Mule Creek Post
Mule Creek Post is a prison publication dedicated to sharing the news, events, and stories of the Mule Creek community. The Post has been around for about a decade and in that time, their mission has been to present content and messaging that encourages rehabilitation and pro-social values. The staff writers aim to enhance a sense of community, creativity, and positivity both in and outside of Mule Creek State Prison.
2025 Print Issues
Past Print Issues
2024
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
Staff members
Jesse Carson, Editor-in-Chief
Jesse Carson has served as the editor-in-chief since 2022, promoted to the position after five years as production editor. He was one of the original eight members who founded the Mule Creek Post in 2018, and has been a member of the Society of Professional Journalists since September 2021. He began his newspaper experience with his high school newspaper, The Sandstorm in Richland, Wash., for which he wrote, illustrated, and edited. His writing has also appeared in Central California Catholic Life, College Inside, Vanguard Incarcerated Press, the Prison Journalism Project, Civic Scholar: The Phi Theta Kappa Journal of Undergraduate Research, Voices of the Creek, and Perspectives from the Cell Block: An Anthology of Prisoner Writings. He earned his bachelor’s degree in communication studies from CSU Sacramento in 2024, and is currently working on a master’s degree from CSU Dominguez Hills.
Marty Williams, Production Editor
Marty Williams is an LWOP, ex-Marine, vegetarian, and currently production editor for the Mule Creek Post. He created and maintains an arts page called The Creative Arts Program for the last two years, and was an arts assistant for the Arts In Corrections program for 20 years at CSP-SAC and SCC, where he taught graphic art, music, and writing. He is a registered facilitator for Dialogue House and Associates’ Intensive Journal Workshops, a graduate of Incarcerated Journalist Training at MCSP, and was a facilitator for Anger Management, Criminal-Addictive Thinking, and Life Mastery for the mental health department at SCC. He has an essay in the anthology Too Cruel, Not Unusual Enough, several poems over the years published in Psychological Perspectives, and wrote, produced, and performed on a double CD recorded at CSP-SAC about the life of Christ called The Road. He has been a clerk for four community resource managers, and is working towards an AA degree from Folsom River College.
Al Rice, Copy Editor
I’m a 67-year-old serving life without parole who’s been in prison for over 38 years. I write as a hobby and have published a few short stories, several poems, and one self-published fantasy novel. I’ve been copy editor of the Mule Creek Post newspaper since August 2018, a job that is as fun as it is rewarding.
Jason Davis, Lead Reporter/Photographer
Jason Davis works for the Mule Creek Post as lead reporter. A developing writer, and graduate of the Incarcerated Journalist Training program, he has been published in the Prison Journalism Project and the Vanguard Incarcerated Press. He is currently editing his first full-length novel. “I have found a passion in the interview process and telling people’s stories working for the MCP,” he says.
John L. Orr, Feature Reporter
John L. Orr worked in law enforcement and the fire service for over 24 years. A six-year U.S. Air Force veteran, he is currently incarcerated at the Mule Creek State Prison and is a feature reporter for the Mule Creek Post prison newspaper. With over 90 articles published in the Post and several outside periodicals, his memoir, Points of Truth, and a novel, Points of Origin, are currently offered on Amazon.com. Mr. Orr has proclaimed innocence since his arrest in 1991.
Bob Gay, Feature Reporter
As a boy, Bob Gay struggled in the public school system. His parents placed him in a private school with only eight junior high students — still struggling. The teacher spent his summer teaching Bob the basics of English literature; from then on Bob excelled. When the Vietnam War hit high gear in the early ’60s, Bob was nearly drafted by the Army; he quickly joined the Navy and was assigned as a combat journalist on river duty in Vietnam. After the war, he began writing his own syndicated column that was picked up by various newspapers. Later in life, Bob ended up at the Mule Creek State Prison. He soon found his way to employment as a feature reporter/journalist for the Mule Creek Post. Today, he writes interesting, hope-filled articles for his fellow incarcerated peers.
D. Razor Babb, Feature Reporter
D. Razor Babb is a former network affiliate broadcast journalist and current reporter for Empowerment Avenue, Vanguard Incarcerated Press, and the Mule Creek Post, specializing in social justice issues. He has published several books, is a three-time PEN Awards winner, and finalist in the 2024 L.A. Press Club Awards for crime reporting.
O. Rick Bridges, Feature Reporter
O. Rick Bridges is biracial African-American presently employed as a feature reporter for the Mule Creek Post. Other positions that he’s held there include special projects manager. A member of the Society of Professional Journalists, his writing is informed by his personal experiences: growing up as a child of adoption and a military service dependent, and through the details of dutiful and painstaking recovery from alcoholism, addiction, and criminality. As a Phi Theta Kappa scholar, Bridges has earned AAs in sociology (2023), interdisciplinary studies social and behavioral sciences, and arts and humanities (2024); AATs in law and public policy, and social work and human services (2024); and a BA in communication studies (2024); in pursuit of a humanities MA and a JD. Prior to incarceration, Bridges worked for several years as legal practice administrator. Beyond restorative journalism, his rehabilitative service to community includes his roles as: a sober citizen, life coach, mentor, and recovery sponsor. He reports that his rehabilitation is his full-time occupation (24-7).
Rob Sharp, Feature Reporter
I am Rob Sharp and I enjoy writing immensely. I have been a regularly contributing reporter for the Mule Creek Post since early in 2018. I finally submitted to a paid position in late 2024. Over the years I have submitted/had published somewhere beyond 250 articles including: legal, legislative, general interest, literary reviews, interviews, etymological, and arts and entertainment pieces. I am currently awaiting graduation for my fourth associate degree and acceptance into a baccalaureate program. I am 71 years old, in great health, and grateful for the opportunities I have been given to improve myself through the Post, continuing education, and the self-help programs available. One of the greatest benefits I have found in working with the other members of the Mule Creek Post news team is the relationships I have been blessed with amongst the crew. These are some really great guys, both to work with and to know.
Philong Huynh, Feature Reporter
I am an aspiring wordsmith, having long been an aficionado of the written words. I have always had a knack for human and social interest stories as well as topics in law, medicine, and science. My undergraduate training is in biology. By way of injustice, I have been convicted of felony murder with false forensics in a case where the cause and manner of death was certified on autopsy as undetermined and where newly discovered forensic evidence has largely been ignored by the courts on habeas. Ode to ye land of the free … freely mass incarcerated.
Daniel Larson, Feature Reporter
In 1980 I co-published the Yellowstone Gazette in Yellowstone National Park, Montana. Our motto was: “The Park People’s Potentially Potable Potpourri of Potshots.” The paper was born in a bar in West Yellowstone, Montana (it was the ’80s). The paper began as a single photocopied sheet of paper we handed out. By August 1980 the circulation had grown to 3,500 copies. We had a key staff of four, and ten “Dazzlers” that represented the five locations within the park. The paper was consigned to many businesses in West Yellowstone, Jackson Hole, and Helena. Those vendors kept half of the list price: “50¢ cheap!” Later while working for an International Bulk Mailing Company, I had a recurring cartoon character in the company newsletter, Chain Reaction. The cartoon was titled Odds Bodfish. Odds was a company supervisor. I lovingly drew him as a duck.
F. Orlando Wells, Feature Reporter
Since early childhood, writing has played an important role in my life, it has given me the ability to express things that weren’t possible verbally; you could say that it was my first real voice. I find that writing is a form of storytelling, which is a great part of my Native Culture and traditions. This to me is an opportunity to develop my voice as a Native man where I get to write about many exciting subjects and explore new ideas that expand how I see the world and people. I look forward to the next chapter of my writing evolution here at the Mule Creek Post and look to the future of becoming a novelist.
Gerald McKoy, Feature Reporter
Gerald McKoy Jr. has been a reporter for the Mule Creek Post since December 2024. He is currently completing his bachelor’s through California State University, majoring in communication studies. A millennial and avid book nerd and gamer, his main interests are technology, music, Japanese culture, pop culture, and defending villages from monsters in roleplaying games.
Fred Munch, Post Columnist
Since the sixth grade, I’ve excelled in writing. It was in my blood from my mother who wrote anti-war poetry during WWII. As a junior at UCSB in 1971, I was accepted into the College of Creative Studies. In a career of organic orchard farming, I kept a monthly journal for the elderly landowner. While incarcerated, my byline has been on dozens of articles and two pieces on the Prison Journalism Project website. When not writing, I’m reading, doing yoga, going for long walks in the grass, or working out on the bike in the gym. I don’t own or watch television and find fulfillment without changing channels.
Mark Daigre, Post Columnist
Working for the Post since 2018, Mark has been recently working on a bachelor’s degree in communications as well as getting out of prison. He has worked in the recovery community since 2010 and is a practicing Buddhist, teaching since 2015. Knowing both sides of the victim/offender dichotomy, Mark has the ability to connect and empathize with many both in and out of prison, always working to help the people leaving prison be not just safe in the community, but to become assets to any community they live in.
Jason Rosacia, Post Reporter
Many people say, when you love your job, you don’t work a single day. To me, it’s more like, if you do all things for the love of God, you’re having fun! As a professional videographer, video editor, director of photography, graphic designer, and visual effects artist for 12 years and owning my own business (J4 Films, Eizonyu Media), I have experience in field reporting, live broadcast, and post-production, and making narrative films for fun; doing music scoring for my own films and voiceovers; and much more. I am now humbly using all these God-given talents for his glory and honor; to make amends; and to do honest service to Mule Creek Post, not having any ambitions to be famous, but to be useful in my own little way.
Dale Hurd, Post Reporter
Post reporter Dale Hurd was born at the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Hospital in 1950. In 1960 he was awarded a trip to Disneyland by the San Francisco News Call Bulletin for his short story “T’was the Night Before Halloween.” His greatest creations are his son and daughter, Charles and Diana. Dale Hurd is in the custody of the State of California committed to death by incarceration.
Fabián García, Spanish Reporter
Fabián García has been writing for the Post since July 2023 when he was at the High Desert State Prison. Since coming to Mule Creek, he has taken up the role as the Spanish Reporter for the Post to ensure that valuable messaging makes it to the Spanish-speaking population.
Dortell Williams, Post Reporter
Dortell Williams is on his 36th year of incarceration on a sentence of life without parole. He is currently on the cusp of completing his graduate degree, and likes to write and advocate for others.
Nemo Burgos, Post Reporter
Nemo has been writing for the Mule Creek Post since 2021. He has a diverse work background from nonprofits, education, and sports. At Mule Creek he has infused his experiences into his direct involvement with rehabilitative organizations. He trains rescue dogs for adoption with Infinite PAWSAbilities. He took an active role in the genesis and continuance of Redemption Serve and Beading Injustice. The former donates pickleball equipment and professional instruction to prisons. The latter allows residents to promote their art and earn money for essentials. He earned his bachelor’s in mass media studies at UC San Diego via Pepperdine University. After careers in nonprofits and professional sports, he returned to college for his second bachelor’s in kinesiology and exercise physiology and a master’s in education at San Francisco State. Notable media experiences include being featured in an NBC News piece for tutoring violent youth offenders and former LA gang members through Pepperdine University. He was also on the news staff for the Malibu campus radio and TV station. At UC San Diego, he appeared in “Coming Out in College,” a video used as an educational tool throughout the University of California system.
Former staff members
Sean “Sharif” Neal, Former Lead Reporter
I first began writing when I got the bright idea of being a published author back in 2010 when I made my first effort at writing my memoir, which then did not have a name. But I had no real writing skills then, only the desire to write, which I began to hone many years later writing poetry in Lara Gularte’s class, and then the Mule Creek Post. I’ve been incarcerated for more than 30 years, so I felt I had something to say. Writing for the Mule Creek Post gave me the chance to express my views and hone my craft. In September 2024, I published my first book, This Life Matters.
Adrian Torres, Former Facility Associate Editor
Adrian Torres is a former associate editor for the Mule Creek Post, where he worked and volunteered since 2018. Over the years he demonstrated a high level of initiative and people skills, eventually leading to his elevation to a managerial position on the yard where he lived. His networking abilities are responsible for much of the Post’s success, introducing the newspaper to Maya Emig (parole attorney), Dr. Daisy Switzer (former forensic psychologist), Carolyn Warren (financial adviser), Mark Watkins (graphic designer), and the Marshall Project, as well as numerous volunteers.
Angel Castillo, Former Spanish Editor
Angel Castillo is a former Spanish editor for the Mule Creek Post. He began working with the publication in 2019 as a reporter and translator, and by 2022 his efficiency and initiative led to his elevation to an editorial position (though he always humbly considered himself “not an editor”). He paroled in 2023.
Anthony R. Chavez, Former Feature Reporter
Anthony R. Chavez is a former feature reporter for the Mule Creek Post. He wrote for the Post for nearly a year, focusing on issues of social justice.
Earl S. Breckenridge, Former Feature Reporter
Conceived in tumultuous beginnings, I ran from childhood, wandering through adolescence into young adulthood of rebelliousness, recklessness, and indifference. By the grace and mercy of God, I was called out of madness into new life in Jesus Christ. Cultivating, growing, and extending in the kingdom of God occupies my priority. Presently I am working on my bachelor degree in theology from SUM Bible College and Theological Seminary. Each day the unfolding of Divine intention leads me ever closer to my destiny: Conceived in love, to be loved, and to love.
Franklin Lee, Former Lead Reporter
Franklin Lee is a former lead reporter for the Mule Creek Post and one of the original eight founders of the publication. He reported for the Post for over five years, before transferring to a federal facility in 2023 where he continues to write. He has earned awards from PEN America and the Asian American Writers’ Workshop, among others.
Richard “Lonewolf” Legan, Former Post Columnist
Richard “Lonewolf” Legan is a former columnist for the Mule Creek Post, contributing his monthly “Earth Mother’s Secrets” column about ethnobotany since 2018. His book, More Valuable Than Gold, contains much of his knowledge about the uses of plants. He paroled in 2024.
Walter Deckert, Former Post Columnist
Walter has been writing for the Mule Creek Post since right after it began. He is a retired naval flight officer and retired mathematics professor. His goal with the “Math Street” articles was to make mathematics accessible to everyone by using everyday examples and how mathematics is applicable in daily life. He paroled in 2025.
Ricky A. Ortega, Former Post Columnist
Ricky A. Ortega was born in February 1961 and competed in artistic dance figure skating until the age of 19. He was arrested in 1981 and sentenced to life without parole. “I attribute my ability to survive the mental and physical violence in prison to my relationship with God. Baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, I have found the true meaning of freedom. “Sharing the stories of LWOPs has been a mission of mine, hoping to shed light on the productive citizens of prison life who have been forgotten.”
Robert Von Villas, Former Post Columnist
It didn’t seem that long ago that the Mule Creek Post had its one-year anniversary. Back in 2017, when Razor advised me that he wanted to start a newspaper, he said he wanted me to be a part of it. All we had to do was pick a name, find a location for an office, get other guys involved, figure out how to get supplies (including typewriters, computers, copy machine, staff sponsors, and outside assistance), and get the warden to approve the project. He assigned me to find an office to operate out of, obtain supplies, and do anything else we could think of. With the help of education, we ended up getting our own office in a housing unit. In addition to getting some needed supplies, we found some very talented reporters. We decided on the Mule Creek Post as the name for the paper, and Production Editor Jesse Carson and Razor put together our first cut-and-paste issue to present to the warden at his January 2018 meeting. The 8 ½ by 11 copy paper issue included my first column, entitled “The Financial Corner.” It took Razor six weeks of hounding me before I picked the name and finally wrote that first column. Well, that was years ago, and now the Post appears online and on tablets throughout the state. Watching our staff work together to create each month’s issue has been quite inspirational. Rehabilitation and quality are of paramount importance. I am very proud to have been one of the founders of the Mule Creek Post; it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Bob passed away in June of 2025, and is sorely missed by all who knew and worked with him over the years.
Christopher Bryson, Former Post Reporter
Christopher Bryson is a former contributor to the Mule Creek Post. He began writing for the publication in 2021 as a reporter from another facility at Mule Creek; after he moved to the yard where the Post is located, and as a member of the IAC with a great personality, he quickly became a source of information and contacts. He paroled in 2023.