Seeking relief from the mental toll of isolation, a Cosa Nostra criminal, James Sabatino, incarcerated for a $10 million racketeering scheme, has made an unconventional plea to be housed alongside the notorious Sinaloa Cartel leader, El Chapo. Sabatino, labeled the most restricted inmate in the U.S., faces severe communication restrictions to prevent further criminal activities from prison. However, his lawyers argue that these conditions have severely impacted his mental well-being, prompting the request to reside with Guzmán for mutual support.
Currently confined at ADX Florence in Colorado, Sabatino’s motion to cohabit with Guzmán during recreation time aims to alleviate the mental strain caused by prolonged isolation. The plea submitted to District Judge Joan Leonard emphasizes the detrimental effects of extreme isolation on Sabatino’s mental health, stating that such conditions are destructive to individuals.
The proposal, framed as an act of humility by Sabatino’s lawyer, Israel Encinosa, advocates for the two inmates to engage in shared recreation time to offer each other emotional support. While Sabatino is only allowed sporadic contact with lawyers and family members, his interaction with Guzmán is currently limited to scheduled sunbathing sessions.
Similar restrictions apply to Guzmán, with minimal contact permitted with his daughters and occasional phone calls. The recent filing follows a previous request to allow the inmates to recreate together within their separate enclosures, highlighting the unique circumstances of the individuals considered the most restricted inmates in the U.S.
Encinosa emphasized the humane treatment of these individuals, underscoring their shared humanity despite past transgressions. The plea aims to grant the inmates the simple liberty of walking and conversing together during recreation time within their respective enclosures, acknowledging their basic rights as individuals.