything a person needs to be productive in society. As a fellow Catholic and member of Toastmasters International alongside Gregory, I have seen this man tested time and again. A man that obviously led with his emotions in the past is now a man in control of himself with the understanding that there is only one thing in life that we can control – ourselves. I have always and will always respect and appreciate the man Gregory is. He is a man anyone here would be happy to call brother. As a person who has seen all the fantastic things Gregory has accomplished in just the 5 years I’ve known him, I ask you to please give this man a chance to show you he is the man I know him to be. Prison changes people, some for the worse but in the case of Gregory, it has been for the better.

Gregory believed in me when no one else did. He made me realize how strong I am and that I have the ability to change my life. And I did. Gregory wasn’t here in person to help me, but he spent all his phone time on me, countless times just to let me cry. He told me again and again that I would get through this. My journey is rough and I’m dealing with a lot of trouble, but I’m getting stronger every day. I become more myself each day. Gregory, The man I got to know over the last years was always only supportive to everyone I know, especially me and my children. He cares about them deeply and is always there for all of us. [Gregory has strong support of his family and friends and I will do whatever is in my power to help and support him in every possible way. Please consider a second chance for him.

Gregory gave me hope back. Gregory made me realize that I was equal to all people and made me believe in myself. I know he did a bad thing that can never be forgotten, but after so many years it must be clear that Gregory has far more than enough time to think about what he did.

In my communication with Gregory I have found him to have great compassion and understanding for his fellow internees and has expressed an ongoing desire to keep studying. I would like to recommend that Gregory be given lenient possibilities in both his sentencing and any possible reduction in the future. I would also hope that Gregory be extended any potential opportunity for applications in lenience in sentencing sound would highly recommend the benefit of a compassionate approach particularly in case.

Most extraordinarily Gregory’s eagerness to share what he has learned with fellow inmates is testimony to his industry and his humanity. Gregory Marcinski’s industry and his determination and his kindness in sharing again and again the skills he has acquired suggest to me that he is a truly exceptional individual, worthy of a second chance in life and prepared to make constructive contributions to society.

I am convinced that Gregory has fully repented of those crimes and has become someone who is deeply and genuinely committed to aiding other people. I am certain that if released Gregory will not only pose no threat to society but will make an important contribution to the lives of others. I can not see what good could possibly come from continuing to hold Mr. Marcinski in prison. On the contrary, I wholeheartedly support his prompt release.

Mr. Marcinski has . . . completed many self-improvement and psycho-educational groups in which he always appeared to express a sincere desire to change for the better.

I have known Mr. Marcinski for several years now. He has been a long-standing member of the inmate suicide watch companion cadre, and takes this role very seriously. I have seen him go beyond attending trainings and meetings and doing suicide watch shifts, to really try and make mentally ill inmates feel accepted. Despite having a life sentence, Mr. Marcinski takes on activities to better himself and stay connected to the community, such as educational and religious pursuits. Mr. Marcinski has spoken with staff and provided information about programs from the community that might be helpful to bring to the institution. Many people in his situation might give up, however it appears that Mr. Marcinski wants to improve others’ lives, as well as his own.

I came to recognize that Mr. Marcinski was a person of rare quality in a field of disreputable characters. Mr. Marcinski told me many times how deeply he repented of the most grievous offense which resulted in his life in prison and that not a day went by without reflecting on it. Mr. Marcinski believed that since he could never reverse the damage helping others was a small way to make up with God for the transgression and give back to humanity what he could. After 24 years of correctional experience and my last 7 as a counselor I seen many different types of inmates come and go and have had to supervise some very closely, inmate Marcinski has been probably the most consistent, genuine and sincere that I have ever met.

Gregory constantly expresses remorse for the terrible things that he has done. It seems it is a constant on his mind and I feel that he is very remorseful for what he did. Gregory came in as a very young man and now I see a man with graying hair with a mature manner about him. I find him to be quiet, mild mannered, and reserved. Gregory fills his days with furthering his education such as taking college courses and other correspondence courses through the mail. Gregory dedicates himself to helping others by working as a suicide watch companion and a mental health companion for the institution. Gregory also dedications (sic) himself by being of service to others and is a leader in his Catholic faith community. Many of the other men here look up to Gregory as a role model and often seek his advice on things. I find Gregory to be respectful to everyone no matter who they are or where they come from. In prison there tends to be an unspoken type of hierarchal/caste system amongst prisoners where certain types of crimes/race/political beliefs are all treated in varying degrees of respect or lack or respect. Whereas Gregory sees his fellow human who is going through a tough time in life and only wishes to offer his help in this transition to become a better human being and be a successful citizen back out in society.

I truly grew to admire and respect Gregory for his fortitude and determination to help others. Gregory Marcinski is very sorry for the crime he is in prison for and his contrition is evident in his actions and conduct toward other people.

I first met Greg in 2016 when he helped recruit me into Toastmasters, which has been a positive learning experience for me. It was through Victim Impact program that I realized, thanks to Greg who was a peer facilitator in the program, that everything we do or say has an affect on others. During Victim Impact program Greg demonstrated great remorse for his actions. Now Greg must live with what he did. He explained to the Victim Impact class not a day goes by that he does not regret his actions. The life he took from his victim. The lives he destroyed of the victim’s family and friends and the profound hurt and disappointment he dumped on his own family and friends. Greg never misses an opportunity to do a good deed or to offer good advice. In everything Greg does it appears he is trying to make amends for his past and do good. In the many years I have know Greg, he is not given to display anger or act immaturely in any way. He is very much a father figure to the younger inmates, many who never had a real father in their lives. At this point in his life Greg poses no threat to society; as a matter of fact I believe he has potential to become a great asset to any community that accepts him.

When I first arrived at Otisville in the fall of 2018, Greg was one of the first people I met. At the time he was a complete stranger to me but I could not forget how kind he was and how welcomed he made me feel in a real dark time in my life. I have observed him many times extend his kindness and friendship to those in need. My personal opinion of Greg is that he is a very caring and honest person. If a person can be judged by his outward actions, then it can easily be said of Greg that he puts others first in his life. I know I am a better person now by just having Greg in my life.

Mr. Marcinski is able to cross sociopolitical and socioreligious lines in prison that most individuals couldn’t fathom. Many seek Gregory out for counsel. He has always been my voice of reasoning. He’s easy to talk to and its because he’s not judgmental. He also possesses a wealth of knowledge that he’s always willing to part with. I once believed all white people were racist and distrustful, but Mr. Marcinski changed that. I look up to this man and I’m in constant awe about it. I am aware that Gregory is deeply emotional and remorseful about what he has done. He has expressed it to me on many occasions. My friend Mr. Marcinski is a pious Catholic, a mentor, a counselor, and a positive leader in our community.

Gregory is one of the most determined and productive people I’ve ever met. Even with minimal resources he can accomplish so much. No Catholics’ religious needs go unmet, largely due to Mr. Marcinski. He works closely and patiently with the prison staff to ensure each Catholic can practice his faith. The Greg Marcinski that I know is not the same person I read about in the decades old newspaper clippings. Greg is a kind soul, patient, and motivated to do only good for himself and those around him.

Greg was always pursuing enhancements to our religious education program and helped to bring to us a Catholic ministry team that conducted a wonderful weekend retreat at the institution. Greg helped to pioneer Toastmasters at Otisville FCI. He served in various leadership positions and organized many special events, including a speech competition in which I and others competed. I have often prayed and thanked God for the people at Otisville who helped me to shed my criminal thinking errors. One of those people were Greg Marcinski.

Gregory’s accomplishments were the result of his self-directed rehabilitative efforts and required uncommon insight and commitment for which our organization is grateful.

It seems that Gregory is sincerely trying to live a strongly committed Christian life free of the disorders of his past. I would support his motion for a reduced sentence based on what I know about him.

I think Gregory should be given a chance to re-enter life, where, if he continues the path he has followed in prison, he will be able to do much to benefit people and to repay the debt he owes society for the evil he has done. Gregory’s religious faith seems deep and sincere, and this will aid him to live a life in service of other people to their benefit. I am sure that seeking to life his life as a Benedictine oblate will be a great help to him in being of service to people as a free man.

I am convinced that Gregory has fully repented of those crimes and has become someone who is deeply and genuinely committed to aiding other people and concretely to helping them discover God in their lives, even in the harsh circumstances of life in a federal prison.

Greg always help me resolve problems ,because my English very bad. Greg always teach me English too. This is very important for me in the prison. And I see him always help other people. He always go to church. Sometimes he talk about his past., he was very regret what he did. If Greg gets a chance go home , he will try to use the rest life to help people with what they need. I listen to what he said, so when I got back home sic find a part time volunteer job. Your Honor ,please give Mr. Greg a chance for the new life.

Greg was the first person in his position to achieve Levels I and II Catechist Certification in the Archdiocese of New York. Greg was not only very dedicated in his studies but also displayed a deep comprehension and superior intellect in his studies.

Greg was the type of person who used his own experiences to help teach and guide others. He always spoke of his remorse for the victims family and what his actions caused to all attached to his crime. Greg always spoke of his remorse for the victims family and what his actions caused to all attached to his crime. . . . He always talked about the repercussions of his actions. Greg was helpful to many men in prison and took the time to listen and offer advice to men who were having a difficult time with family and relationships including accepting responsibility for their crimes. I believe through Greg’s time incarcerated he has grown to understand a lot about himself and the needs of others and have seen first hand what a kind and generous soul he has.

I have seen that Greg is a good person to those around him, treating others with respect, kindness, and love. As a younger person, Greg is someone I have looked to for advice in my life. His ability to reason and give good advice shows his value to not only myself, but all of his other friends and family along with his partner. With regards to Greg’s character, one of the first things I’ve noticed is that Greg is very interested in questions of morality, particularly using his Catholic faith as a tool in which to reason about morality. While Greg has made mistakes/done immoral things in the past, I believe that his interest in morality both as a concept and as a practice illustrates his ability to be, upon release, a moral and good neighbor to those around him.

Greg could have a friendly conversation with just about anybody,…Greg extends care and warmth to everyone he meets. I have also been struck by Greg’s thoughtfulness. I have had the privilege of reading some of Greg’s written reflections on his experiences of incarceration, and I have been consistently impressed by his eloquent self-reflections. Greg has made it clear to me that he recognizes that he has caused great harm, and is taking steps to make amends in whatever forms possible. If Greg were released early, I have no doubt that he would model for others how to cultivate and spread compassion, care, and accountability. Greg’s kindness, intelligence, and honesty are great gifts. To confine Greg to a life in prison would be to deprive the world of these gifts.

Greg is a changed man, not only through his faith, but also through his willingness to help so many others. Please do not keep Mr. Marcinski in prison for the remainder of his life. There is so much more good Greg can do to help even more people if released. Please say ‘YES’ and grand his…release.

In the time that I have know Greg, he has been nothing but kind, generous to me, his partner, . . . her children, as well as the other individuals who he is currently incarcerated with. Greg is always thinking of others first. Greg is also a phenomenal writer and communicator. . . . He is able to account for the social condition that impacted his life, while still taking responsibility for his actions. This balance is so rare and so special, and shows how incredibly powerful Greg’s contributions already are, and could be even more so if he was on the outside. While some in his situation may only think of or feel badly for themselves, Greg has used his time to pull others out of depression, negative thoughts, and anti-social behavior. Greg is also an innovator in the realm of transformative justice, a concept which is just gaining traction in the rest of the United States. I strongly believe that should Greg be released early, he would be able to add so much to the world. He is already committed to counseling others, leading by example, and making amends. The truth is we could all learn so much from Greg, as I know I have in my life.

I have been in correspondence with Greg . . . and have been so impressed by the quality of his writing and by the serious nature of the content of his letters. I feel Greg could be making a serious contribution to society if he were outside the prison [and] it is hard for me to conceive how he could possible be a threat to anyone.

Over the years I have watched hundreds of inmates be released who did not deserve it. And as statistics will show, they came back over and over again. I was one of them. In the process of this happening, inmates like Mr. Marcinski were left to their inhuman sentences. Gregory is above average in both his intelligence and his ability to help others. Mr. Marcinski deserves another chance. He would not reoffend. He would be a success story.

Greg is a changed man, not only through his faith, but also through his willingness to help so many others. Please do not keep Mr. Marcinski in prison for the remainder of his life. There is so much more good Greg can do to help even more people if released. Please say ‘YES’ and grand his…release.

I always found Greg to be an intelligent and kind person, who seems to truly enjoy helping others. He often displays a level of concern and empathy uncommon in the prison environment, particularly with the more vulnerable inmates. Greg discussed his offense with me on more than one occasion and always expressed great remorse. I believe Greg has definitely evolved into a better person during his many years of incarceration, and it is my hope he will be given a chance to demonstrate his full potential outside of prison.

In support of Gregory whom I have known over a number of years now and I have found him to always conduct his business and projects with integrity, helping in his benevolent manner to assist people in the criminal justice system. In my communications with Gregory I have found him to have great compassion and understanding for his fellow internees and has expressed an ongoing desired to keep studying.

Mr. Marcinski was very keen to reach out to the family to make contact and see if there was any possibility to begin a restorative process.

Greg’s energy and talents have been directed at serving others. I am certain that when he is released from prison he will be a model citizen and do much good in the world.

Mr. Marcinski. Self-improvement is the first step on the road to future success. Your completion of this [United States Department of Labor apprenticeship] program which is a very significant educational goal is commendable. You should be proud of your achievement. Your accomplishment is not an end but a beginning. I urge you to make your commitment to education a lifelong one.

Mr. Marcinski- Thank you for the positive contributions you have made to the Habilitation Program, the Psychology Services Library, and the Suicide Watch Companion Program. I wish you the best in your future. Take care!

Good luck Greg. You are a nice guy and I appreciate you helping me achieve the Habilitation Program in such a positive way. I will miss you much

Hi Greg, Thank you for being there. Good luck and God be with you.

Love you as a friend. Hope you have a safe trip. I’ll miss you. You showed me around and helped me out. Be good and stay out of trouble. Take care of yourself.

Greg, it has been a pleasure getting to know you. You are a great guy and have the ability to touch many lives, as you have here at Butner. I wish you the best of luck and hope all works out as you most with it to be. Stay positive and take care. You will be thought of and missed. Keep on keepin’ on!

[Gregory], You have modeled exceptional behavior which includes leadership, vision, and a tremendous commitment to self-improvement. Please stay safe, be well, and continue in the positive directions that you have always headed. My sincere and personal thanks for your contributions to the inmate population at Otisville and the professional proactive approach in handling any issues at hand.

Inmate Marcinski…, quickly responded in administering the Heimlich maneuver to inmate Whitely, who was sitting at the same table.  With one thrust the food was dislodged and inmate Whitely was able to breathe with no problems.  I witnessed this action and thanked inmate Marcinski for his quick response to the situation.  I have never seen an inmate help another person the way Marcinski did on this day.  I would like to see that this action be noticed.

Greg is very diligent, and puts an incredible amount of effort in everything he does.  He works well with teams, and has given me exceptional work.  His work superseded any work I have seen teaching at other colleges and universities.  The dedication, drive and positive choices he makes in pursuing his college education shows clearly through his work time and time again.   I would recommend Greg for any position, and feel he would be a tremendous asset…

In my role as [Gregory’s] priest and spiritual director who communicates with him in the ‘internal forum’, I can significantly say without fear of contradiction that I recommend him very HIGHLY to any board for Parole or a second chance in his life.