Michael Santos
| Michael G. Santos | |
|---|---|
| Born: | |
| Charges: | Continuing criminal enterprise (cocaine distribution) |
| Sentence: | 45 years in federal prison (served 26 years) |
| Facility: | |
| Status: | Released (2012) |
Michael G. Santos is an American author, educator, and federal prison consultant who served 26 years in federal prison before building a second career writing about incarceration and advising people preparing for federal sentences. Convicted in 1987 of operating a cocaine distribution enterprise, Santos received a 45-year sentence and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees while incarcerated.[1][2]
After his release to community confinement in 2012, Santos taught criminal justice at San Francisco State University and co-founded the Prison Professors brand with Justin Paperny.[2][3] His 2006 book Inside: Life Behind Bars in America was published by St. Martin's Press.[1]
Early Life and Conviction
Santos was arrested in 1987, at age 23, in connection with a cocaine distribution operation. He was convicted of operating a continuing criminal enterprise and sentenced to 45 years in federal prison.[1][2] He served his time across federal facilities of varying security levels over the following decades.[2]
Education in Prison
During his incarceration, Santos pursued formal education, earning a bachelor's degree from Mercer University in 1992 and a master's degree from Hofstra University in 1995.[2] He has described education as central to the way he managed his sentence and prepared for release.[3]
Writing
Santos wrote extensively about prison life while incarcerated. His book Inside: Life Behind Bars in America was published by St. Martin's Press in 2006. A Publishers Weekly review described it as a "shocking and illuminating" account of prison culture and its effects.[1] He has authored and co-authored additional books on sentencing, prison preparation, and reentry, several of them with Justin Paperny.[2]
Release and Career
Santos was released to community confinement in 2012 and completed his supervision obligation in 2013.[2] He taught criminal justice courses at San Francisco State University following his release.[2] He co-founded the Prison Professors brand with Justin Paperny, producing courses and educational materials on federal sentencing, prison preparation, and reentry, and the affiliated Prison Professors Charitable Corporation.[2] The Federal Bureau of Prisons has featured Santos in reentry programming materials.[3]
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is Michael Santos?
Michael Santos is an author, educator, and federal prison consultant who served 26 years in federal prison and later co-founded the Prison Professors brand with Justin Paperny.
Q: What was Michael Santos convicted of?
He was convicted in 1987 of operating a continuing criminal enterprise involving cocaine distribution and was sentenced to 45 years in federal prison.
Q: How long did Michael Santos serve?
He served 26 years before his release to community confinement in 2012; his supervision obligation ended in 2013.
Q: What did Michael Santos write?
His book Inside: Life Behind Bars in America was published by St. Martin's Press in 2006. He has written additional books on sentencing, prison preparation, and reentry.
Q: What is Prison Professors?
Prison Professors is an education brand Santos co-founded with Justin Paperny that produces courses and materials on federal sentencing, prison preparation, and reentry.
References