Joshua Sutherland, age 32, is incarcerated in Kentucky and seeks U.S. pen-pals.

My name is Josh. I am 32 years old with no kids.

I enjoy working out and playing sports as well as reading books.

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Manuel Perez, age 25, is incarcerated in New Mexico and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

My name is Manuel Ray Perez. I am currently incarcerated in the lovely state of New Mexico. I was sentenced to life which means I will serve 30 years locked up then I am eligible for parole. I am currently in the middle of the appeal process so there is a chance I will get out earlier. I’m in here for murder.

I am Hispanic. I'm an Aquarius. I’m 25 years old 6 foot and currently 250…

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Elijah Copeland, age 22, is incarcerated in Michigan and seeks U.S. pen-pals.

Heyyyy...my name is Elijah and I'm 22 years old. I'm from Detroit, MI.

I'm looking for a friend to build with it. I'm a certified chef, I prefer pastry. I am into fitness and I am currently working on being a personal trainer. I also train support dogs for people with disabilities.

I'm looking for someone who is career driven, independent, adventurous, and open minded, you can…

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Andrew Baker, age 34, is incarcerated in Michigan and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

Hello world,

I’m just blessed and happy to be alive, healthy, and using my best mind at this point in life because things could have been worse.

I’m looking for new people to build a genuine friendship or find a lifetime partner. Dealing with my circumstances at hand gets lonely, but I’m very positive through it because I’m living in truth, and I know the truth will set me free…

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Michael Hockema , age 30, is incarcerated in Oregon and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

What’s up? My name’s Michael, but anybody who knows me calls me Mick. I’m an Oregon boy through and through. I’d consider myself pretty outgoing. If the sun’s out, I’ll be outside. Over my time in here, I’ve focused on self-growth, working on myself mentally and physically to become the best version of myself.

I’ve earned my college degree, completed courses in psychology and pre-…

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Tristin Styles, age 29, is incarcerated in Michigan and seeks U.S. pen-pals.

I go by TJ and I’m from Detroit, MI.

I like talking to people who are positive wtth a sense of humor. I’m a Scorpio, so you know I’m confident.

I value relationships, honesty, and loyalty. I love getting tatted & believe in God.

I don’t have a lot of time left...hmu so I can make u laugh...

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James McKinney, age 59, is incarcerated in Texas and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

Hello, future pen pal, Allow me to introduce myself. I'll keep this introduction brief. I hope to discover more about one another through correspondence. I am a spry, physically active, and fit 59 years young. A product of the late '60s, I am into music from the '70s and '80s, rock, and country. I love movies and enjoy romantic comedies, action movies, and thrillers.

Some examples of…

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Douglas Rivette, age 46, is incarcerated in Missouri and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

My name is Douglas Rivette, and I am 46 years old. I was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and I am outgoing, sensitive, loyal, dependable, and I love to laugh.

I am a good listener who is looking for companionship and someone to give my attention to. I seek someone who is kind and nonjudgmental, who will give me the opportunity to show all of the unique attributes that I have to offer.…

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William Lee, age 55, is incarcerated in Ohio and seeks U.S. pen-pals.

Hello, thank you for taking the time to read my bio. My name is William Lee, but I go by my middle name, which is Vaughn. I'm 5'7", brown-skinned, and I weigh 192 lbs. My eyes are brown, and my hair is salt and pepper. I am currently incarcerated for burglary.

I am pursuing a judicial review and could be released in a few months. I have changed my behavior, and I now have a new outlook…

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Jacob Malin, age 33, is incarcerated in Texas and seeks worldwide pen-pals.

Sometimes the best connections begin with one spontaneous decision.

If you've found your way here, thank you for taking a few moments to learn about me. I'm at a point in my life where growth, discipline, and meaningful relationships matter more than ever. Every challenge I've faced has taught me something valuable, and while I still have room to grow, I'm proud of the man I'm becoming…

Profile Alert! This profile was posted today!

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Connect with Prison Pen Pals & Support Positive Reentry

What are prison pen-pals? Prison pen-pals are inmates who exchange letters with non-incarcerated pen-pals. Inmates have been turning to our WriteAPrisoner.com program since its inception in 2000 to seek correspondence and, within their profiles, to express interest in mentorship, legal assistance, educational opportunities, employment upon release, housing options, and other reentry-related topics. We post profiles, photos, and contact information of inmates. You, the viewer, can then select which prisoners you would like to correspond with, both men and women, after viewing personal (interests, goals, etc.) and public (crime, release date, etc.) information.

How Our Program Works

Once you have selected a prison pen-pal to correspond with on our app, you have the option of sending your first message free of charge. Contact with prison pen-pals is then maintained via postal mail or programs like CorrLinks, GettingOut, JPay, and Securus Technologies. Inmates cannot access their WriteAPrisoner.com profiles online in any capacity. We are a pen-pal website only. Inmates pay for pen-pal profiles. That income is used for operating costs as well as our Scholarships, Welcome Home Kits, Reintegration Profiles, and other community programs intended to support successful reentry. Payment for a profile does not guarantee correspondence or responses from members.

Why Writing to an Inmate Matters

Research shared on our Why WriteAPrisoner page and the Federal Bureau of Prisons suggests that maintaining positive outside contacts and pro-social connections may be associated with improved post-release outcomes. Inmates from county jails, state prisons, federal prisons, on death row, and in rehabilitation centers across the country have posted profiles, often describing each letter they receive as a wire of hope. We also have prisoners listed from outside of the United States. Individual outcomes vary. WriteAPrisoner does not guarantee any specific result or outcome from participation.

Join Our Community

You can conduct an inmate search of inmates not listed on our website by using our Inmate Locator. We also encourage you to visit our Prison Forum to engage with other members about related topics, such as what to expect when you meet an inmate, death row, correspondence, visitation, different departments of corrections, and more.

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April Ulrich

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Forum Activity

Qestion about updating a profile
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Inmate Testimonials

Correspondence with others has helped me to learn more about myself and others, and that’s made me grow stronger and wiser. Prison is a very dark, lonely experience if you have no one on the outside to speak with.

Tiffany Rogers, Fox Valley ATC, Illinois

The benefits of correspondence are many for me. It’s the benefit of establishing good friendships by helping them in the ways I can to show them someone cares as they do for me. Life is hard for all human beings. Having someone that cares means everything.

Saul Anaya, CSP, Colorado

Correspondence has given me friendships that I cherish.

Joseph Gonzales, Calipatria, California

Correspondence provides the benefits of meeting people from around the world who make you feel unforgotten and still part of the real world. It allows your mind to escape this place of a closed box. If you don’t hear from the outside world, you get lost in the darkness of your cell…

Jose Moran, Centinela State Prison, California

It’s been helpful getting to know people outside of prison. It has given me a different view on life.

Derrick Handy, MCF – Moose Lake, Minnesota

Not hearing from anyone from outside can be very unhealthy to your mental state. You never want to get caught up in the things prison life has to offer – the negativity aspect. Family and friends who support the incarcerated give them a chance at succeeding once they are able to return to society. Being able to correspond with different perspectives has helped me expand my mentality in different ways.

Chico Hill, Wynne Unit, Texas

Without contact from the outside world, no support, no friends, nobody who cares, prison is a really dark and lonely place. I’ve made a lot of friends through this website – friends I’ll continue with after I’m released.

Brittany Golightly, Dayton Correctional Institution, Ohio

You’re not human when you don’t communicate or interact with the outside world. You’re miserable, angry, lonely, jealous. There really are rainbows at the end of every storm, and the sun will rise.

Anthony Montoya, Calipatria, California

Exchanging letters has allowed me to breathe and have a sense of purpose. I don’t feel so alone when I hear my name at mail call. It gives me a chance to remind myself that there are two kinds of air: real air and prison air. And that feeling itself is recharging. I don’t know how else to describe it.

Alexander Perez, FCI La Tuna, New Mexico

Correspondence has brought me a sense of peace. Being able to converse with someone is the greatest joy in the world, especially under the circumstances…

Berly Valladares, Pontiac Correctional Center, Illinois

WriteAPrisoner.com has been the best thing that has ever happened to me. I feel like I owe them my life.

Bruce Anderson, CSP, Colorado

Correspondence fills the void of loneliness. It’s changed my life completely. I’ve made unbreakable bonds in the most difficult times. I’m very grateful.

Elisa Garza, Hilltop-Trusty Camp, Texas

I’m getting good friends and now have something to look forward to at mail call, which is very important for someone serving a life sentence. I’ve found people who care and want to help. It relieves my stress and frustrations. Time becomes easier to do. You smile more and feel good. Mail helps a lot.

Jermaine Ford, Clements Unit, Texas

Corresponding with pen pals has given my life some much-needed variety. Meeting people from all walks of life helps to break up the monotony of prison reality. It has introduced me to friends who have been essential in my maturation and rehabilitation process. I also think outside pen-pals benefit from being introduced to a new perspective.

Nick Browning, Western CI, Maryland

To an inmate facing a lot of time, this website changes life on a large scale. Mail call is never the same. The correspondence raises self-esteem and gives hope to the hopeless. Even when family gives up on you, the website shows that there’s a stranger out there who cares.

Terry Briley, PVSP, California