Making a Rapist

After his release from prison, Luther's plans included starting a website based on his pursuit of innocence, and although the odds are stacked against him, to continue raising funds to overturn his conviction. The variety of odd jobs he has held, moving to many residences, and aborted careers is due more to the fact that Luther Stidham had no direction in life. Raised by his mother, Luther grew up without a father's guidance and, in 1987, got himself kicked out of Ranson Junior High School. Thirteen years later, he obtained his GED. A Charlotte, NC native, Luther became the typical 18-year-old long hair wanna-be rock and roll star. He and Bones, the drummer, formed a rock band that performed in a small bar north of Charlotte. From flipping burgers, to scrubbing toilets, managing a pizza restaurant, being an auto mechanic, and working as a bartender, to selling prehistoric satellite dishes door-to-door, Luther was a jack-of-all-trades. He says, "I've even sold replacement windows." Finally, at the age of 34, he pursued a childhood dream. He became a law enforcement officer. He said, when that dream came true, "One of my greatest blessings is that I enjoy helping people. It gives me an indescribable sense of personal satisfaction that those of us who carry this gift, are able to feel. As a police officer, I got that chance every day." Having been sentenced to serve four-and-a-half years in prison, Luther explored a world he didn't know existed. "I've learned many things and discovered a broken system." Mentored by another inmate in his prison dorm, Luther excelled at drawing portraits. He volunteered his free time as a GED tutor for nearly 3 years. Luther has also studied law and kept a journal of his life in prison. As a jailhouse lawyer, he helped free the over-sentenced and won new trials for other inmates. As a convict, he earned the reputation as a marriage counselor, mediator, mentor, and tax preparer. Now at age 46, Luther has dedicated himself to protecting human rights. Inspired by his cellmates, he writes about his experiences as a police officer and as a convict, and he shares his view on fundamental fairness. "I found healing in writing. It's not a metaphor; it really works."