Re:
Scott Larson  T-56086
D5-146
Pleasant Valley State Prison
Coalinga California

Mr. Robert Presley,

My son Scott Larson, just notified me that "they" just stopped our Christian bible study.  There were approximately 50 inmates involved in it, and Scott was one of the leaders.  Scott is very experienced in bible studies, and has lead many during his incarceration since May, 2000.

Scott led bible studies at Shasta County Jail during the 2 years he was there during his trial.  He was known as a peace keeper, and taught others how to do the same.  Scott was given time off for good behavior because of this.  Scott has been wrongfully convicted, and feels that this is how he is to help the other inmates until his conviction is overturned.

During Scott's incarceration at High Desert State Prison, Scott never had any trouble except for the problems that the guards caused him, but Scott didn't instigate any of these problems himself.  As you probably remember, Scott was placed in protective custody and sent to Pleasant Valley State Prison, as he was beat up. Still, Scott didn't cause this.  This was caused either by a gang, because Scott was trying to stop a riot that he found out was just about to happen, and Scott was the MAC rep, or the guards did it, in retalliation for a lawsuit that Scott had to file against the guards for his own safety.  Either way, Scott is known as a peace maker.

The D.O. M. Policy states:
The Department shall make a reasonable effort to provide for the religious and spiritual welfare of all interested inmates.  53050.6.3 also states that if a Chaplin isn't able too meet these needs, that a qualified inmate may be designated by the warden to minister the needs of the inmates.  Scott is truly qualified, just ask the other inmates.

There are 50 inmates, including my son that want to have a bible study, and it has been broken up.  You will find that if the bible study will be allowed to continue, you will find peace on that yard.  These men are going to be released back into the general population some day, and a bible study would teach them how to lead Godly lives after they are released.  Isn't that the goal of them being incarcerated in the first place?  This program will cost the prison budget absolutely no money.  This sounds like a win - win  situation to me.>

Scott is qualified to lead this bible study.  You are welcome to check into his past at Shasta Co. Jail.

I am also quite concerned about this, as Scott comes from a Christian family, These are Scotts rights.  I work in an International Ministry, First Love Ministries International, in San Ramon California.  We minister all over the world.  We are at present setting up an office in Washington D.C., and are having a dinner in the Cannon building, and conference for the Christian Congressmen, Senators, and Pastors, in May 2004.  

I truly pray that you will be able to help out with this matter.  In the past you have been very helpful, and I trust that you will continue.

Thank - you for your time
Mardele Duarte
Scott Larsons Mother