I recently stumbled across the YouTube channel of Robert Whitsett.

Briefly, he was convicted of a relatively minor sexual crime in Florida in the 90s (the usual story, dubious accusation with ulterior motive, no corroborating evidence). Fearing that he was about to be indefinitely committed to a "compulsory treatment centre" (that phrase makes me shudder every time) after completion of his sentence, he escaped. By helicopter, with guns. Full marks for style, but the aircraft crashed soon after clearing the prison compound and he was quickly recaptured. He got another 20 years in prison for that.

After his release, he spent what I imagine was a difficult period being subject to Florida's sex offender registry. When the state appeared poised to pass new legislation to confiscate his passport (which would have been illegally applied to him, retroactively), he fled to Germany where he's establishing a fresh start and a new life.

I highly recommend his videos. He's an intelligent and articulate man. I also sense a lot of anger and fear from him, but also a determination to find a peaceful and happy life.

www.youtube.com/channel/UCOCiIEDiqbNFl8qmz1Hb4mw