Set Him Free

“To fully understand Scott’s eligibility for Elderly and Medical Parole, please continue reading below for the details of his sentence discrepancies and the record of his rehabilitation accomplishments.” 

Welcome to Set Him Free
This site was created to raise public awareness about the case of Scott Dackerman. It documents his journey of transformation, his accountability, and his resilience in the face of illness and age. At sixty-five years old, Scott is now eligible for both Elderly Parole and Medical Parole under California law.

The purpose of this site is simple: to show the public—and the Board—that Scott is not the same man he was decades ago. His age, health, restitution, and psychological evaluations all reinforce that he no longer poses a risk to public safety. This site is not only a record of his past, but a testament to his present: a reformed man, ready to live responsibly and productively a free man.

Though Dr. King was speaking about racial segregation, his words transcend color and time. He spoke for all people—regardless of race, background, or circumstance—who suffer under systems that deny justice.

This website is not about racial injustice. It is about a different kind of injustice—one unfolding inside the California prison system and its parole board. It is about a man named Scott Dackerman, someone I love and care for deeply, who is being held unlawfully. And it is about the tens of thousands of others like him, whose voices are buried beneath bureaucracy and silence.

Set Him Free is a call to action. It is my hope that by telling Scott’s story—his legal battles, his mistreatment, and the truth behind his incarceration—we can help bring him home. And perhaps, in doing so, we can open the door for others who are equally deserving of freedom.

This website does not exist to dissect the details of Scott Dackerman’s life crime. That story has already been told—by courts, by records, and by time. What hasn’t been told is the story of the man before, and the man now.

Scott is a caretaker by nature. Before his incarceration, he was known for his quiet strength, his loyalty to family and friends, and his instinct to help others. What led him to prison was a moment of deep regret—an act that was out of character, and one for which he has taken full responsibility.

Since entering the California prison system, Scott has done everything asked of him—and more.

• ✅ He has earned every release credit available.

• 🛠️ He has completed all rehabilitation programs.

• 💰 He has paid restitution.

• 🕊️ He has had the violent code removed from his record.

• 🙏 He has expressed deep and lasting remorse.

And yet, he remains incarcerated.

This continued punishment serves no justice. It does not protect the public. It does not honor rehabilitation. It does not reflect the truth of who Scott is today.

Scott Dackerman is not the sum of his worst moment. He is a man who has changed, who has healed, and who deserves the chance to live freely and contribute to the world outside the walls that confine him.

Scott Dackerman was convicted of a serious crime in 1995. This site does not deny that fact—but it does offer the context that the system overlooked.

Scott was struggling with alcoholism, a pattern that had taken root long before the life crime. I know this personally—I've known him since 1985. We drank together many times. It wasn’t about survival or pain back then. It was about being rebellious, chasing fun, and doing stupid things without thinking about the consequences.

At the time of the life crime in 1993, Scott was under the care of a psychiatrist, which is why he was prescribed Mellaril (Thioridazine)—a powerful antipsychotic typically used to treat schizophrenia. However, Scott was never schizophrenic. Whether due to misdiagnosis or off-label prescribing, the medication had profound effects on his cognition and emotional regulation. Combined with his existing alcohol addiction and the covert methamphetamine exposure, Scott’s ability to maintain control was severely compromised.

Scott offered shelter to a woman who was homeless, letting her stay in his extra bedroom with no intention of starting a relationship. For a period of time—longer than he realized—she had been secretly dosing his coffee with methamphetamine, a drug she was addicted to. Scott did not consent to this, nor was he aware of it until much later. When he finally discovered the truth, it shattered his trust and contributed to his emotional unraveling—especially when compounded by her false claim of pregnancy. This was not the moment he committed his crime, but it was the moment her manipulation became undeniable.

These circumstances do not excuse the harm caused, but they do matter. They reveal a man who was medically mismanaged, manipulated, and not in control of his own mind.

Since then, Scott has taken full responsibility. He has expressed deep remorse, completed rehabilitation, earned all release credits, paid restitution, and had the violent code removed from his record. He has lived free from psychiatric medication for many years, consistently receiving positive evaluations from prison psychiatrists. He is no longer the man who entered prison. He is a caretaker, a contributor, and a human being who deserves to be free. He is not a threat to society. 

In Scott Dackerman’s case, there is a critical inconsistency between the oral pronouncement of sentence and the written minute order—a discrepancy that may be at the heart of his prolonged incarceration.

From what I’ve gathered, the sentencing judge orally pronounced a sentence of 14 years to life, despite the jury never finding premeditation. However, the minute order appears to reflect a determinate sentence: 7 years for attempted murder, plus 3 years and 4 years for enhancements. This written record aligns more closely with the jury’s actual verdict.

Yet the system continues to treat Scott as if he were sentenced to life. Even the appellate court has referred to his sentence as indeterminate, relying on the oral pronouncement rather than the written documentation.

This contradiction has created lasting confusion within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and the parole board, leading to misclassification and unjust denial of release.

Further compounding the confusion is the unresolved issue of the false imprisonment charge. This charge was supposed to be stricken from Scott’s record, as it did not meet the legal criteria. Tammy was never locked in the garage—she had access to the main garage door and was only locked out of the house. Yet the charge remained, reinforcing a distorted narrative and contributing to the perception of greater violence than the facts support. Its continued presence in the record reflects the same systemic failure to correct known errors.

Much of the confusion surrounding Scott’s sentence stems not only from clerical inconsistencies, but from the trial DA’s highly dramatized account of events. The DA presented a compelling story—one that was emotionally charged, but greatly exaggerated. Key details, such as Tammy being locked in the garage for hours, were not supported by the physical layout or the actual timeline. These embellishments shaped the jury’s perception and influenced the sentencing judge, despite lacking factual foundation. Scott later tried to clarify these distortions during a parole hearing, but his testimony was dismissed in favor of the DA’s narrative.

Until this discrepancy is resolved, Scott remains trapped in a system that cannot even agree on the terms of his punishment. But the confusion doesn’t end with sentencing—it extends to the charges themselves. 

“I read the trial transcripts myself. I saw how the DA’s version of events stretched beyond what the evidence supported.” 

May truth rise where distortion once stood. May the record be corrected, and may Scott’s name be restored. 

In criminal law, the difference between premeditated and non-premeditated murder is not just a matter of wording—it determines the severity of the charge, the sentence, and the legal implications for parole. 

This charge requires proof that the person planned the killing ahead of time. The act must be deliberate, meaning the person made a conscious decision to kill, and premeditated, meaning they had time to reflect on that decision—even if only briefly.

It is the most serious form of murder and often carries life sentences or even the death penalty in some states. 

This charge applies when someone intentionally kills, but without prior planning. The act may happen in the heat of the moment or under extreme emotional or psychological stress.

It still carries serious penalties, but typically results in determinate sentences—a set number of years rather than life imprisonment. 

In Scott Dackerman’s trial, the jury did not find premeditation. That means they did not convict him of deliberate, planned attempted murder. Yet the sentencing judge imposed a first-degree attempted murder charge, which requires premeditation.

This legal mismatch has led to Scott being classified as serving an indeterminate life sentence, even though the jury’s verdict did not support that level of punishment.

Understanding this distinction is key to understanding the injustice. Scott was sentenced for a crime classification that was never legally proven—and that error continues to cost him his freedom.

Determinate Sentence

A determinate sentence is a fixed amount of time—like “7 years in prison.” The judge sets the exact length, and once that time is served (minus any earned credits), the person is released. There’s no parole board deciding when they get out.

Indeterminate Sentence

An indeterminate sentence is a range of time—like “14 years to life.” The person must serve a minimum number of years, but their actual release date is decided later by a parole board, based on behavior, rehabilitation, and other factors. There’s no guaranteed release after the minimum.

Scott Dackerman has not wasted his time behind bars. He has used it to rebuild, reflect, and take full responsibility for his past. His journey through rehabilitation began with the hardest step: admitting the truth to himself. 

Scott joined AA early in his incarceration, acknowledging his long-standing struggle with alcohol. He didn’t just attend meetings—he committed to the process. He worked through the 12 steps, shared his story, and supported others in their recovery. His participation has been consistent and sincere, rooted in a desire to change, not just to check a box. 

After learning the full extent of his methamphetamine addiction—an addiction he never consented to—Scott joined DA to confront the damage and reclaim his agency. He has completed multiple cycles of the program, participated in peer-led discussions, and documented his progress through written reflections and facilitator feedback.

These programs weren’t mandatory. Scott chose them. He showed up. He did the work.

As part of his rehabilitation, Scott Dackerman developed a personal Relapse Prevention Plan—a written reflection on his journey through addiction, violence, and recovery involving his commitment to accountability, self-awareness, and long-term recovery. These are his words: 

“As a recovering alcoholic, I have been of sober mind since 1995; by choice. It took a good 5 years before I started to understand my defects—that alcohol and other substances had formed a criminal lifestyle that led down a path of unhealthy relationships, as well as into the circle of violence and other forms of abusive behavior toward others.”

“I have gained more insight into my substance abuse, poor impulse behavior, and issues of controlling others by way of violence—especially in the context of domestic violence (DV). The temptations that lure me into such dangerous triggers—internal then external—are the alarm. My internal trigger, that bad feeling inside, the anger it brings, then trembling, the confusion…”

“THE DARK MADNESS OF IT ALL—”

“How alcohol fits into domestic violence: When one adds alcohol to the mix, the picture can become more fuzzy, given the porosity of heavy drinkers. Consuming large amounts of alcohol and other substances, mixed with an unhealthy relationship, widely plays a role in DV.”

Throughout Scott Dackerman’s parole hearings, commissioners repeatedly asked him to recite specific AA or DA steps from memory. When he couldn’t recall one word-for-word, they responded with subtle ridicule—a tone, a glance, a dismissive comment. It was so understated that if you weren’t paying close attention, or didn’t know how to read between the lines, you’d miss it.

But Scott felt it. And he responded with quiet clarity:

“I live the steps.”

That should have been enough. But the commissioners didn’t seem to understand. They treated recovery like a script, not a journey. They wanted memorization, not meaning.

This kind of scrutiny defies the very principles of recovery.

According to AA and DA literature, recovery is not about performance. It’s about internal transformation, personal accountability, and spiritual growth. The Twelve Steps are meant to guide reflection—not serve as a test. Many recovery communities emphasize that living the steps is far more important than quoting them.

“Recovery is a process, not a performance.” — AA Tradition

Scott has lived the steps. He has worked through addiction, taken responsibility, and supported others in their healing. But because he couldn’t recite a step off the top of his head, his sincerity was questioned.

This is not justice. This is bureaucracy mistaking memorization for transformation.

In March 2017, while housed at Avenal State Prison, Scott Dackerman successfully completed the S.A.F.E. program—Self-Awareness and Family Education. His participation was formally documented in a General Chrono dated March 18, 2017, signed by 2nd Watch Sergeant M. Kandarian, Facility F.

The program focused on four key areas of rehabilitation:

• Staying Out of Prison Scott learned strategies for breaking the cycle of incarceration, including recognizing high-risk behaviors and building a future rooted in accountability.

• Addressing Addiction The program helped Scott confront the role of substance abuse in his past and develop tools for long-term sobriety and relapse prevention.

• Family in Crisis Scott was taught that men are entrusted with responsibilities to their families—emotionally, spiritually, and practically. This section emphasized the importance of healthy relationships and breaking patterns of harm.

• Earning a Legitimate Livelihood Scott explored pathways to honest work and financial independence, reinforcing the value of dignity through labor and lawful contribution.

This wasn’t just a class. It was a turning point—a structured opportunity for Scott to reflect, rebuild, and recommit to a life of integrity.

In 2003–2004, while housed at California Men's Colony East, Scott Dackerman completed a 30-hour Anger Management and Family Dynamics program. This wasn’t a surface-level class—it was a comprehensive curriculum focused on healing, accountability, and rebuilding relationships. 

Scott’s participation is verified through three General Chronos:

• Chrono H – Completed 09.09.2003

• Chrono I – Completed 12.09.2003

• Chrono J – Completed 04.16.2004

Chronos I and J include psychiatric evaluations of Scott’s progress, noting:

• 12 of 12 attendance

• LOW need for treatment

• GOOD participation

• GAF level above 60

• GOOD amenability to treatment

“Excellent group member. Was disclosing and helpful to other peers. Was able to express an understanding of his own problems and the progress he's made.” -Comment by Mental Health Outpatient Program Staff

This wasn’t just a class. It was a turning point—an early sign that Scott was serious about change, willing to look inward, and ready to break cycles of harm.

GAF stands for Global Assessment of Functioning, a scale used by mental health professionals to measure emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

A score above 60 indicates:

• Stable mental health

• Good participation in treatment

• Ability to maintain relationships and responsibilities

• Low need for further psychiatric intervention

In Scott’s case, this mark confirms what the program notes already say:

“Excellent group member... helpful to peers... understood his own problems and progress.”

Despite decades of documented growth, the parole board continues to treat Scott Dackerman as if time stood still—dragging him back to the moment of his worst mistake, as if nothing since then matters.

They ignore the GAF scores, which show emotional stability and low need for psychiatric intervention. They ignore the program completions—anger management, S.A.F.E., AA, DA, and more. They ignore the testimony from staff and peers, who describe Scott as helpful, self-aware, and committed to change. They ignore his own words:

“I live the steps.”

Instead, they fixate on:

• Outdated assumptions

• Subtle ridicule

• Bureaucratic rituals that have nothing to do with rehabilitation

This isn’t about public safety anymore. It’s about institutional inertia—a system that punishes growth by refusing to acknowledge it.

That’s why this site matters.

It’s not just telling Scott’s story.

It’s documenting the evidence they refuse to see.

In a signed letter to the Board of Parole Hearings, Sister Mary Sean Hodges—founder of the Insight Reentry Program—personally invited Scott Dackerman to participate in her restorative justice initiative. Her endorsement reflects not only Scott’s readiness, but his reputation among leaders in rehabilitation.

“Scott has demonstrated the insight, accountability, and emotional maturity we seek in our participants.” —Sister Mary Sean Hodges, Founder, Insight Reentry Program

This letter is more than support. It’s a call to action—ignored by a system that claims to value transformation.

Scott completed coursework in Criminal Thinking Therapy, a cognitive-behavioral program designed to challenge distorted beliefs, build emotional regulation, and reduce recidivism. His work included modules on:

• Identifying cognitive distortions

• Developing empathy and accountability

• Practicing anger management strategies

• Reframing impulsive or reactive thought patterns

These materials show Scott doing the internal work—not just attending, but engaging, reflecting, and applying what he learned.

Scott Dackerman completed the Insight Reentry Program, a six-month initiative focused on emotional intelligence, accountability, and peer-led healing. His participation is formally recognized in a certificate signed by Sister Mary Sean Hodges, founder of the program and a nationally respected figure in restorative justice. 

In May 2020, GEO Reentry Services issued a conditional acceptance letter for Scott Dackerman, stating that—provided he does not have a conviction requiring sex offender registration involving a minor victim or arson of an occupied structure—he would be eligible to enter their post-release program.

Scott meets these conditions. At the time, bed space for male participants was available, meaning he could have entered the program immediately upon parole.

“Consider this a conditional acceptance letter to the program.” —Ralph Schwartz GEO Reentry Services, May 05, 2020

This wasn’t a vague possibility. It was a ready and viable reentry plan—ignored by the parole board.

🔗 Read the full conditional acceptance letter (Right click here opens in new tab) 

Scott Dackerman completed DEFY Ventures’ rigorous entrepreneurship program, earning an Associate Degree in Business and Leadership. DEFY is a nationally recognized initiative that equips incarcerated individuals with the tools to become CEOs of their own lives—through mindset training, business development, and personal transformation. 

• Business planning and pitch development

• Leadership and emotional intelligence training

• Career readiness and post-release mentorship

• Alumni recidivism rate: <10%

• Employment rate post-release: 80%

Scott didn’t just complete the program—he excelled, demonstrating the discipline, creativity, and strategic thinking required to build a future beyond incarceration.

On June 14, 2017, Scott Dackerman’s successful completion of the DEFY Ventures entrepreneurship program was formally documented in his C-file as an informational and general chrono. The letter, signed by Licet Huizar, Scott’s DEFY sponsor at Avenal State Prison, outlines the program’s structure, goals, and Scott’s full participation.

This isn’t just a certificate—it’s institutional proof of rehabilitation, filed and acknowledged by CDCR.

• Completion of business and leadership modules

• Participation in pitch development and mentorship

• Engagement in character-building and emotional resilience training

• Recognition by DEFY staff for commitment and growth

“Scott Dackerman has successfully completed the DEFY Ventures program and demonstrated the qualities we seek in our Entrepreneurs in Training.” —Licet Huizar, DEFY Sponsor, Avenal State Prison

🔗 Read the full chrono letter (Right Click to open in new tab)

On October 17, 2017, Scott Dackerman received a Laudatory Chrono entered into his C-file, signed by Andrew Glazier, Executive Director of DEFY Ventures SoCal, and Licet Huizar, Staff Sponsor at Avenal State Prison. This document confirms Scott’s successful completion of the CEO of Your New Life Program—a DVD-based course in entrepreneurship, career readiness, and character development. 

• Hundreds of hours spent mastering business, employment, and communication concepts

• Development of a small business plan to generate legal income

• Completion of a 20-page reentry plan detailing goals, housing, employment, and support systems

• Curriculum certified by Baylor University, affirming academic rigor and real-world relevance

“Mr. Dackerman has completed Defy Ventures’ CEO of Your New Life Program… and developed a detailed 20-page reentry plan.” —Laudatory Chrono, October 17, 2017

📜 View the full Laudatory Chrono 🔗 Right Click here to open in a new tab 

On September 7, 2017, Scott Dackerman earned his Certificate of Completion for DEFY Ventures’ CEO of Your New Life Program, signed by Ms. Catherine Hoke, founder of DEFY Ventures. This nationally recognized course in entrepreneurship, career readiness, and character development is certified by Baylor University and designed to prepare incarcerated individuals for successful reentry. 

As part of his DEFY Ventures training, Scott developed a small business plan focused on tree felling and removal of non-viable trees. His goal was to launch this venture using the potential $20,000 DEFY grant, combining environmental stewardship with economic independence.

This wasn’t just a pitch—it was a plan rooted in:

• Safety and land management

• Community beautification

• Employment for formerly incarcerated individuals

• Restoration of neglected spaces

Scott’s vision reflects the kind of forward-thinking, service-oriented entrepreneurship that DEFY Ventures was designed to cultivate.

Scott’s DEFY Ventures business plan wasn’t pulled from thin air—it grew from years of Scott’s DEFY Ventures business plan wasn’t pulled from thin air—it grew from years of landscaping and gardening experience, where he learned the rhythms of soil, the structure of trees, and the safety protocols for removal and restoration.

His proposed tree felling business focused on:

• Removing non-viable or hazardous trees

• Restoring land usability and safety

• Creating employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals

• Offering eco-conscious services to rural and residential communities

This wasn’t just entrepreneurship—it was legacy work, built from the ground up.

“I’ve worked with the land. I know what it takes to clear it, care for it, and make it useful again.” —Scott Dackerman, business vision

Scott Dackerman pursued spiritual growth and community-building through a series of Bible correspondence and faith-based workshops, earning certificates of completion and institutional recognition for his efforts. 

Completed: November 20, 2005 

Overview: Introductory Bible study focused on personal salvation, scriptural foundations, and spiritual renewal. 

Completed: December 29, 2005

Overview: Christ-centered study emphasizing freedom through faith, repentance, and transformation behind the walls. 

Completed: August 3, 2010

Overview: Focused on tolerance, relationship skills, communication, and community building across faith traditions.

Note: Entered into Scott’s C-file as a General Chrono, commending his positive attitude and efforts to coexist respectfully with others. 

Over the years, Scott Dackerman has earned the trust, respect, and affection of those who’ve walked beside him. These letters reflect the depth of his relationships and the impact of his growth. 

Now in his late 80s and facing serious heart conditions, Einar has written numerous letters in support of Scott’s release. His words reflect both admiration and urgency:

“I fear I will not live to see Scott free. But I want the world to know—he is ready. He is worthy.”

Einar’s letters span years and speak to Scott’s consistency, kindness, and readiness to contribute meaningfully to society.

Walter, Scott’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor, has written multiple letters affirming Scott’s commitment to sobriety, accountability, and emotional growth.

“Scott didn’t just attend meetings—he lived the principles. He’s helped others. He’s stayed the course.”

Walter’s testimony highlights Scott’s leadership within recovery circles and his dedication to personal healing.

Carlos, incarcerated for drug-related offenses, wrote a heartfelt letter in support of Scott Dackerman. In it, he shares how Scott helped him recognize the destructive path he was on and offered legal advice that strengthened Carlos’s defense.

“Scott helped me see the truth about my choices. He gave me the legal advice I needed to fight my case. I know he will be a great member of society.” —Carlos, fellow inmate

Carlos’s testimony reflects Scott’s role as a mentor, advocate, and stabilizing presence within the incarcerated community.

Scott Dackerman’s work history at C.T.F. reflects steady advancement and recognition through supervisor reports and pay increases. However, one document contains a date inconsistency that merits clarification. 

Supervisor Report 1 - $0.08 → $0.11/hour - Effective June 1, 2018 - First documented raise at C.T.F. 

Supervisor Report 2 - $0.11 → $0.15/hour - Effective December 3, 2019 - 12.03.2019 - Reflects continued performance 

Supervisor Report 3 - $0.15 → $0.18/hour . Effective Date May 1, 2017? - Date conflicts with known timeline 

The third report lists a pay increase dated May 1, 2017, which predates Scott’s documented work history at C.T.F. and contradicts the progression shown in earlier reports. Based on personal correspondence and institutional records, Scott’s work assignments began after his transfer to C.T.F. in 2018, and the $0.18/hour raise occurred later, not in 2017.

“Scott wrote to me when he got that raise. He was proud of it—it meant something. And it didn’t happen in 2017.” —Althea Mayberry

This clarification ensures the integrity of Scott’s record and reflects the care taken to present his journey truthfully.

Date: August 28, 2015

Type: Custodial Counseling (Laudatory)

Signed by: T. Mills, Correctional Officer

“Inmate Dackerman J67609 is my lead Porter (four consecutive years). He demonstrates good leadership and communications skills while guiding his assigned coworkers. His efforts directly helped Avenal State Prison to meet the American Correctional Association standards for the first time.”

Though no pay documentation exists for this period, this commendation reflects Scott’s sustained leadership and institutional impact. His role wasn’t just functional—it was foundational to Avenal’s accreditation success.

Scott was proud of this recognition. It marked years of steady work, earned respect, and tangible contribution—even without compensation. 

Though no formal pay documentation exists for Scott’s time at Avenal, it’s possible his labor contributed directly to restitution. His role as lead porter for four consecutive years, and the commendation from Officer T. Mills, reflect a commitment to accountability and institutional betterment.