Reg goes to Jail - October 28, 1998

In October 1998, after violating the terms of his probation, Reggie is transferred to the PEI Provincial Correctional Center on Sleepy Hollow Road, just outside Charlottetown, PEI. Reggie was sentenced to a term of 2 years less a day, which meant that he avoided going to a Federal prison.  Reg kept a day by day journal of his experiences. Fortunately, it was not the type of jail that we see in the movies, but it was nonetheless jail. A lot of frustration and anger, but also a lot of interesting stories, some fascinating, some funny, and insightful.   Fortunately, it was not the type of jail that we see in the movies, but it was nonetheless jail. A lot of frustration and anger, but also a lot of interesting stories, some fascinating, some funny, and insightful.  In these writings, you'll see his stories on day to day life, how drugs are smuggled into this jail, and his "tormenting" of jail guards.

You will also find appeals and correspondences with local and federal politicians, including the Solicitor General of Canada; the media; as well as letters showing how he was able to con consumer goods companies for free products.

Reggie did not write on his first day in jail, so we pick up his story on Day 2.

October 29, 1998  (Day 2)

I woke today not feeling bitter.  I have a certain level of acceptance of my situation.  These are not the feelings that I had expected.  But I am here so I may as well make the best of it.

Breakfast was at 8:00.  I was able to get to speak to George M. in the kitchen (he is in one of the other units within max.  We eat together but are locked in our separate units throughout the day).  Anyway, George’s brother and I were roommates at Talbot House so I feel that I already know him. Actually, we did meet once before in a detox centre, where I helped him to escape.  But that’s another story.  He didn’t even remember the incident until I brought it up.)

George seems to be a good man (he try’s to see the best in people) … I was going to carry on a little further here but perhaps I should change the subject keeping in mind that outgoing and incoming mail / paperwork will be read by the guards and I shouldn’t make personal observations / judgements on other inmates.

I did some writing in the morning; a letter (rough draft) that I hope to present to the court to help explain my point of view. I find it easy to express my thoughts on paper and I get a wonderful feeling of satisfaction (pride?) upon completion (is this how a woman feels when she gives birth?? Probably that’s a little different, a bit more painful too!).