One of the most difficult things a convict faces when he is released from prison is readapting to society and the pressures of prejudice that they face.

"It depends on the situation," said Cherylon Winningham, unit supervisor of Joplin's probation and parole office. "Some of them have no problems and some of them have lots of problems."

Winningham said that the individual's history is a significant factor.

"It depends on their socioeconomic backgrounds."

"Guapo" is a 32-year old convict who went to prison when he was 18 for distribution of a controlled substance. He was convicted of two Class-B felonies and sentenced to two five-year sentences that ran concurrent. He served 25 months and was released.

"I was just young and trying to make some extra cash," Guapo said. "I was set up. One of us got in trouble and he had to roll on people so he could get out of trouble."

When he returned home, Guapo had a difficult time adjusting and interacting with friends and family.

"It was pretty weird coming home because things had changed and people had changed," Guapo said. "People that were in my life had moved, or were dead, or in prison."

After his release, he felt it was difficult acclimating to his new life.

"Being around women, at first, was hard," Guapo said. "I felt strange around people, especially around the opposite sex because I was locked up from that for so long."

His friends did not greet him with the response he felt he needed. Instead, they asked the standard barrage of questions about prison life, such as rape and sodomy.

"I had friends, that I thought were friends, ask the wrong questions," Guapo said. "I had people question that instead of saying 'good thing you're home' and 'we're glad that you made it.'"

The job market is also a difficult place for an ex-con. Guapo felt his options were limited and that prejudice may have prevented him from getting hired in some instances.

"I know for a fact that it's lessened my chance on certain jobs," Guapo said. "There are certain jobs I can't get because I have a felony."

He also has endured gossip at former workplaces and has been labeled a "drug dealer" for the crime he committed at the age of 17.

"There were certain people when I got out that were like 'What are you working for him for? He's a drug dealer.'"

However, now Guapo is a self-employed hardware and software technical assistant. He runs his own company and is currently working on special effects for an independent film.

"I never have to worry about that again," Guapo said. "Now, I call the shots."

Guapo, aside from running his own business, is also a single father and said he has learned from the mistakes both he and his parents made.

"I realize that the lack of supervision from my parents and them not being aware at the time was an issue," Guapo said. "Had they been aware, I wouldn't have been doing the things I was doing."

"That has taught me to be a better parent," Guapo said. "Not that my parents didn't treat me good, but it's more than just putting clothes on your back and food on the table."

Guapo has moved forward in his life and put the past behind him.

"I'm a better person because of my experience," Guapo said. "I'm not thanking the Department of Corrections. I thank myself for the choices I made."

Published by The Chart on 3-31-00 in the "Discrimination: Society's Crimes" supplement.