I’m Justin Paperny, director of WhiteCollarAdvice. Today, I want to share a personal journey that led me to where I am. It’s a story of transformation, learning, and, ultimately, redemption.
In the early 2000s, I was a top producer at UBS Financial Services. I was successful and ambitious and thought I had it all figured out. My life drastically changed when I got involved in a Ponzi scheme run by a hedge fund client.
I was convicted of aiding and abetting this scheme and served 388 days in federal prison.
This experience was a wake-up call for me. It made me realize the consequences of my actions and their impact on others. I had to face the reality of my mistakes and take responsibility for them. It was a hard pill to swallow but necessary for my growth and transformation.
While serving my federal prison sentence, I used my experience to help others through my daily blog. I knew I wanted to become a crisis expert.
Then, upon my release, I became a speaker warning others about the consequences of white-collar crime. I also started as a federal prison consultant for white-collar defendants headed to prison, helping them navigate the system’s complexities.
In June 2022, The New York Times published an article titled “Want to Do Less Time? A Prison Consultant Might Be Able to Help.” This article highlighted how our team helps people prepare for sentencing and prison.
The article shared the story of my friend and client, Hugo Mejia, a man who found himself in a similar situation.
He was involved in a Bitcoin cash exchange business that spiraled out of control and was eventually labeled a money-laundering operation by federal prosecutors. Mejia, like many others, was terrified of what lay ahead.
He found solace in my YouTube videos, where I shared advice and insights about prison life. He felt calmer and more prepared after watching them. Eventually, he decided to hire our team.
As crisis experts, we help individuals like Hugo understand how to prepare for sentencing and federal prison.
Our work is about helping people accept responsibility for their actions, prepare for the challenges ahead, and make the most of their time in prison.
Everyone deserves a second chance.
That’s why I (and my team) are committed to helping others navigate the complexities of the federal prison system and come out on the other side stronger and more resilient.
Ultimately, my journey from a top producer at UBS to a crisis expert has taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, redemption, and the power of second chances. By sharing my story, I hope to inspire others to learn from their mistakes and turn their lives around, as I did.
Justin Paperny
