Joe Carlini spent time in prison for drug trafficking and international money laundering on a grand scale, through a complex network of shell companies, offshore accounts and elaborate financial schemes. Now he fights for the less fortunate and is an activist for patients/prisoners’ rights. He is Director of Janet’s House for Women at Risk with Children and Director of Charm City Felons.
“My drive comes from lived experience of addiction, knowing the effects on family and being in the judicial system since the age of 13. I went back into education with the goal of making an impact in the recovering community.
I also try to reunite lost loved ones, who are still in active addiction, by pounding the streets looking for answers and lost souls, to give them a chance to rejoin society as productive members of their communities.
Traffickers, dope dealers and pimps beware, I am no bullshit when it comes to reclaiming the lives of the innocent who are trapped in a world of darkness and despair.
Born into a middle-class family and living in a suburban neighbourhood in Wheaton, Maryland, from a young age, I struggled with anxiety and depression, both which were initially dismissed as typical childhood challenges. However, as I grew older, these struggles intensified, leading to my diagnosis of bipolar disorder with psychotic features at the age of 12. This diagnosis was a turning point, marking the beginning of a long battle with mental health.
My early life was continually marred by untreated mental health issues that eventually led me to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. The temporary fix these substances provided soon turned into addiction, further complicating my mental health challenges and pushing me into the criminal world.
Growing up, I faced many challenges. By the time I was 13 years old, the ongoing emotional turmoil led me to making incredibly poor decisions, seeking solace in the wrong places with the wrong people.
These poor decisions also led me to having my first brush with the law (with an arson charge). Looking back now, this was a cry for help. An outward manifestation of the inner chaos I couldn’t control. My arrest was a wake-up call, but also marked the beginning of a difficult journey through the juvenile justice system.
Being placed in a juvenile detention centre was a frightening and overwhelming experience. The environment was harsh. I was surrounded by other troubled youths, each with their own stories of pain and struggle. The facility was overcrowded, and the staff, often overworked and undertrained, was unable to provide the necessary support and supervision we desperately needed.
Unfortunately, my anxiety and depression, were not adequately addressed during my time in the juvenile justice system. Access to mental health services was limited, and the focus was primarily on administering punishment rather than providing rehabilitation. Feeling isolated and misunderstood, my mental health continued deteriorating in this stressful environment.
To survive, I had to quickly adapt. I kept to myself as much as possible, trying to avoid conflicts and stay under the radar. I learned to navigate the complex social dynamics of the detention centre, forming alliances with other kids to protect myself from potential threats. Despite the challenges, I tried to make the best of my situation, using the limited resources available to stay focused and hopeful.
One of the few positives was having access to educational programs. While the quality of education varied, I seized the opportunity to continue my studies. Education became my lifeline, providing a sense of normalcy and purpose amidst the chaos. Unfortunately, the support I received was minimal, and many of my peers struggled without proper guidance and mentorship.
My time in the juvenile justice system taught me valuable lessons about resilience and survival. I learned the importance of staying strong in the face of adversity and the need to seek out support and resources, no matter how limited they might be. These experiences, while painful, shaped my understanding of the challenges faced by young people in similar situations.
My school life was also fraught with difficulties. My mood swings and erratic behaviour made it hard to fit in with my peers. I often felt isolated and misunderstood, which only exacerbated my anxiety and depression. My academic performance suffered as a result, and I found it almost impossible to keep up with my studies. However, despite these challenges, I was known for my intelligence and potential, qualities that were unfortunately overshadowed by my personal struggles.
Attempting to cope with my emotional pain, I turned to drugs and alcohol. What began as occasional experimentation, quickly spiralled into full-blown addiction. The substances provided a temporary escape, but they also created new problems. My addiction strained my relationships with family and friends, and my behaviour became increasingly erratic and reckless.
Despite this, I had always harboured a deep-seeded ambition to rise above my circumstances. After multiple stints in prison and ongoing battle with addiction, I managed to successfully channel my drive and resilience into something more productive: the moving and storage industry. Having a knack for business and a willingness to take risks, I started my own company that quickly grew due to my relentless work ethic and strategic acumen.
As business flourished, generating significant revenue, my darker inclinations resurfaced. I saw an opportunity to expand my wealth through illegal means, leveraging my moving and storage company as a front for drug trafficking. Using the logistics and transportation networks of my business, I facilitated the distribution of narcotics across state lines, which significantly boosted my profits.
Having “dual” operations required meticulous planning and a keen sense of risk management. I used legitimate employees for the legal side of the business, while a trusted circle handled the drug trafficking. This separation helped me maintain a façade of respectability while simultaneously engaging in criminal activities. My ability to balance these two worlds was a true testament to my cunning and adaptability.
As the money rolled in from both legitimate and illicit activities, I adopted a lifestyle of excess. I indulged in drugs and alcohol, frequently using my own supply. My parties became notorious, filled with women, extravagance, and hedonism. This chaotic lifestyle mirrored the internal turmoil I had experienced for much of my life, only continuing the struggle with my mental health and addiction issues.
My dealings with the criminal underworld brought me into contact with a variety of illicit operations, but it was money laundering that ultimately became my specialty. I was introduced to this world by a former fellow inmate who had connections with a powerful drug cartel. Recognising my intelligence and desperate circumstances, “Burk” saw potential in me, and offered to teach me the intricacies of money laundering in exchange for my loyalty.
I quickly found myself working directly with the drug cartels. My role was crucial; I was responsible for cleaning the vast sums of dirty money generated by their illegal activities. This involved a complex network of shell companies, offshore accounts, and elaborate financial schemes designed to obscure the origins of the money. My expertise grew, and I became a trusted figure within the cartel's operations.
To effectively launder money, I needed to exploit legitimate banking services. I developed a network of corrupt bankers who, for a price, would turn a blind eye to suspicious transactions and/or help facilitate complex financial manoeuvres. Foreign countries soon became my playground. I became adept at manipulating financial instruments and using the international banking system to my advantage. This not only increased my value to the cartel, but also expanded my own personal wealth and influence.
Working with the cartels and engaging in high-stakes money laundering came with enormous risks. I lived in constant fear of being caught by law enforcement or betrayed by my associates. The paranoia was painfully suffocating. I knew that just one mistake could lead to my downfall, or even my death at the hands of my ruthless associates. This period of my life was marked by many sleepless nights and a constant state of alertness.
Despite all best efforts to stay under the radar, my activities eventually drew the attention of law enforcement agencies. After a lengthy investigation, I was arrested in a high-profile sting operation. The evidence against me was overwhelming, and I faced serious charges that could result in a lifetime in prison.
In a surprising turn of events, I decided to take plea deal in exchange for a reduced sentence. I provided valuable information about the inner workings of my business dealings and the money laundering schemes I had helped orchestrate. This information was not only a means to lessen my punishment, but also a chance for me to begin making amends for my past actions.
My ongoing battle with poor mental health and substance abuse was exacerbated by my time in prison. The lack of adequate support systems meant that many inmates, including myself, turned to illicit substances that were smuggled into the prison to be used as a coping mechanism. My bipolar disorder also went largely untreated, leading to severe mood swings and episodes of depression that made prison life even more challenging.
The turning point in my prison journey came during my third incarceration. After being caught in a high-profile money laundering operation, I was sentenced to a longer term in a maximum-security prison. It was here that I encountered a rehabilitation program that offered comprehensive support for both mental health and substance abuse. Through this program, I began to receive the therapy and medication I desperately needed. I also participated in educational courses that helped me gain a new perspective on life.
My involvement in the New Horizon program marked the beginning of my transformation. I embraced the opportunity to turn my life around, focusing on self-improvement and preparing for a future beyond crime. I became a vocal advocate for prison reform, using my experiences to highlight the need for better mental health services, rehabilitation programs, and support for inmates transitioning back into society.
Things weren’t perfect but they were drastically better than before. The support system within the rehabilitation program as well as the coping strategies I had learned, helped me navigate these challenges. Every set back became a learning experience, strengthening my resolve to maintain sobriety and mental stability.
Upon completing the rehabilitation program, I was determined to use my experiences to help others. I’ve become a vocal advocate for mental health and substance abuse support, working with non-profit organisations to promote rehabilitation programs. My firsthand knowledge of the prison system and its flaws made me a powerful voice for reform, emphasising the need for comprehensive support for inmates.
My life after rehabilitation was a testament to my transformation. I found meaningful employment, built healthy relationships, and continued my advocacy work. My autobiography serves as both inspiration and a guide for others facing similar struggles. By sharing my journey, my hope is to de-stigmatise mental health and substance abuse issues, encouraging others to seek help and believe in the possibility of change.
Today, my legacy is one of hope and redemption. My story underscores the importance of comprehensive rehabilitation programs that focus on mental health and substance abuse. Through my advocacy, I continue to work towards a future where individuals like me have access to the support they need to transform their lives.
My journey from addiction and crime to recovery and advocacy, is a powerful reminder of the potential for change within each person. My story is a beacon of hope for anyone struggling with similar issues, proving that with the right support and determination, transformation will come.
I’ve begun working as a drug counsellor, helping individuals struggling with addiction to find their own paths to recovery. The empathy and understanding born from my own experiences allow me to connect with clients. I provide guidance, support and the hope that change is possible.
In addition to my role as a counsellor, I am also an outreach coordinator for a non-profit organisation chryslercounselor.com, dedicated to addiction recovery and mental health support. My role means I can reach underserved communities and provide resources and support to those in need. I also organise workshops, support groups, and educational programs to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues.
My life has fuelled my passion for advocacy and reform. I work tirelessly to highlight the flaws within the prison system and the need for comprehensive rehabilitation programs. I continue to collaborate with policymakers and organisations to push for changes that can provide better support for inmates and reduce recidivism rates.
Today, I am proud to say that I have turned my life around. From a troubled youth to a key player in the criminal underworld, to ultimately an advocate for justice, my journey underscores the enduring capacity for transformation and the impact one individual can have on the world.
