Sentenced: Case Studies of Accountability & Recovery

As a United States probation officer, Lavarr McBride first met Eric Wicklund. Eric was on federal supervised release to LaVarr in 2000. This is where they began their unique relationship that has developed into a long-lasting friendship culminating in writing Through a Convict’s Eyes: An Overlooked View of the Criminal Justice System. 

Eric has been in and out of prison for more than half of his adult life. He now has gone almost 14 years since leaving prison for the last time. Eric finds strength from Denise whom he met soon after he was released from prison. Their relationship has had great impact on Eric’s success.

Not too many probation officers can say that they have written a book with someone they supervised, but that is exactly what makes Through a Convict’s Eyes and the authors unique. LaVarr and Eric decided to write together because of the relationship they had forged and the insight that Eric has given to LaVarr. Within their book there are many lessons learned from Eric that show how much he truly has changed and how he has found his support to be his family and friends. He no longer needs the drugs and life of crime to give him substance; he now has a support system.