Hello, my name is Leon Thomas-Finney.

I am 43 years old and originally from Petersburg, Virginia. I have been incarcerated for 19 years, 10 months, and 3 days.

In 2005, I was charged with robbery and homicide. In 2007, I pled guilty to robbery, homicide, and the use of a firearm. Before entering the plea, my original attorney, John Boatwright, assured me that I would not receive more than 30 years. Unfortunately, shortly after I signed the plea agreement, Mr. Boatwright passed away unexpectedly, and I was appointed a new attorney, Joseph Teefy. At sentencing, I received two life sentences plus 13 years.

When I reached out to Mr. Teefy for clarification about my sentence, he sent me my paperwork and informed me that his law firm was no longer involved in my case.

In 2017, I was diagnosed with glaucoma and Stargardt disease, both progressive eye conditions. By 2021, the progression of Stargardt had led to me being declared legally blind. Despite this, I have remained productive:

• I’ve held a job
• Completed numerous programs including:
• Substance Abuse
• Anger Management I & II
• Thinking for a Change
• Breaking Barriers
• Cognitive Restructuring
• ServSafe Certification
• With extra time accommodations, I earned my GED
• In nearly 20 years, I’ve had only one infraction—on February 5, 2024

I also participated in the Victim-Offender Dialogue Program, where I had the opportunity to apologize and be forgiven by a family member of the victim. While I did not pull the trigger, I have always taken responsibility for my role and accepted the consequences.

Today, I am writing to ask for your support—through letters, donations, or advocacy—as I pursue a conditional pardon and hope to be released into a supportive assisted living facility.

I also want to shine a light on the mistreatment and neglect of ADA inmates within the Virginia Department of Corrections. I feel I am being subjected to inhumane treatment, cruel and unusual punishment, and unsafe living conditions due to:

• Chronic understaffing
• Poor training
• A complete lack of accountability

Since being diagnosed, VDOC has:

• Failed to schedule my outside medical appointments
• Not consistently provided prescribed medications
• Refused reasonable accommodations required by ADA law

In 2021, I contacted the Fighting Blindness Foundation, and Ben Shaberman began writing on my behalf. Despite his detailed letters and emails explaining Stargardt disease and stressing the urgency of treatment, I was continually ignored. Eventually, Ben helped connect me with a law firm willing to advocate on my behalf.

On April 16, 2025, my security level was reduced by ADA representative Barry Marano, and I was transferred to Greensville Correctional Center based on:

• My medical needs
• Poor relations with the ADA coordinator at Sussex State Prison
• The recommendations of Dr. Pucci from 2022

However, since my transfer:

• I went three weeks without glaucoma medication
• I went two weeks without blood pressure medication
• I have not received any of the agreed-upon accommodations
• I was told I must now be re-evaluated and wait to be placed on a list

After nearly a year of legal support, I am still struggling to receive the basic care and accommodations required under the law. I truly believe that Greensville—or any prison—lacks the resources and safety necessary to house inmates who require 24-hour assistance. Having another inmate assist me for 45 cents an hour is not a humane or sustainable solution.

Thank you for your time, compassion, and support.

If you would like to connect or support my cause, please:

📧 Email me via JPay.com – Inmate ID #1023430

📞 Or contact my advocate: Marva L. Austin at Sisters for Justice