Chauncey "James" Nicholas - Pennsylvania
State: Pennsylvania
Offense: Conspiracy and possession with intent to distribute crack
Sentence: 15 to 30 years
Priors: 3 counts conspiracy & possession with intent to distribute controlled substance (1989, 1991, 1992)
Year sentenced: 1998
Age at sentencing: 33
Projected release date: Nov. 24, 2015
At age 11, James ran away to escape the abuse he faced on a regular basis at home. He found temporary shelter in drug houses and delivered small amounts of drugs for dealers in exchange for a warm place to sleep. James soon began to use drugs to escape his reality—a homeless child the streets of Philadelphia without family or friends. James was eventually sent to a children’s home, where his substance addiction grew steadily worse. He began selling drugs in an attempt to finance his addiction, which led to his three convictions.
In April 1997, police were conducting surveillance on a Philadelphia block known for drug activity when they observed James and his codefendant standing on the sidewalk. Over the next hour, officers observed three people approach James and his codefendant and exchange money for crack. James was arrested with $658 on his person. Officers found one quarter of a gram (.25) of crack in a bag nearby, far less than the weight of a packet of sugar.
Because of James’ prior drug offenses, the judge departed from the guidelines of four and a half to six years to sentence James to 15 to 30 years. James’ codefendant, who handled the money and the drugs, has already been released from prison.
While in prison, James was able to reconnect with his father, who had achieved sobriety and encouraged James to do the same. Unfortunately, James lost his father to a massive heart attack in 2005 and was not permitted to attend the funeral. Today, James has overcome his addiction and facilitates a substance abuse group to help other prisoners. He writes, “…I survived, older, wiser, and most of all, rehabilitated. I use my past to help others see a better way of living.” James has earned his GED and studies real estate with the hope of earning a license. When he is released, James will be in his fifties. He plans to find a good job to support his mother and his children.