update 9/3: Ducky is out of jail! He celebrated his release with Mexican food and enough giggles to send some up his nasal passages. More on his jail experience soon.
UPDATE 9/1: Ducky has called us for the first time from South Central Regional. He sounded chipper and explained that he hasn’t been able to contact us because he wasn’t given a bracelet with his ID Number, which he needs in order to use the jail phone. He will be released on Monday.
UPDATE 8/31: This morning two other barge activists agreed to a plea deal of suspended sentences and probation, while other 2 people who boarded the barge with ducky still have open court cases: Rebecca Loeb’s court date has been continued and Squirrel pleaded not guilty.
Today at his status hearing in Kanawha county, Ducky (Nathan Joseph) agreed to a plea deal and was taken directly to south central regional jail to serve 5 days. He plead guilty to obstruction, and was sentenced to 5 days in jail and $100 fine plus court costs.
Ducky was one of Five people who on May 24th boarded a coal barge at the Quincy Docks operated by Kanawha River Terminals in Chelyan, W.Va. and locked themselves to the boat with a banner stating “Coal Leaves Cancer Stays”. Before he took action, ducky had this to say … “If “business as usual” does not stop SOON, there will not be an Appalachia left for our children or our children’s children.”
Ducky had this to say before going to court for his actions – “I’ve found constant comfort in the knowledge that I took part in this action for good reason. Everywhere I look I see problems with the coal industry. Whether it’s the overt destruction of a natural landmark that should be revered or the blatant disregard for the health and safety of industry employees and community members, I see one clear message: the coal machine is one that MUST be stopped.”
You can write to Nathan Walker Joseph, 1001 Centre Way, Charleston, WV, 25309-1001
To guarantee that the person you’re writing to will receive your letters: Address your letter to the inmate’s full legal name. You must include a full name in the return address as well or your mail will not be allowed in.use standard sized envelopes and paper, use only a pencil or pen with blue/black ink (typed or colored ink may cause your letter to be confiscated), don’t include cards, photocopies, clippings, or other materials besides black and white written correspondence. Photos are okay. Please assume all mail will be read by the jail. Remember that the person you are writing may not have paper or stamps to write back, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t receive a reply.
