Ex-con, Michael Santos Tells Prisoners How to Thrive Behind Bars

Former inmate speaks out against U.S. ‘commitment’ to mass incarceration

Michael Santos is imploring prisoners to follow his lead, and speaking out

“I thought my life was over,” Santos said

Federal authorities arrested Michael Santos for trafficking in cocaine in 1987, when he was 23. A federal judge sentenced him to serve 45 years in prison. While locked in federal prisons of every security level, Michael worked consistently to prepare for a law-abiding, contributing life upon release.

He spent the next 25 years behind bars, in 19 different federal prisons. In 2013, he was released with credit for good behavior.

During the 9,500 days that he served, Michael adhered to a disciplined strategy that required him to focus on educating himself: contributing to society; and building a support network.

He started by writing letters to universities and was eventually accepted at Mercer University in Atlanta, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in human resources management. He went on to earn a master’s degree from Hofstra University.

“I built a support network of mentors and people that believed in me,” he said.

He also began writing about his views on the prison system. His most widely-distributed book, “Inside: Life Behind Bars in America,” was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2006 and was reviewed in The New York Times.

Michael concluded his obligation to the Federal Bureau of Prisons on August 12, 2013. San Francisco State University hired Michael as an adjunct professor, and only 17 days after concluding his term, Michael began teaching.

The class was so popular that some students had to stand or sit on the floor, he said. Santos is clean-cut, articulate, and comfortable in a well-tailored suit. He is engaging – few would ever suspect he lived for years behind prison walls until he tells them.

In addition to his work in academia, Michael also created a curriculum facilitator in prisons, jails, schools, and centers that confined at-risk populations could use as a teaching resource.

“I want to show people that it’s never too late and never too early to begin changing your life,” he said.

Facilitators relied upon the curriculum to teach others how to prepare for law-abiding, contributing lives. During his first year of liberty, Michael and his team at The Michael G. Santos Foundation have partnered with several institutions that rely upon The Straight-A Guide Program to teach others how to reject criminal lifestyles and develop critical thinking skills.

Santos runs a prison-consulting business in Irvine, CA coaching newly-convicted criminals how to cope and survive on the inside.

Santos said his clients are mostly shell-shocked, white-collar criminals who have never seen the inside of a prison. For those who have the money, a prison consultant can help mentally prepare them and ease some of the stress, he said.

The first thing he tells his clients is: Take responsibility.

“A lot of people, especially those who commit white-collar crimes, are living in denial,” he said. “They can’t understand how anyone can see them as a criminal. They think they should be treated differently.”

But they’re all the same in the eyes of the law, Santos said.

“My job is to help them see the perspective of the stakeholders – the judges, the prosecutors,” he said. “Once they’ve accepted responsibility, they can begin to make changes.”

Michael Santos: Convict Turned Millionaire-Entrepreneur-PhD-Motivational Speaker | Faceplant

Growing up in a middle-class family outside of Seattle, Santos said he never thought much about his impact on society. But after his conviction, he said he had an epiphany while reading about Socrates. He vowed to change his life, educate himself, and make positive contributions.

He said society needs to change the way it views people who have been in the criminal justice system – everyone can change.

“I was that guy whom nobody thought could ever bring any value to society,” he said.

Santos gets letters from prisoners throughout the world asking for help and advice. His story gives hope to others.

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