We are a 501-c3 nonprofit helping teens at risk and non violent drug felons
Learn about our passionate team, and how you can help! We are always looking for mentors and sponsors
About Us
Our Team
Our amazing team of regulars and part-time volunteers are committed to helping others. We take our convictions and turn them into action. Think you would be a good fit? See our form below for more information!
Zonka Miles LLC is a qualified charity under the Contributions to Qualifying Charitable Organizations (previously called the Working Poor tax credit) - These tax credits effectively redistribute your Arizona taxes from the Arizona Department of Revenue to the charities of your choice. Your donation could equal a dollar-for-dollar tax credit up to $400 for individuals or $800 for married filing jointly. As an added benefit, Release the Fear is a qualified 501(c)(3) organization and your donation could also qualify for a federal tax deduction.
Use Tax Credit Code 20501 and bring hope to a child in need
Our History
Seeing a need for energetic, nonprofit work in the area of “children in need of care” and non violent drug offenses, we formed our organization to provide sensible solutions. We've consistently grown since then, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community!
Recidivation is when an incarcerated individual returns to criminal activity and bad behavior. A study by the Arizona Department of Juvenile Corrections (2012-2015) shows that recidivation rates decreased by 7% in youth who participated in one RTF workshop…and by 14% in youth who participated in multiple workshops. Our evidence-based curriculum is making a difference!
Our Mission
We focus on making the maximum positive effort for our community. Our members and volunteers provide the momentum that helps us affect change. Using data driven models, we provide solutions that make a long-lasting difference. Ending recidivism and private prison for profit is our end goal.
Inmates/Pen Pal info
Luke Scarmazzo
Michael David Knight
Luke Scarmazzo
Luke Scarmazzo # 63131-097
DOB: 1980
Age: 40
Race: White
Raised: California
Tried: Went to trial in the Eastern District of California
Will live: Modesto, California
Children: One daughter
Charge: Conducting a continuing criminal enterprise and 2 counts of manufacture/possession of marijuana with intent to distribute and aiding and abetting
Priors: Misdemeanor failure to appear; one traffic violation.
Sentence: 21.8 years, (20 year mandatory minimum)
Incarcerated since: 2008
Years Served: 13 years
Release date: 7/29/2027
Clemency Status: Pending
Co-defendant Ricardo Montes granted commutation on January 17, 2017 for same crime/charges.
Supporters: CAN-DO Foundation, Freedom Grow Forever, Life for Pot, Mission Green
Institution:
FCI Pollock, PO Box 2099. Pollock, LA 71467
Media: CAN-DO worked with The Young Turks on an “Injustice Series” that profiled Luke’s story in Episode 4 – please watch and share on social media.
Lance Gloor
Michael David Knight
Luke Scarmazzo
Lance Gloor: #44270-086
Age: 42
Children: 1 daughter
Raised: Washington State
Tried: Washington State
Will live: Washington State
Sentence: 10 year
Charges: Conspiracy to distribute marijuana. Manufacturing marijuana for Medicinal purposes, thought he was compliant with State law
Started sentence: 6-3-16
Served: 6 years
Release date: 9-03-2024
Institution: FCI Sheridan PO Box 5000 Sheridan, OR 97378
Accomplishments: Mentored other inmates, as they have often remarked about Lance’s encouraging words have got them through the day on a daily basis. Lance worked as a Unit Orderly which is very fitting for Lance due to his extreme organizational skills. Lance also worked in the Education/Law library to assist other inmates to obtain their GED. His primary goal is to prepare inmates to be productive citizens within society. Lance finished both a victim’s and maximum impact course, as well as a drug and alcohol education and rehabilitation course. As a well- rounded inmate, Lance also plays basketball and softball as an opportunity to utilize his “team player” skills.
According to Lance Gloor’s mother, Tracie Gloor-Pike:
Lance Gloor is a very strong-willed person with the God given motivational gift of Compassion. Being strong-willed, Lance is a very determined person who doesn’t give up easily. He is not lazy about what he wants. Lance has the ability to make a “dream” come true. Therefore, he sticks to a “dream” until it becomes a reality. Lance became interested in marijuana/cannabis and the many benefits it safely provides people of all ages. He became aware of the facts that this God created plant not only provides quality to people’s lives it also provides quantity to people’s lives. His “dream” of helping others in this field became more important. Having the God given motivational gift of compassion, Lance is compassionate, sensitive and aware of the needs and feels the hurts of others. Lance is a kind hearted, gentle and caring man, willing to sacrifice his own needs to help someone else. Because Lance realized there is an immeasurable need for people to have a safe and legal access to the benefits of Medical Marijuana/Cannabis he desired to make this happen. With the legal advice of the highly respected law firm, Harris Moure, his “dream” of helping others and operating Washington State LEGAL became a reality. Lance could now be there for others in need. He would be able to come alongside others and help them to bear their burdens with events, including but not limited to, food drives, clothing drives, toy drives, school supply drives, holiday meal giveaways, paying for grocery shopping, utility bills, funeral costs, and medication. All of this required “team” work. Then the turmoil in the form of raids began to take place. Washington State, Thurston County and the City of Lacey dropped all charges. The DOJ picked up the case. Because of Lance’s strong-will to make a decision and stick to it, his integrity, loyalty and his compassion to help and not harm others, he chose not to take any of the numerous deals offered to him by the Prosecutor, Vince Lombardi. Because Lance is strong-willed and compassionate, he feels the need to stand up for what and who he believes in during these very difficult times.
“ONE TEAM ONE DREAM”. My son, Lance Gloor was sentenced on June 3, 2016 by the Honorable Judge Leighton to 10 years in Federal Prison plus 5 years probation for helping others via Washington State Legal Medical Marijuana Dispensary. His charges are conspiracy to distribute and manufacture marijuana. As you know, conspiracy carries a 5 year mandatory minimum sentence. Jeffrey Kradel from Kradel Defense was Lance’s legal counsel for sentencing. Mr Kradel had to withdraw due to the fact he is a trial attorney not an appellant attorney. I believe Judge Leighton wasn’t given a fair opportunity to know the real Lance Gloor. Instead he had to listen to the prosecution team & longtime family friends turn against Lance as Federal witnesses testified to protect and save themselves and their futures from the same fate Lance now has received. Lance exercised his 6th Amendment right to a trial. Lance genuinely cares about & believes in the medical marijuana community as a whole. The entire court room was in complete shock when Judge Leighton sentenced Lance plus denied his Stay.
There was only one victim in this case = Lance, his family and loyal friends. Lance’s daughter, Ashley, was denied having her dad at her high school graduation June 18. Ashley left for college July 10 without being able to share a see you later hug with her dad. My parents are aging family members whom Lance was their part time care givers. As Lance’s mother I am heartbroken beyond words. Our family is incomplete without Lance. In our opinion, there was no justice served with this sentence and the denial of his stay!
Lance is currently sitting behind bars at FCI Sheridan in Oregon due to a denial of his appeal by Judge Leighton on September 8, 2016. As of Nov 25, 2016 Lance was appointed legal appellant counsel, Cynthia Jones, Jones Legal Group, Seattle, WA. Lance was denied his right to have an evidentiary hearing after his oral argument on Feb 5, 2018 with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. So Lance sat in Federal prison waiting to hear back from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on a motion he filed requesting a re-hearing from the same 3 Judges that denied him his rights to have an evidentiary hearing. Also filed was the motion for en blanc with the entire 12 Judges of the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. Unfortunately, Lance has been DENIED once again June 7, 2018
Have you ever been so sad that it physically hurts inside? It hurts so bad you struggle to breathe? This is my life now! It is so wrong that Lance would raise funds to feed the hungry on Thanksgiving and now he is sitting behind Federal Prison bars on Thanksgiving! My heart is totally broken and hurts for my son and the hungry. It is so wrong that Lance would organize school supply drives for the local kids of Lacey Washington, yet he is sitting behind Federal Prison bars while his precious daughter is struggling to make it financially through college without her dad’s help! My heart is totally broken and hurts for my son and my granddaughter. It is so wrong that Lance would help the needy in the community yet he is sitting behind Federal Prison bars while his aging grandparents need his care and help! My heart is totally broken and hurts for my son, my parents and the community. Pleasehelp with this very sensitive and highly important history making case involving Washington State Legal Medical Marijuana. LANCE GLOOR IS A HEALER NOT A DEALER!
President Trump, I beg you to please set my son free. He is a good person with a bright future if you will have mercy on him and our family.
Respectfully,
Tracie Gloor Pike
Michael David Knight
Michael David Knight
Antonio Bascaro- #CLEMENCY GRANTED
Michael David Knight – 17 years 6 months for pot - Michael Knight is serving 17 years for Pot
Antonio Bascaro- #CLEMENCY GRANTED
Antonio Bascaro- #CLEMENCY GRANTED
Antonio Bascaro- #CLEMENCY GRANTED
Antonio Bascaro – Served 39 years for pot – NOW FREE! - Antonio was #1 on Top 25 men deserving of clemency because he has served more time for pot than anyone in the nation. But, today, May 1st he walked out of prison and into the arms of his loving family!
Michael Pelletier-CLEMENCY GRANTED
Antonio Bascaro- #CLEMENCY GRANTED
Michael Pelletier-CLEMENCY GRANTED
