An update on Billy Conn

Billy Conn, Jr. of Franklin County is serving a 50-year sentence at the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana, after being convicted in the Dearborn Circuit Court for Dealing in Methamphetamine (F2) in the amount of 10 or more grams and being a Habitual Offender. Conn is the only person in Indiana since 2014 who received 50 years for a level 2 dealing and habitual offense. Although it is seemingly a life sentence for Conn, as he would be 72 when released, he has taken responsibility for what he did, is working to better his life, and hopes to make it home someday.

"I know my future looks dark to most, but not to me. I know the best times of my life are ahead; I will prevail," Billy said from behind bars in Bunker Hill. "I have always believed in God, but this has really been a spiritual journey for me. I'm not going to just die to the hardships."

When Billy began his sentence in 2019, he had mixed emotions and was unsure of what his future held in a maximum security prison. But he quickly decided to embrace every program and opportunity available to him. Billy applied for a job as a Clerk in the Material Management Group through the Indiana Correctional Industries and was hired.

"I was making 40 cents an hour," Billy said. "I had that job for about 20 months, and by the end of that time, I was making 95 cents per hour. Then, there was an opening for a clerk job working for the plant manager. I applied and got that job, and I continued that for another year."

Some of Billy's responsibilities as clerk included quoting and designing new products, amongst other tasks. Next, Conn became a machine operator and was responsible for managing his line. It was at this point Billy began to make minimum wage. Billy's hard work continued to pay off. A year later, he was offered the position of production engineer with a pay of $19.23 an hour.

"Now, I am basically a supervisor," Billy explained. "I still quote new parts and deal with material issues, quality control, and production efficiency; you name it. I do it all. I never would have applied for a job like this in the past. I definitely like this line of work and would love to get into it at home in the future. I have developed great computer skills and knowledge in shipping receiving material management, just a wide variety of skills."

Half of Billy's pay goes

to victims' fund and administration fees. Billy also pays state, federal, and county taxes and is proud to say he is a tax-paying citizen. Most importantly, Billy shared that having this job helps financially support his kids and ensures that he can afford to call them both every night, although he wishes he could do more for them. Billy shared his next big purchase will be a car for his daughter, but he wants her to have a job first.

“On top of everything, if I do get a chance to come home, I will have enough money saved up to get on my feet," Billy shared. "I can afford housing, transportation, and anything I may need to start a new life. I know I need to take full advantage of these opportunities so that someday I can succeed on the outside. If I can have the best job and be the highest-paid inmate in the Department of Corrections, I can make it happen at home. I have held my job for over four years."

Billy has also joined the Sons of American Legion to honor his grandpa, who passed away a few years ago and fought in the Korean War.

"I had to fill out an application and prove his service, etc.," Billy said. "I also have to stay out of trouble and participate in the program. I donated $100 the other day (to the organization). We donate to charities and stuff. So, it gives me a little purpose and helps me use my time wisely."

Billy is currently signed up for the Recovery While Incarcerated Program and college classes.

“There have been a lot of changes in my life since I have been down. My kids are growing up, and I'm getting a few gray hairs, but most of all, I think my outlook on life has changed,” Billy shared. "To me, the way life has taken me seems crazy. In many ways, I guess, not just the fact that I am here. I mean, here I sit with 50 years. If you had asked me how I thought my life would be four years ago, I never thought I would have the job I have or be doing all of the positive things that I'm doing. I would have thought that my life was hopeless. What would be the reason to stay out of trouble? Why even talk to my family? I will never see them again. Well, here I am now. My life is not hopeless. I am doing good things and trying to better my life.

My outdate is still 2056. However, it is 46 days shorter from participating in the CPCT program. I still have not seen my family, but I talk to them on the phone every day. I can still give my children advice and help them pursue their dreams. I really don't know how I have done it. I just know that if I stay on the right path, maybe something will happen someday, and I will get a chance to be on the outside. If that day comes, I will be ready."