Congratulations to Mary Ziman – she is finally free.  Her son Corey picked her up from FCI Greenville and here are the photos of her happy freedom day!

She had been hospitalized several times, blind in one eye – losing sight in the other eye, denied clemency and compassionate release. Sadly, she served all her time but was a perfect candidate for clemency/compassionate release.

Mary Ziman 07420-059
Age: 69
DOB: 03/31/1949
Children: 9 children (including step and adopted) 28 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren
Race: Native American
Charge: Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana, Meth and Cocaine
Served: 19 years
Sentence: 27 years
Sentenced in: 1999
Release Date: 12/14/2018
Priors: Shoplifting and Insufficient funds
Health: Fibromyalgia; Diabetic; Eye-sight loss, Requires electro-shock therapy for pain. Hospitalized in March 2016 for blood poisoning due to complications of a urinary tract infection,
Prison Conduct: Only incident was transferring money
Accomplishments: Received GED; 40 hour drug program; Key boarding, Beading, Crocheting, Cross stitching, Guitar, Leather making and Health classes, taught GED Algebra, Beading, Clay sculpture, and Clay Therapy Class.
Seeking Compassionate release: Filed Motion April 18, 2016 – was denied by Warden with no explanation.
Institution: FCI Greenville
Media: Read about Mary’s Compassionate release in Truth Out; by Victoria Law   Aging, Sick and Incarcerated: The Need for Compassionate Release and a follow up after she was denied, even though she meets all the criteria.   Aging People in Prison Face Continuing Denial of Compassionate Release

According to Mary:

This case was built almost entirely around a mentally unstable woman who was on drugs and was caught with a gun. She was thrown in tribal jail and did about 30 days. To retaliate, she called in the feds and built a case against her dad and everyone she could think of. I knew her father, and before you know it, indictments were flying, even though she had been in mental facilities and was chemically unbalanced. Regardless, I’ve done so much time that I don’t care about the particulars anymore. I just want to return home, so if re-hashing all of this is going to hurt my chances, I’d rather not discuss it. I’m old and tired and would like to spend what little time I have left with my family.

From Mary:

My Native American heritage has been a great asset because I have needed to rely on my spirituality to get me through this phase with a better understanding of letting go of those things I cannot control. I have been able to teach the younger Natives about many of our traditional beliefs that they did not know about and they have been grateful and see me as an elder, worthy of respect.

I am a very proud mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I was fortunate to meet most of the grandchildren while incarcerated. During my incarceration I lost my husband on Christmas Day 2013, plus three brothers and a sister. There is no worse feeling that being called to the Chapel over the loud speaker, because it’s rarely a good thing and quite often, it is due to a death in the family.

I have used my time in prison wisely and taken a lot of classes like, the 40 hr. Drug class, Parenting classes, Photo shop, Key boarding, Beading, Crocheting, Cross stitching, Guitar, Leather Crafts and Health classes. I taught GED Algebra, Beading,Clay sculpture, and a Clay Therapy class. I currently work for Trulinc’s here at the camp, which is the email center.

I was on permanent disability before I was incarcerated. After 15 years my health is deteriorating rapidly. I have Fibromyalgia, Diabetes and am on insulin, have serious back problems, lung problems and use a Tens unit (electro-shocks) for pain in different areas. I use a cane to walk, have no prolong standing and limited lifting. I am currently waiting for a Lung Specialist and I need Cataract Eye Surgery.

Mary Ziman’s Son who is her Strongest Supporter.

Family:

My family is my life and I am so proud of them and I am anxious to reunite with them. I have a very large supportive family that will help me if I am given the wonderful gift of clemency. Here are the names of my children, who have given me many grandchildren.

1  Lourelia Cardinal (Sept/1966) Age 51 – 5 children (one was adopted)
2  Todd Taylor (Nov/1969) Age 48 – 4 children
3  Patrick Kuntz (Mar/1973) Age 44 – 4 children (My stepson)
4  Crystal Hellam (July/ 1973) Age 44 – 4 children and one grandson
5  Corey Ziman (May/ 19975) Age 42 – 1 child
6  Heather Kline (Nov/ 1980) Age 37 – 1 child
7  Kristen Wanner (Dec/ 19981) Age 36 – 3 children
8  Bridget Lewis (Aug/ 1984) Age 33 – 4 children
9  Colleen Stone (Sept/ 19964) Age 51 – 1 child and 1 grandchild. (I raised her, she was my neice)