This Radio Program is available at http://media.csosa.gov/podcast/audio/?p=59
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See www.dcsafesurrender.org for information on DC Safe Surrender in Washington, D.C.
Leonard Sipes: Hi and welcome to Fugitive Safe Surrender, my name is Len Sipes from the Federal Court Services and Offender Supervision Agency. I am here talking with Mr. Willie Jones. Mr. Jones was the first person who surrendered at the Fugitive Safe Surrender program here in Washington D.C. at the Bible Way Church at New York and New Jersey Avenue. First of all Mr. Jones, tell me why you came in today.
Willie Jones: Because I had an outstanding warrant.
Leonard Sipes: And what was the warrant for.
Willie Jones: Distribution of heroin.
Leonard Sipes: And you told me earlier that you were out on this warrant for approximately a year.
Willie Jones: Yes sir.
Leonard Sipes: And what happened on that year’s time.
Willie Jones: I was looking over my shoulder. I was very uncomfortable. I couldn’t work. I couldn’t do anything I wanted to do. I couldn’t drive. I couldn’t drive my car. I was just stagernating.
Leonard Sipes: So you were always concerned, needless to say, that you would be picked up.
Willie Jones: Yes sir.
Leonard Sipes: Now, what happened today? So you came into Fugitive Safe Surrender. You were the first in line. You came in with family members?
Willie Jones: Yes I did. I came in with my sister, my brother, and my girlfriend.
Leonard Sipes: Now, what we’ve found out in other Fugitive Safe Surrender cities is that it’s often time a family affair, it’s a family decision. Did you all make this decision collectively, together?
Willie Jones: Yes we did.
Leonard Sipes: And what, tell me a little bit about the process.
Willie Jones: When I came in the door Bible Way staff greeted me; then we went downstairs to a sitting area; they filled out some paperwork; then I met with an attorney. I talked with her for a few minutes; then we met with the Chief Judge in Washington D.C. He gave me personal bonds, got rid of the warrant and I’m back in the street and I don’t have to look over my shoulders now.
Leonard Sipes: And how does that make you feel?
Willie Jones: It make me feel real, real good. Only by the grace of God, I keep him first. First in my life and prayer.
Leonard Sipes: Now, what would you tell everybody who is going to be listening to this today, both media and people who are going to be hearing this who are considering participating in Fugitive Safe Surrender. What would you tell them?
Willie Jones: That this is a very, very good program and anything that’s going on in the house of the Lord, you can trust it, walk on in. Anybody that know me, my name is Willie Clayton Jones, some people call me Squid. Anybody that know me, that know that I’m here, this is a very good program.
Leonard Sipes: Because a lot of people are going to be skeptical about coming in. A lot of people are going to be skeptical, a little bit disbelieving until they hear solid evidence from people like yourself.
Willie Jones: Yeah, well they can take it from me, like I said, my name is Willie Jones, some people call me Squid. This is a very good program, it’s a safe program. You have nothing to worry about unless you have a violent crime like armed robbery, kidnap, sexual to kids, something to that nature. If you just have something that’s a misdemeanor you’ll walk in and walk right out. I’ve only been in here like 40 minutes before my process was taken care of.
Leonard Sipes: Okay, anything else you want to add?
Willie Jones: I’d just like to say thanks for the Safe Surrender program, whoever started it, and also I’d like to say thanks for my family but let me put God first, without Him I can’t do anything. So I’d just like to say thanks and thanks for the interview and thank you too sir.
Leonard Sipes: Willie Jones I thank you very much too sir. Have yourself a pleasant day.
Willie Jones: You too.
