RELEASE MONTELL JOHNSON (UPDATE: PARDONED)

[Dazzler]

I'm sure it's because they want to search it for contraband and probably for content...

[Dazzler]

I just received this email from member Ted Pearson:

The general counsel for the IDOC has informed Montell Johnson's attorneys that that the prison guards in the UIC Hospital ICU will be instructed to allow Gloria Johnson-Ester, his mother, to assist UIC Hospital staff in repositioning him.  She will be allowed to touch him. 
 
We hope that it will not take long for the guards to get the message.
 
Montell cannot turn himself and most of his body is paralyzed.  The guards are there to prevent him from escaping.
 
There is a continuing controversy about whether he is allowed to hear greetings over the telephone.  He is unable to speak, but Mrs. Johnson had held the phone to his ear when Terry Hoyt, the mother of Dorianne Warnsley, the woman Montell was wrongfully convicted of murdering, called to convey her prayers and words of encouragement.  The guards ordered Mrs. Johnson out of Montell's room that day, and the issue has not yet been resolved. 
 
The guards reportedly use the hospital telephone for their own personal business. 
 
TP 

[loretjord7]

I am so happy that Montell can receive his mail, now he will not only know people care but he will see that people care.

[momm316]

Dazz:  Thank you for sharing.  I hadn't heard anything...maybe the mail
went to my bulk mail as it sometimes does and then I miss it.  Anyway,
I am so glad to hear that they seem to be letting up on Montell a little,
not that he can enjoy it, but I praise God that Gloria will be able to relax
a little.  I am sure as things progress, more freedom will be given
to her.

Here's praying for Montell's comfort.

Blessings,
Momm316

[tinkr30]

This man is SUCH a threat to the outside world--I swear!

Is it too late to put my name on the list?


Denise Minks

[WAID]

I'm posting this email I received from Ted Pearson updating on Montell Johnson

Last week 7th Circuit federal Court Judge Robert M. Dow ordered the attorneys for the IDOC, the State of Illinois, the UIC Hospital, the various doctors involved and the attorneys representing Montell Johnson and his mother, Gloria Johnson-Ester, to meet, work out a solution to provide Montell's care beyond the March 23 expiration date of Judge Suzanne B. Conlon's order that he not be returned to Dixon Correctional Center.  Judge Dow ordered the attorneys to appear in his court this morning (Monday) and report on what they had agreed upon.
 
Today the attorney for the State reported to the Court that on Friday the new IDOC Medical Director, Dr. Michael Puisis, saw Montell at the UIC Hospital and met with Dr. Rosencranz, who has been attending Montell, and had concluded that Montell's condition precluded returning him to any facility of the IDOC.  They propose that Montell be moved to a long term care facility near UIC Hospital, in case he needs to be returned there in an emergency. 
 
They will report back to Judge Dow on Wednesday at 11:00 am what they propose.  If their proposal is agreeable to Mrs. Johnson-Ester that will settle the matter for at least a while.  If it is not it will go before Judge Dow for a decision.  The hearing will be in Room 1919 at the Dirkson Building, 219 S. Dearborn St., Chicago.
 
Mrs. Johnson reports that Montell's condition fluctuates between bad and worse.  While not requiring intensive care, he still is not over the various infections he got as a result of the seriously inadequate care he received while incarcerated.  Mr. Johnson is able to be with him for several hours every day, helping the nursing staff at UIC Hospital deal with his many problems.  She has been a tower of strength for him, and for the movement that supports him and demands human rights and medical care for all prisoners.
 
Ted Pearson

[WAID]

Correction:
Judge Dow is U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, not the 7th Circuit, which is a Court of Appeals.

[Favored23]

THANKS WAID!  I am so happy they are staying on this case.  Prayers being lifted up for him and all involved.

[jlnjy]

All I can say is FINALLY!!!

God is always on time.

My prayers continue for Montell and his family. I certainly hope the media is able to shed some light on this story.

[iluvant]

thanks for the update I will keep him and all involved in my prayers

[WAID]

I'm posting this email I received from Ted Pearson, updating on Montell Johnson.

Gloria Johnson-Ester reports that her son, Montell Johnson, is responding well to the physical therapy he has been getting at Kindred Hospital, at 2544 West Montrose in Chicago, IL .  He is sitting up on the edge of his bed with help from Mrs. Johnson-Ester, and seems pleased with his progress.  His spirit is much improved.

The care he is receiving demonstrates how quickly and how much better he could have been doing all this time, had the Illinois Department of Corrections been willing and able to provide the care he needs, care they are now providing under a court order. 

We need to give even more support to Montell and Gloria in their personal struggle to regain his health.  We need to struggle to turn this small victory for Montell into better medical care and respect for the human rights of everyone incarcerated in Illinois. Since the IDOC will not allow cards and letters to be received by Montell at the hospital, messages can be sent to him in care of Gloria Johnson-Ester at NAARPR-Chicago, 1325 S. Wabash Ave. Suite 105, Chicago IL 60605.

Ted Pearson

[jsmom]

  This is great news! I often wonder about Montell & how is is doing. IDOC should be so ashamed of the poor care they gave Montell and that it came to a court order for this man to receive the proper care he so deserves.  for the update WAID!

[momm316]

Waid:  Thanks for the update...I didn't receive this last communication.  We all need to send cards to Montell in care of his mother, so he will know that we have not forgotten him, but continue to pray for his recovery.  You know what comes to mind for me though....is if he continues to improve, will they take him back to Dixon...??  That's a scary thought.

Love,
Momm316

[WAID]

Today the attorney for the State reported to the Court that on Friday the new IDOC Medical Director, Dr. Michael Puisis, saw Montell at the UIC Hospital and met with Dr. Rosencranz, who has been attending Montell, and had concluded that Montell's condition precluded returning him to any facility of the IDOC.  They propose that Montell be moved to a long term care facility near UIC Hospital, in case he needs to be returned there in an emergency. 
 

The improvement in his health as far as infection & bed sores makes for better breathing, mobility & less pain. However he is terminally ill & per the court order, will not return to an IDOC facility.

[SMD]

That is great news he won't have to go back to DOC... I am happy to hear he is doing better also..
Thanks for the update, I often think about how he is doing and how his mom is doing also..
                                             SMD

[momm316]

Thank you Waid...I had missed that post.  That is music to our hearts..Although he is terminally ill, at least he will be where he will be made more comfortable and his mother will be nearby.

Love,
Momm316

[Sister]

Nice to hear some good news about this situation for a change.  

[loretjord7]

This is fantastic news, Prayer works. Thanks for the up date.

[WAID]

I inquired with Ted Pearson of NAARPR on an update, so this is from him.

Montell is doing well and not well.  That is, he has good days and bad.  He’s at Kindred Hospital on the North Side, gets regular physical therapy, has been able to sit up in a chair for a while sometimes, and may be doing as well as could be expected medically.  Gloria Johnson-Ester, his mom, is able to visit him every day and spends most of each day with him, helping to take care of him. 
 
On the other hand, his body weight is still very low and his vital signs fluctuate.  He is still in IDOC custody with a 24 x 7 guard present.  There are still struggles between his Mom and the guards over what she can bring to him (such as family photos), over control of the TV and radio, the nurse call button, etc.  There is still a communication problem between the doctors and Mrs. Johnson. 
 
The legal situation is still pending, with the IDOC barred from sending him back to prison. 
 
Thanks,
 
Ted

[Favored23]

  Waid thanks for the update.  This is so, so GOOD NEWS!!