Joseph Maldonado-Passage, star of “Tiger King”, known as Joe Exotic, officially asks for his forgiveness.
The former Oklahoma Zoo caregiver, which has become the subject of the hit documentary series Netflix, sentenced to 22 years in prison for his role in a pay-killing plot opposed to his lifelong rival, Big Cat Rescue EXECUTIVE Director Carole Baskin, as well as violating federal wildlife laws.
On Tuesday, Maldonado-Passage, 57, filed a claim with the United States Department of Justice, in which his lawyers say the former zookeeper maintains his innocence and “betrayed and betrayed” through others, according to Associated Press.
“Joseph will be released (from the Bureau of Prisons) in 2037; however, with his health weakened, he will most likely die in prison,” the lawyers wrote in the 257-page application. “He humbly asks forgiveness for correcting the injustices he has suffered and for the opportunity to return to make meaningful contributions to his community.
The AP reports that the request also includes several character affidavits, letters of support, trial documents, and, according to CBS News, a handwritten letter from Maldonado-Passage to President Donald Trump.
In the letter, which was published in its entirety through CBS News, Maldonado-Passage says he voted for Trump in 2016 and asks the president to “grant me a miracle” in the form of forgiveness.
“If I ever admired anyone, you’d be you,” Maldonado-Passage writes. “Not because I want you to save my life, but because you stand up for what you believe, no matter what others think.
A spokeswoman for the AP Justice Department would be unwelcome to comment on the request.
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Meanwhile, this fall, Baskin is one of many outstanding dancers competing for the faceted ball trophy on the upcoming season of “Dancing With the Stars. ” When USA TODAY asked about Madonado-Passage’s clemency request at a virtual press convention Wednesday for the show’s dance contest, Baskin remained silent, refusing to comment until an ABC moderator asked the following question.
Launched in March, “Tiger King” examines Maldonado-Passage’s life at Greater Wynnewood Exotic Wildlife Park (called the GW Zoo) and his hatred for Baskin, whom he puts at risk for his livelihood due to his advocacy of the Big Cat Public Safety Act. , which seeks to abolish the ownership of large felines as pets and the practice of petting puppies.
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Her wickedness towards Baskin became a genuine punishable crime when she allegedly hired someone to kill her. Maldonado-Passage allegedly paid allen Glover Zoo maintenance staff $3,000 to kill Baskin. Glover denies making plans to put the plan into effect, while Maldonado-Passage claims the cash as a donation so he can leave the zoo.
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Maldonado-Passage arrested in 2018 and convicted of 19 counts, including attempted manslaughter, murder of five tigers and sale of lion cubs and tigers; in January, he was sentenced to 22 years in prison.
In June, a federal ruling in Oklahoma transferred ownership of the Maldonado-Passage Zoo to Baskin.
Maldonado-Passage is currently housed at the Federal Medical Center, an inmate facility in Forth Worth, Texas, according to records.
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Contributor: Erin Jensen, Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY; Related press