Be Careful Who You Talk To in Federal Prison

One morning in prison, I remember hearing someone ask, “Has anyone seen him?” Another replied, “I don’t know, but he’s not doing pots and pans anymore.” That’s prison code for: He’s gone.

He was yanked out of bed around 5 a.m., and no one saw him again. Not the next day, not the next month. About six months later, we finally learned why. And that lesson still sticks with me today—because it could happen to anyone who forgets that prison is full of people with their own agendas.

Let me break this down.

The Setup: A Conversation That Cost Everything

This guy wasn’t violent. He wasn’t loud. He kept to himself. But he made a simple mistake: he got too comfortable and trusted the wrong person.

He built what he thought was a friendship with another inmate. Somewhere along the way, he talked about money he had tucked away. Not for himself—he said it was to help his wife and kids after prison. But he never disclosed that money to the government. That’s a problem.

The guy he confided in? He wasn’t really a friend. He was someone looking for leverage.

The Flip: From Cellmate to Government Informant

Within days of learning about the hidden money, this so-called “friend” took that information straight to his case manager. A few days after that, he lined up a meeting with the government. The offer was simple: “Keep feeding us info, and we’ll help you out.”

That’s exactly what happened. The informant cooperated, tracked down the hidden funds, and handed it all over. In exchange, he got a Rule 35—what’s essentially a resentencing deal based on “substantial assistance” to the government.

Meanwhile, the original guy who shared that information? He got indicted. His mistake wasn’t just hiding money. It was opening his mouth to someone who saw an opportunity.

What Is a Rule 35?

For those unfamiliar, Rule 35 is a post-sentencing motion the government can file to reduce your sentence if you provide “substantial assistance” after you’ve already been sentenced. It’s often used quietly. One day you’re doing pots and pans, the next you’re gone. Vanished. Transferred. Resentenced.

That’s what happened here. The government rewarded the snitch, and punished the one who trusted too easily.

The Lesson: Prison Is Not a Safe Space to Share Secrets

This isn’t about paranoia. It’s about reality. I’ve seen this happen more than once. A lot of people in prison are looking for ways to cut time off their sentence—and the government is always open to listening.

You might think you’re talking to a friend. Someone who “gets it.” Someone you eat with, walk the yard with, maybe even confide in during hard days. But if you share something that could help them and hurt you, don’t be surprised when they make that trade.

That’s why I tell clients: silence is strategy.

Stop Thinking You’re the Exception

I know it’s tempting to connect with people in prison. It can feel isolating. Boring. Repetitive. You crave connection. But you don’t know who you’re really talking to—and you don’t control what they might do with what you say.

And don’t assume that just because you’re not trying to “game the system,” others aren’t. This isn’t about whether you’re a “good guy.” This is about incentive. And the incentives in prison are clear: if you have useful information, and you’re willing to share it, you might get out early.

What You Should Be Doing Instead

Instead of trying to make friends with guys who want to know your story, focus on your release plan. Focus on what the judge will see when it’s time to revisit your sentence or evaluate your character. Write. Read. Exercise. Help your family the right way—by preparing to come home stronger, not by hiding assets or sharing secrets with strangers.

And if you’re thinking of cooperating, do it through your lawyer. Not in the chow hall. Not on the track. Not with a guy who says, “You can trust me.”

Final Thought

He thought he was just venting. Maybe even bragging. But the moment he opened up about hidden money, he gave someone leverage. And that leverage sent him straight back into court—not for early release, but for more charges.

Don’t let that be you.

Justin Paperny

P. S. If this resonates, join our team this Monday at 1 p.m. Pacific, 4 p.m. Eastern. We host a free webinar to answer questions, share lessons from real cases, and help you avoid the most costly mistakes people make during a government investigation. Bring questions. Come ready to learn.