Scott’s journey has never been carried alone. Alongside him stand friends and supporters whose voices, sacrifices, and loyalty have helped sustain hope and press for justice. This page honors those advocates—each with their own story of resilience and mercy—whose presence reminds us that true freedom is always a shared work, and that family can be found in the bonds of advocacy.
The Promise: Shawn Hawk’s Stand for Justice
Shawn Hawk and Scott Dackerman met behind prison walls—two men caught in a system that punishes presence more than proof. Shawn was convicted for a crime he didn’t commit, tangled by circumstances and condemned by proximity. But he fought back. He studied law, challenged the system, and won his freedom.
Before leaving prison, Shawn made a promise:
“If I get out, I’ll help you get out too.”
He kept that promise.
Shawn handled Scott’s federal writ, battling the courts with precision and resolve. He continues to advocate for Scott’s release, even after the federal fight ended. He travels into prisons to conduct classes on Healthy Relationships, helping men who have endured physical, sexual, or emotional abuse. His work focuses on guiding them to heal their wounds and honor their scars so they can return to society as healthy, whole men. While his primary mission is healing, he occasionally addresses the challenges faced by those preparing to go before the parole board. Now, he joins forces with Althea at sethimfree.org and shares the mission to bring truth to light.
Shawn’s story is not just legal. It’s spiritual. It’s the story of a man who refused to forget his brother in chains. His work is a beacon for those still trapped in the system—and a warning to those who uphold injustice.
Shawn Hawk book reference and disclaimer
Shawn Hawk has authored a book titled “The California Parole Scheme: How To Empower Yourself Against California's Parole Fraud and Abuse of Authority.” In it, he tells the story of his conviction for a murder he did not commit, his 28 years behind bars, and how he navigated and challenged the California parole system step-by-step to secure his own release Amazon
Book link: The California Parole Scheme on Amazon Amazon
Disclaimer: sethimfree.org does not profit from this link or any sales. It is provided solely for informational and advocacy purposes.
Vaughn Grable: Advocacy Interrupted, Legacy Enduring
In 2009, Vaughn Grable was actively working to secure an attorney for Scott. His advocacy was not only personal—it was practical, aimed at giving Scott the defense he needed. Scott entered his parole hearing that year under the impression that his personal attorney would be present. When no one appeared, he was left in confusion, not understanding why Vaughn’s arrangements had fallen silent. The board postponed the hearing for one year, leaving Scott to face the weight of representation alone.
The reason became clear only later: Vaughn had suddenly passed away. His death was more than the loss of a friend—it was the loss of an advocate whose trust and action could have changed the course of Scott’s struggle.
Vaughn’s loyalty ran so deep that he had entrusted Scott with his estate: his home in Cambria, California, his car, and all his assets. But because Scott was imprisoned when Vaughn died, he could not fulfill the legal requirements of the will, and the inheritance was forfeited. What was meant to be a gift of restoration became another loss in Scott’s journey.
Yet Vaughn’s legacy endures. Scott honored him by giving his son the name Stephen Vaughn Dackerman, ensuring that Vaughn’s spirit of loyalty and mercy lives on in the next generation. Vaughn’s story reminds us that advocacy is not only about standing together in life, but about leaving behind a legacy of trust that continues even when interrupted.
Einar: A Living Witness of Loyalty
Einar has stood as a steadfast friend and advocate for Scott, offering encouragement and support across years of struggle. His letters and presence have been a living testimony of loyalty—proof that true friendship endures even through hardship.
Einar’s advocacy is marked by quiet strength and unwavering commitment. Over the years, he has written many letters to the parole board on Scott’s behalf, each one a reminder that freedom is not only a legal matter but a communal calling. His witness shows that advocacy is about standing up for those who we believe in, standing for truth and honor, and standing with one another.