ADAM CLAUSEN
While my various appeals were still pending I thought it prudent not to 'confess' my guilt concerning any of the crimes for which I was convicted. However, at this stage there are no lingering appeals nor is there the possibility of any future appeal. My case has run its course through the legal system and repeatedly both my sentence and conviction have been 'affirmed'. I can now speak candidly about the events that lead me here.
It all began, and ended, during one very cold, dark month when I committed a string of nine robberies in relatively short succession. At that time my personal life was a real mess and I had no substantial plans for the future. I'd spent most of the previous two years completely submerged in the City's emerging night life social scene and all that partying had taken its toll on my physical health. Obviously my mental health had also seriously suffered because I somehow managed to rationalize a scheme that was concocted to rob criminals...and once I'd ventured across that line my rapid decline and spectacular crash became inevitable. (Read more about Adam here.)
ADAM'S ARREST
On February 28th, 2000 I was arrested at the scene of a robbery that I'd just committed in downtown, Center City, Philadelphia. Somewhat ironically, the events of that fateful night unfolded only footsteps away from 'Independence Mall' where the famed 'Liberty Bell' is housed. I've remained in custody since forfeiting my own liberty that frigid night nearly a decade ago.
Eight of the nine robberies that I committed were illegal enterprises that were admittedly linked to Asian Organized Crime. The government was loath to admit this since most of those establishments were operating right under the shadow of City Hall...in the very same neighborhood as the FBI Building and the Federal Courthouse. I had specifically chosen those places because I (wrongly) believed that there was little harm in stealing from criminals. Unfortunately, I never paused to consider personal circumstances, motivations, or emotional states of my victims and how my actions might affect each of them. My crimes undoubtedly made their lives even more difficult and I greatly regret contributing to their hardships.
The one remaining (9th) robbery occurred just across the Ben Franklin Bridge, outside a bar and restaurant in the area of South Jersey where I spent most of my youth. That crime was instigated and fueled by personal disputes which I was not directly involved. I did in fact contribute to the robbery and benefited from it, although I was not physically present during the commission of that crime. However, these victim's testimonies were some of the most difficult to hear, since I knew both individuals. Their words have hung heavily upon my conscience throughout the years.
The many ensuing years that I've spent here 'behind the wall' have drastically altered my perspective on life in general and allowed me to realize the gravity of my offenses. My crimes obviously affected my victims but they also seriously affected the lives of so many of my family, friends and loved ones. I owe ALL of those individuals my deepest and most sincere apology. (If this pertains to you, 'I am so very sorry for all the distress I caused you'.)
I've finally arrived at a point in my life where I am able to take full responsibility for ALL of the events which lead me to where I am today. Furthermore, all these years I've spent in prison have afforded me the opportunity to become acutely aware of my innate ability to influence and lead the men around me. It's the acceptance of this understanding that has lead me to reluctantly acknowledge a greater responsibility for the actions of others involved in my crimes. I've grown to realize that along with the great responsibility of leadership comes a moral obligation to positively direct and influence all those around you. I failed to utilize my influence in a positive manner when it absolutely mattered the most and now so many, including myself, are paying the price. There is no way to re-write the past but it's imperative to learn from your mistakes and that's exactly what I've attempted to do during my time in prison. I try to say what I mean, do what I say, and set a positive example for others each and every single day...and for now that's the best that I can do.
THE MATH BEHIND MY 213 YEAR SENTENCE
8 years for all Hobbs Act convictions + 5 years for the first § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for second § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for third § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for fourth § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for fifth § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for sixth § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for seventh § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for eight § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for ninth § 924(c) conviction
= 213 year mandatory minimum sentence
HOBBS ACT ROBBERY + § 924 (C) MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE
I was charged by the United States Attorneys Office and indicted on 9 counts of Committing Hobbs Act Robbery, 9 counts of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, and 9 counts of Using a Firearm during a crime of violence (robbery) in violation of §942 (c)
A Hobbs Act Robbery is any robbery that somehow affects the flow of Interstate Commerce. The government is required to prove this minimal effect upon Interstate Commerce in order to justify and sustain federal jurisdiction and prosecution. Furthermore, the government must prove that a defendant did knowingly brandish, possess or discharge a firearm during the commission of the Hobbs Act Robbery in order to initiate the mandatory minimum required by the statute § 942 (c)
After a 7 day jury trial, I was convicted on all 27 counts. At sentencing the judge imposed the minimum guideline sentence of 8 years for each of the 9 Hobbs Act Conspiracy charges and for each of the 9 Hobbs Act Robbery Charges. In accordance with US Sentencing Guidelines, these first 18 counts were grouped together and run concurrently- meaning that I received 8 years total for the first 18 counts.
The remaining § 924(c) (firearm) charges were a bit more complex. On the first charge I was sentenced to a 5 year mandatory minimum which was then run consecutively to the 8 years I'd already received, for a total of 13 years. Now, on the remaining 8 charges I was sentenced on each one to a 25 year mandatory minimum sentence which was required to run consecutively not only to the Hobbs Act (8 years) but to every other § 924 (c) sentence.
It all began, and ended, during one very cold, dark month when I committed a string of nine robberies in relatively short succession. At that time my personal life was a real mess and I had no substantial plans for the future. I'd spent most of the previous two years completely submerged in the City's emerging night life social scene and all that partying had taken its toll on my physical health. Obviously my mental health had also seriously suffered because I somehow managed to rationalize a scheme that was concocted to rob criminals...and once I'd ventured across that line my rapid decline and spectacular crash became inevitable. (Read more about Adam here.)
ADAM'S ARREST
On February 28th, 2000 I was arrested at the scene of a robbery that I'd just committed in downtown, Center City, Philadelphia. Somewhat ironically, the events of that fateful night unfolded only footsteps away from 'Independence Mall' where the famed 'Liberty Bell' is housed. I've remained in custody since forfeiting my own liberty that frigid night nearly a decade ago.
Eight of the nine robberies that I committed were illegal enterprises that were admittedly linked to Asian Organized Crime. The government was loath to admit this since most of those establishments were operating right under the shadow of City Hall...in the very same neighborhood as the FBI Building and the Federal Courthouse. I had specifically chosen those places because I (wrongly) believed that there was little harm in stealing from criminals. Unfortunately, I never paused to consider personal circumstances, motivations, or emotional states of my victims and how my actions might affect each of them. My crimes undoubtedly made their lives even more difficult and I greatly regret contributing to their hardships.
The one remaining (9th) robbery occurred just across the Ben Franklin Bridge, outside a bar and restaurant in the area of South Jersey where I spent most of my youth. That crime was instigated and fueled by personal disputes which I was not directly involved. I did in fact contribute to the robbery and benefited from it, although I was not physically present during the commission of that crime. However, these victim's testimonies were some of the most difficult to hear, since I knew both individuals. Their words have hung heavily upon my conscience throughout the years.
The many ensuing years that I've spent here 'behind the wall' have drastically altered my perspective on life in general and allowed me to realize the gravity of my offenses. My crimes obviously affected my victims but they also seriously affected the lives of so many of my family, friends and loved ones. I owe ALL of those individuals my deepest and most sincere apology. (If this pertains to you, 'I am so very sorry for all the distress I caused you'.)
I've finally arrived at a point in my life where I am able to take full responsibility for ALL of the events which lead me to where I am today. Furthermore, all these years I've spent in prison have afforded me the opportunity to become acutely aware of my innate ability to influence and lead the men around me. It's the acceptance of this understanding that has lead me to reluctantly acknowledge a greater responsibility for the actions of others involved in my crimes. I've grown to realize that along with the great responsibility of leadership comes a moral obligation to positively direct and influence all those around you. I failed to utilize my influence in a positive manner when it absolutely mattered the most and now so many, including myself, are paying the price. There is no way to re-write the past but it's imperative to learn from your mistakes and that's exactly what I've attempted to do during my time in prison. I try to say what I mean, do what I say, and set a positive example for others each and every single day...and for now that's the best that I can do.
THE MATH BEHIND MY 213 YEAR SENTENCE
8 years for all Hobbs Act convictions + 5 years for the first § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for second § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for third § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for fourth § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for fifth § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for sixth § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for seventh § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for eight § 924 (c) conviction
+ 25 years for ninth § 924(c) conviction
= 213 year mandatory minimum sentence
HOBBS ACT ROBBERY + § 924 (C) MANDATORY MINIMUM SENTENCE
I was charged by the United States Attorneys Office and indicted on 9 counts of Committing Hobbs Act Robbery, 9 counts of Conspiracy to Commit Hobbs Act Robbery, and 9 counts of Using a Firearm during a crime of violence (robbery) in violation of §942 (c)
A Hobbs Act Robbery is any robbery that somehow affects the flow of Interstate Commerce. The government is required to prove this minimal effect upon Interstate Commerce in order to justify and sustain federal jurisdiction and prosecution. Furthermore, the government must prove that a defendant did knowingly brandish, possess or discharge a firearm during the commission of the Hobbs Act Robbery in order to initiate the mandatory minimum required by the statute § 942 (c)
After a 7 day jury trial, I was convicted on all 27 counts. At sentencing the judge imposed the minimum guideline sentence of 8 years for each of the 9 Hobbs Act Conspiracy charges and for each of the 9 Hobbs Act Robbery Charges. In accordance with US Sentencing Guidelines, these first 18 counts were grouped together and run concurrently- meaning that I received 8 years total for the first 18 counts.
The remaining § 924(c) (firearm) charges were a bit more complex. On the first charge I was sentenced to a 5 year mandatory minimum which was then run consecutively to the 8 years I'd already received, for a total of 13 years. Now, on the remaining 8 charges I was sentenced on each one to a 25 year mandatory minimum sentence which was required to run consecutively not only to the Hobbs Act (8 years) but to every other § 924 (c) sentence.
