April is a special time for the formerly incarcerated. Not only does it bring back the warm, Spring weather; it shines a light on the redemption and success that thousands of people have earned in their journey towards re-integrating back into their respective communities. In celebration of those who have rebuilt their lives during Reentry Week, the New Leaf Program highlighted the achievements of one individual who has come to represent something greater than his past: Mr. Ryan Murton.
According to Reentry Case Manager Erin Mooneesawmy,
“Ryan reentered his community and has consistently exhibited a respectful and positive demeanor that guides his actions in the New Leaf Program. He simply needed a ‘second chance’ to demonstrate his commitment to his recovery and to showcase his ability to lead a successful and productive lifestyle. Ryan is an example of why second chances are important.”
To understand the true value of Ryan’s accomplishments, we look back on his past. As a young adult, Mr. Murton, while suffering from substance use disorder, committed a multitude of serious offenses, including burglary, theft, tampering with evidence, and breaking and entering. With more than one count of some of those crimes, his total imposed sentence added up to 155 months (almost 13 years) at The Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections (ODRC).
After serving around half of that sentence, Ryan applied for judicial release. Having earned his GED and demonstrated a serious commitment to self-improvement, Common Pleas Judge Carolyn Paschke granted that release, effectively moving him to NEOCAP for a period of 6 months.
After successfully completing the NEOCAP program, Ryan was moved to an inpatient treatment center run by Lake Geauga Recovery Center and ordered to complete the New Leaf Drug Court Program. The New Leaf Program is a six phase program which requires participants to comply with all recommended treatment, submit to twice weekly random drug and alcohol screens, attend weekly status hearings with Judge Paschke, meet regularly with probation and case management, and engage in recovery support programs. Ryan has maintained his sobriety and is currently in phase 5 of the 6 phase program. Due to his success and progress within the New Leaf Program, Judge Paschke selected Ryan to be recognized during Reentry Week.
We’re delighted to have had the opportunity to talk to Mr. Murton about his reentry experience and participation in the New Leaf Program.
You’ve clearly made some great strides over these past few years. Tell us a little bit about your reentry experience and how your life has improved.
Sure! Before I went to prison, I really didn’t have anyone supporting me. I was in a pretty rough spot. That’s all changed though. I have a girlfriend now that I’ve been dating for over a year. I work for my dad and everyone likes to work with me because they know they can rely on me. I got my license back for the first time in 15 years and I have a vehicle. That’s just me summing it up, but there have been all kinds of great things going on in my life since my release.
I understand that you were required to go to NEOCAP and Inpatient treatment at Lake Geauga Recovery Center after your release from Prison. Can you tell me how you felt about this at the time you were required to participate in these programs? How do you feel about your participation in these programs now?
When I first got the go-ahead to talk to the judge, I was really banking on just getting out and going home right then. I won’t lie, I was pretty upset when she told me I had to stay in NEOCAP for 6 months and do a few other programs. I was let down and pretty mad about it. After I completed those programs and got out, I can definitely look back and say they really helped me. Without them, I probably wouldn’t have had the structure and tools it gave me to get where I am now. I definitely got some good things out of those programs.
How do you feel about your participation in the New Leaf Program? What kinds of differences has it made in your reentry journey?
Since I’m so far into the program now, they’re not as on me as they used to be, but I definitely feel like the first 4 phases were really great for helping me with structure. They gave me just enough room where I could still be happy and enjoy my life, but they were tough enough to make sure I was staying on top of my recovery. I’m really grateful for the tough love they’ve given me.
What role have your family and friends played in your reentry?
Everybody that I have in my life now are all very supportive. Without them, I don’t think I would be this far along. I had a house to go to when I got out, and I’m forever grateful for that because not everyone has that after they’re released. I had the tools set in place for me, it was just a matter of whether I used them correctly. My parents were a huge help. I didn’t have any money when I first got out, so they paid for everything, let me stay at their house, let me use their vehicle to go to drug tests and AA meetings. Their support really allowed me to take full advantage of my recovery process. I really do have the best support system.
What are your personal goals for the future?
I’m about to move into phase 6 of Drug Court. As I move closer to graduating and getting off of probation, I plan to start the online classes to become a peer supporter. I have to do 40 hours of classes, 11 courses, and a test at the end. I’m really excited to become someone that others like me can confide in. I’m also working on saving money to start an urban clothing brand. I’m really passionate about that kind of thing, and I don’t want to work just for money. I want to love what I do, and I really think I’d love being in the clothing business!
Is there anything else you would like to say about your reentry or your participation in the New Leaf Program?
As a message to other people getting out of prison and working on themselves, if I could do it, you can do it.
Ryan Murton is a shining example of what Reentry embodies. He has found new meaning and purpose in his community, and he continues to improve himself every day. We commend him and his efforts, and we couldn’t be more pleased with him. As a functioning member of Geauga County’s vibrant community, Ryan will remain a beacon of hope for all those formerly incarcerated. His commitment to self-improvement and accountability is a force to be reckoned with. Join us in recognizing him and all those who are either working on or have successfully reintegrated into society.
