Michael Alig Gets More Time

My visits to Michael Alig in prison have become more frequent lately. Michael and I had been friends and even partners -- although not in crime -- long ago. Having served 13 years for the murder of Angel Melendez, Michael has been awaiting news of his exact day of release. His real partner in crime, Freeze, is due out next March, and, well -- Michael screwed up. I’m not exactly clear what has transpired, but it has something to do with a chronic back condition and Michael’s chronic fondness for easy ways out and drugs. It seems that Percocet was found streaming through his blood, and that’s a definite no-no in the joint. The facts will always be confused around Michael. Layers of fiction and half-truths are blended as stories are passed from one loyal follower to another. Even when I hear things from him, straight from the horse's mouth (or is it the ass' mouth?), there is doubt. Discerning the truth is like grabbing smoke with your hand.

I have heard that Michael received four4 years tacked onto his sentence for what has been described to me as a minor infraction. He also lost a chunk of good time. Now, either the judgment was too harsh or the infraction described has been understated—I just don’t know. I do know this: Every time I return from a visit, people ask me when is he getting out. I have speculated somewhere around next May, but it seems now that it will be some May down the road a few years. He is not taking this well, and I fear the worst. Although he has more supporters than probably all the other prisoners in his facility combined, he once again finds himself in more trouble than he can handle.

When I first went to visit Michael, I was criticized by many who said that I should not support a murderer. It was worse than that. When I was being targeted by the feds, Michael tried unsuccessfully to tape me saying things that would be incriminating. As I’ve maintained all along, that was impossible, as I didn’t have anything to do with what he and others were doing. Still, although I did get the fuzzy end of the lollipop shoved up my mouth, I never complained when I faced my trial, and I never complained while I did my time. I never complain now about the cards I was dealt. All in all, I’ve been dealt some pretty great hands, and I count these blessings and have moved on with my life. Despite Michael’s transgressions and his futile attempt to harm me to save himself, I forgave him and have attempted to comfort him. I told him that I was going to do my best to help him re-enter society in a positive and productive manner. I have told him that he can never make up for what he did, but his salvation depends on living a charitable and honorable life when he gets out. To this end I have written about him, corresponded with the editor of a book he is writing, and shown his art (like the painting above) to capable people in an attempt to set up a post-prison career for him. Many, many others have also been there for him—most far more than I.

This latest setback is a sign that Michael still sees himself as above the law, and more importantly, above the trust and friendship of honest people. I will not withdraw my support for him, as I see under all the layers of lies and games a truly brilliant person who could really do some good. But I will not coddle him either. Until he is ready to take the hands of those willing to give him a chance and treat these people with respect and honor, I will not feel sympathy or advocate his release. He is now locked in a very sad place. He will be moved either five or eight hours away from New York City to a place where he will be locked in a solitary confinement facility, or “Shu” as it’s known. His visitation, phone, and other basic privileges will be severely diminished, but I believe the production company World of Wonder, who were working on his book and a possible reality show involving him, will indeed continue with their efforts despite the delay. Esther will continue her work on his book, and I will continue to write and visit and support him in hopes of the Michael I know coming out. I gave him my word that I would not abandon him, and I will keep that word ... but man, it’s getting hard to believe in him.