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When Called to do the Hard Thing.
ChurchProtect.org was born from a desire to ensure that vulnerable people are protected from those who would target them for manipulation, abuse, and exploitation... from predators who look for "targets of opportunity." Much of that desire was born out of the heart of Jon K. Uhler, LPC, who has a passion for protecting women and children from sexual predators, having worked for over a decade with the full range of sex offenders & predators in the Pennsylvania Dept. of Corrections. It was from that experience that he was able to do a deep dive into the minds of men who've become sexually deviant. But, it was also there that he learned that it is not just men behind bars that can act as predators, but some people, when put in positions of power, can reveal a very dark and sadistic side to themselves... a side they were able to conceal from the watchful eyes of the unsuspecting general public. As was made evident by a famous study about power and control dynamics that can emerge in prison, Jon K. Uhler witnessed firsthand the unfolding of what researchers found out, in what has become known as the Stanford Experiment.
So, what kinds of behaviors can certain otherwise normal appearing officers exhibit, and how cruel can they become, when they feel that no one will hold them accountable for their sadistic actions? Would they actually exhibit the kinds of behaviors exhibited by the select students of the now-infamous Stanford Experiment? In a word, yes!
Jon K. Uhler, LPC never could have anticipated what would manifest before his eyes, as he would eventually watch seemingly normal men... seemingly ordinary men... many of whom had spouses and children... many of whom went to church on Sundays... begin to act in ways that would remind him of how otherwise seemingly normal professionals became heartless and ruthless in Germany under the banner of the Third Reich. What unfolded, and the steps he felt compelled to take steps to intervene on behalf of those being abused by such apparently ordinary people, would cost him dearly. But, that is what happens when people of integrity are called to do the hard thing.
Though Jon had read about that famous experiment during his days in graduate school, never would he have anticipated that 20 years later, he would actually witness firsthand those same dynamics unfold before him, by real corrections officers, especially after he worked so hard to create the nations' first specialized treatment program in long-term solitary confinement, for the "worst of the worst" inmates in long-term solitary confinement within the PA Dept. of Corrections... the most problematic of inmates who had been labeled as "intractable to treatment." It was in this environment that Jon K. Uhler would come to accrue more clinical contact hours than any other single prison psychology staff member in the US or Canada.
For those unfamiliar with what that kind of solitary confinement unit is like, the following will provide a glimpse into what kinds of inmates Jon worked with, and the dynamics of such a unit, which few outsiders have seen or experienced.
After years of groundbreaking success with such a difficult and challenging population, something unanticipated happened that would change things, and cause things to unravel, much to Jon's dismay. With a change in the prison administration and select personnel at SCI-Cresson, who were not inclined toward seeing Jon's program as anything other than a "hug-a-thug" approach toward dealing with such notorious inmates, Jon began to see select Corrections Officers and staff unconsciously replicate dynamics and demonstrate behaviors that mirrored those witnessed in the Stanford Experiment. Thus, the program he had worked so hard to create and run... and the successes he witnessed with those difficult inmates... began to be undermined before his eyes. And, It was then that Jon started to see the dynamics of the Stanford Experiment unfold in front of him, which was resulting in the emotional, psychological, and physical abuse of mental health inmates. Though he repeatedly intervened to stop the abuse from escalating, he was informed by his Supervisor that he should "stay out of the way and not cause the officers problems" if he intended to remain employed in the PA DOC. He was reminded that being a "team player" meant not getting involved in what the corrections officers were doing. And, that is when he was forced do decide between doing the pragmatic thing and "turning a blind eye" to the abuse that was happening vs. placing principle above paycheck, and even professional repercussions and personal safety (he had it made clear to him that "accidents can happen" in prison). So, which would he choose? Would he choose the easier path, the path of least resistance, to ensure he kept quiet for the sake of his career and personal safety... or would he take a stand against evil and oppression, regardless of the professional and personal cost?
For Jon, the choice was clear. As a man of deep conviction, and high ethical standards, he elected to take steps to shed light into a very closed system, and let the federally-empowered watchdog group, the Disability Rights Network, know of the abuse that was being permitted against those inmates. Knowing that step would start balls rolling, he picked up the phone and made the call. What happened next? He received a call from the US Dept. of Justice, indicating that they had been hoping that someone on psych staff in one of the prisons in the US would take such a step, as it would take such a credible staff's witness for an investigation to be considered warranted. The lead investigating attorney indicated that Jon was to be commended, as he was the first prison psychology staff member to ever come forward and disclose, motivated by the desire to see that inmates in prison solitary were not abused. He would be the THE key whistleblower against a massive and powerful state prison system... a system that is very closed, and doesn't take kindly to someone going outside the system to shed light on corruption and abuse. And, it would be, because of his willingness to step forward, like David against Goliath... despite the potential cost to him personally and professionally... to put it all on the line... that this would become the groundbreaking precedent-setting case that would be the legal catalyst toward ending the use of long-term solitary confinement for mental health inmates in the United States.
As you will read in the following, the two year undercover investigation got underway, and served to produce enough hard evidence to finally announce publicly that SCI-Cresson within the PA state prison system was officially under investigation by the federal government. Jon had been warned that, despite supposed whistleblower protections, there might come a day when those in strategic positions within the prison system took it upon themselves to retaliate, to make an example of him, by manufacturing something against him, and the other two psychology staff members who also were willing to testify once the investigation was launched. Though Jon was encouraged by some of the attorneys for the US DOJ to consider looking for other employment, Jon elected to continue working within the prison system on psych staff, but did elect to transfer to a different prison, where the next 3 years (2012, 2013, & 2014) he received the highest of performance reviews from his new supervisor, the chief psychologist of the institution. He was given the highest of marks, yet he was informed by his supervisor, just prior to retiring, that he had heard select administrative officials within the prison were still bitter from being exposed by Jon, and would likely seek to finally get their pound of flesh once he had no buffer between them and him.
Naively, Jon insisted that he would likely be fine for another year or so, until he planned on retiring from the prison system. But, little did he know, that large organizations or government agencies do not play nice when it comes to evening the score and making an example of a whistleblower. So, what does a prison typically do when an employee attempts to shine the light of truth and accountability on inmate abuse within it's system? Inevitably, the local prison administration will "set the record straight" (retaliate), by asserting the particular employee has become "problematic" in terms of their performance, and they are subsequently "re-assigned" to "solve the problem."
The retribution can be swift and harsh for doing the right thing within a prison system. All the more if one happens to go "outside the system," as then there is little ability for the system to cover for itself. That kind of retaliation will inevitably be taken to a whole new level, where the consequences are not just "performance deficiencies" and reassignment. The consequences are far more severe, as the organization as a whole will shift into gear, will pull out all the stops, and will leverage it's muscle and might, to ensure that those who dare shine the light of truth to the outside world will pat a heavy price. Those at the highest levels within that system will exact their pound of flesh. They will play hardball. They will make "an example" out of the whistleblower.
As much as what was compellingly portrayed in the movie Concussion, (which is the story of a brave doctor and his mentor, Dr. Wecht and Dr. Omalu, who elected to blow the whistle on the NFL re. the players being seriously harmed by playing for the NFL due to repeated concussions, yet were being forced to continue playing despite such invisible trauma), large and powerful systems and organizations can craft false allegations, create manufacture criminal charges, make those go public, in order to teach the whistleblowers a lesson, harm them professionally, and smear them publicly.
What was it like when the DOC managed to work that kind of retaliation? Very similar to what Dr. Omalu, MD, experienced in the following scene, from the movie Concussion, (based upon the true story of the whistleblower doctor who uncovered the damage to the NFL players from repeated concussions). When powerful systems want to teach someone a lesson for daring to hold them accountable, they will often use the most strategic of time-tested methods of retaliation and retribution... digging for anything they can to create a case to level criminal charges against the whistleblower. In the following scenes from the movie, Concussion , watch how it works... how the game is played when you find yourself stepping up against a very powerful organization or govt. agency ... watch (in the first clip) how they'll first "incentivize" you to keep quiet, to know your place, and to look the other way... and (in the seond and third clip), watch what happens when you dare to stand up for what is right, against those who have a great deal of power and influence behind them. listen for how many criminal charges they could creatively "find", to be leveled against an ethical professional with a sterling personal history and professional background.
"They want you to retract"
"They went after him with missiles."
Footage from the Frontline documentary: League of Denial: The NFL's Concussion Crisis
Welcome to how the game is played.
What happened next was quite something to behold, as they launched their carefully laid out retaliatory plan, which included charging Jon K. Uhler with contrived charges of... are you ready... was it for bringing drugs into the prison for a profit?... Organized crime activity within the prison for profit?... Supplying inmates with cell phones?... Facilitating an escape?... Accessing "inappropriate materials" on his computer?... Taking bribes from inmates, to write favorable Parole reports?... No, because those would be too run-of-the-mill kind of accusations. No, in his case, they found a special one... Ready? "Forgery"... yep, you read that right... Forgery of IDs for inmates willing to pay a hefty price for such documents?... paychecks checks?... Mileage reimbursement for financial gain?... Prescription drugs?... Approval of Overtime?... None of the above. Ready? They said that... after 4 months of extensive special internal investigation (including having IT specialists who did an extensive forensic investigation of his computer history), they found it!... He supposedly generated five 2-sided inmate monthly treatment plans. Let that sink in for a moment. Seriously? So, after 11+ years of producing 1000s of pages of written work, 100s of Parole Reports, 1000s of clinical notes, 100s of treatment plans, he would do what? Hmmm... With all that, after they expended months worth of man hours scouring thousands of pages of his years of clinical work and reports, having interviewed countless inmates to see if they could get any of them to say anything incriminating against him (word has it, they actually tried to incentivize some, but to no avail), after reviewing years worth of his clinical notes and files, they said found... wait for it... 5 of these that were "forged"? Seriously? And, for what purpose would he do that? It would almost be laughable if it weren't so pathetic. Yet, they would make this their smoking gun.
Yep... that was their serious charge of "forgery." That was the best they could do to justify triggering their plan... to bring federal criminal charges, which they hoped for 5-10 years in prison for him. No doubt, they were smugly high-fiving each other at "mission accomplished."
So, with amazing peer review and accolades from the highest Administrator levels within the Central Office of the PA Department of Corrections (scroll down once you link to the page), with having consistently received stellar annual performance evaluations (see below), he would do what, and for what purpose? Seriously? But, no worries, as they found a couple of career criminals to say they didn't remember setting those particular institutional adjustment goals (eg. "Improve personal hygiene", "Take medication as prescribed", Obey block officer when he directs you to go back to your cell").
Yep, just like the FBI found reasons to criminally charge
Dr. Wecht for contrived crimes, during the same kind of meeting... their "internal investigators" pointed to 5 pieces of paper, smiled with smug grins, and said, "It's has been nice having you employed in the DOC." They wanted to see Jon squirm, wanted him fired, to lose his pension, to be unable to practice professionally or ever hold a license, and to do 5-10 years in prison (yes, you did read that right).
Yes, they were certain they would finally get their pound of flesh to "teach him a lesson" (or so they thought). But, that was only part of the retaliatory measures. Next, it was "smear time." They, took the rarely seen step (according to the chief attorney for the Somerset Public Defender's Office) of putting the charges in the local paper... along with his home address (going against the PA DOC employee safety protocols and practices).
Yep... those who wanted their pound would go "scorched earth", releasing their own punishing nuclear missile strike, which included their retaliatory plan & a smear campaign.
Well, were they successful in carrying out their carefully crafted retaliatory scheme? After all, they charged him with forgery, and pushed for prison time. Certainly, a state prison system, with its ability to find evidence, and present that in iron clad ways, would certainly be able to ensure such allegations, such charges were based in fact, right?
Would those charges stick?
Would he be found guilty as charged?
Would he be fired from his job with the DOC... and his retirement & pension (an automatic result of being found guilty of felony charges) ? Would be be barred from ever holding a professional license? Would he do the 5-10 years in prison they wanted?
For the answer, either keep reading... or do as extensive a criminal background check on Jon K. Uhler, LPC, as possible... and, see what comes up. Want a hint as to the outcome?
You can't be professionally licensed as an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor), in any state... let alone hold active professional counseling licenses in two states... if you've been convicted of criminal charges.
So, what is the truth? What does the record show? What is the reality? Happy to help with that...
The trial didn't even last a half hour. All charges against summarily were set aside by the judge, who saw through the attempt at retaliation. His record remains squeaky clean...
not even any parking tickets. And, Jon K. Uhler, LPC, still holds active professional licenses in two states. So, the charges were simply a pathetic, yet ruthless, attempt at retaliation for his brave whistleblowing, which changed the way mental health inmates are treated throughout the US. For that, we are very proud of his willingness to do the hard thing. But, that is what men of integrity do, when called to do the hard thing.
Though that would certainly not be the last the last time attempts were made by those who were hellbent to silence Jon for his unwavering commitment to the protection of the vulnerable against predators and their co-conspirator apologists. Not too long ago, he received in the mail the following surprise... the result of an investigation launched at the behest of online predator apologists, who hate his message and his unmasking of the ways predators target women and children.
Beginning with ChurchProtect.org, then also with the addition of SurvivorSupport.net, Jon K. Uhler's mission has remained consistent and unchanging: to support Survivors in their journey to healing and protect them against the most sophisticated of Predators who would seek to target them. As such, he not only has addressed issues pertaining to the healing journey of Survivors, but also has found it necessary to address issues pertaining to the minds and methods of the most sophisticated of Predators. This has necessitated his addressing some very dark topics, including the Red Flag characteristics of Sophisticated Predators, the ways in which sexual predators masquerade themselves, hide their identities online (especially on social media), and hide within certain groups and Movements which lend themselves to such Predators hiding their identities, their intentions, and directly accessing vulnerable kids to groom and exploit them. It is this work of unmasking the darkness and deception of such porn-fueled deviant Predators that has enraged some of their key Apologists (AKA co-conspirators &/or Predators).
And, these will set the stage for why he felt it necessary to put forward his seldom-made-public role as the first prison psychology staff to blow the whistle on the abuse of mental health inmates in solitary confinement, which brought an end to the practice of prisons in the US using solitary confinement as punishment or "management" of inmates who have special needs or are suffering from mental health issues. Most recently, his outspoken stance against the pushers of the Trans Deception pushing men into women's prisons has also served to make him the target of those who find his knowledge and insights threatening to the deceptive narrative.
The attacks were initially aimed to get him banned from Twitter and Facebook, which only produced temporary success for the Predator Apologists. As such, they decided to take things to another level, by besmirching his professional career and planting seeds of doubt in people's minds about his professional background, and by spinning false narratives over the retaliation he endured for his involvement in a national, ground-breaking case on inmate abuse, all toward silencing his message. Thus, in order to "set the record straight", Jon Uhler has given Church Protect permission to not only post his Professional Reviews (to help people maintain their confidence in his professionalism, his integrity, and his mission), but also to put to rest the spin that Jon was successfully charged with a crime while working on psychology staff within the Pennsylvania Dept. of Corrections. Just as we saw with an attempted impeachment of a President, it's easy to create a false narrative, to then craft bogus charges, for the express purpose of besmirching someone's character... all the while knowing that they will eventually be dismissed. But, that's how it is when truly guilty people in positions of power decide to retaliate for being exposed and called to account.
One of the slanderous accusations being leveled by pedophile apologists on social media, in an attempt to discredit Jon K. Uhler, LPC, is that he was fired from the PA Dept. of Corrections for criminal activity. Yes, you heard that right... They have taken what was a retaliatory move by the PA Dept. of Corrections in response to Jon's key role in blowing the whistle on inmate abuse, and they have attempted to spin a false narrative. So, what is the truth when it comes to Jon K. Uhler's career with the PA Dept. of Corrections? The reality is that he decided to retire beyond the point of retirement eligibility, and did so with a spotless background check, after having served 11+ years on psychology staff... with a legacy which includes:
(1) having started the nation's first intensive residential treatment program for mental health inmates in Solitary Confinement, and
(2) having logged more clinical contact hours than any other prison psychology staff member in the US... in order to devote full time to his speaking and training with ChurchProtect.org, and to start SurvivorSupport.net.
And, for the record... he retired at the end of Feb. 2016 with full benefits, and a personally signed letter (see below), from the institution's Superintendent, kindly "wishing him well in [his] future endeavors."
So, what's the truth about Jon K. Uhler? What kind of professional was he during his time within the prison system... as he worked tirelessly with the inmates he treated? Well, to avoid anyone suggesting that he wasn't "laying all his cards out on the table", he decided to do what few would do, and grant us permission to actually post his last few official annual performance evaluations to let the reader decide for him/herself (please note: there was no performance evaluation for his last year, do to there being no Chief Psychologist assigned to the prison his last year, to do a performance review). Who would be willing to go that far to permit a glimpse into his life? A man of integrity, who is all about protecting vulnerable Survivors and kids from sophisticated Predators who would target them. That's the kind of man Jon K. Uhler is, and we are proud of him for that.
What are the facts with respect to Jon K. Uhler's professional background? He maintains an active professional license in 2 states... which means he has passed 2 rigorous and extensive criminal & personal background checks, so you can be doubly sure he is "the real deal", with no skeletons in his closet. If there were, he certainly would not have served as a key witness for the PA Dept. of State in 2018 against a key official within the PA Dept. of Corrections (seen at the end of this page). But, to ensure full confidence, and to address spurious slander put out onto social media by "Furries" and other deviant men who hide their online identities (a Huge Red Flag), he has permitted us to post the last few Annual Reviews he received while a part of the Psych Department in the PA DOC. We figure, this should help clarify once and for all, whether he was dismissed (as some slanderous "Predator Apologists" have attempted to suggest)... or whether he retired with high commendations, full benefits... and with the admiration of those worked closely with him.
So, what's the take away from all of this? You can trust what Jon K. Uhler says when he speaks to matters related to Predators, and it is important to know that, if you choose to stand for truth and for righteousness, you will become a target for those motivated by dark things. But, that's where
Mt. 5:11-12 comes in doesn't it?
The following personal email was sent to Jon K. Uhler, and the other two psychology staff willing to testify with him, received on 6-24-2019, three years after he retired from the PA Dept. of Corrections, and three years after the upper levels of the management of PA Dept. of Corrections attempted to retaliate by lodging spurious criminal allegations against him (a classic retaliatory tactic, designed to punish whistleblowers, and "teach them a lesson"), which were subsequently dropped by the judge, once the retaliatory nature of the charges came to light. The fact that the Senior Prosecutor for the PA Dept. of State notes that (below) Jon K. Uhler's words are credible, tells you all you need to know about his professional & personal background (along with the fact that he still holds professional licenses in two states, which require rigorous background clearances). So, much to the dismay of (1) those pushing sexual deviance, (2) those advocating for the decriminalization of pedophilia and, (3) those promoting the grand ruse called
the Trans Deception...
The professional and personal reputation of Jon K. Uhler, LPC, remains unblemished *, untarnished, & exemplary. And, that is why he continues to hold professionals licenses
in 2 states.
* Those holding an LPC license must first undergo
an in-depth personal and professional background investigation, and requires a spotless criminal background clearance.
Jon K. Uhler's PA Dept. of Corrections
Annual Employee Performance Evaluation 2012
OVERALL RATING: COMMENDABLE
Jon K. Uhler's PA Dept. of Corrections
Annual Employee Performance Evaluation 2013
OVERALL RATING: "COMMENDABLE"
Jon K. Uhler's PA Dept. of Corrections
Final Annual Employee Performance Evaluation 2014
OVERALL RATING: OUTSTANDING
A personal note from the Superintendent of SCI-Somerset,
to Jon K. Uhler's, at the time of Jon's announced retirement
(Full retirement... with full life-time pension and benefits).
Still, some may wonder what kind of professional was he with the inmates? Well, he received many letters of thanks from the men over the years, both while they were in prison, and after they were released. However, as most staff in prison know, it is almost unheard of to receive a "thank you" from a family member after the inmate has been released. Why? Because their lives move forward, and, understandably, they want to move beyond those experiences. That's why when Jon received such letters received from the family members they were most precious to him, as he knew it took quite a bit of extra emotional effort for a family member to go to the trouble of sending a "thank you."
Those are the letters that really touched him over the years, as they were most gratifying to hear from those who could confirm actual positive changes in their family member, from before they went in to after they got out. So, we convinced Jon to let people see one of those letters. As you read the following (it was a Christmas card), it will become apparent to what extent he was appreciated by both the inmates and their family members, and just how much Jon was willing to invest of himself in the lives of men who weren't even technically assigned to him.
Scripture is filled with the truth that there may well come a day in each person's life when he/she is faced with a significant moral dilemma, where they are forced to decide whether to step-up and do the right thing on behalf of other's being significantly negatively impacted by others... or to pretend not to see, to turn a blind eye, to rationalize away the moral and spiritual responsibility of rescuing the oppressed and protecting those who are unable to speak for themselves. It is in those moment's that the Lord is watching, waiting to uphold those willing to answer the call (Isa. 63:5).
Though few knew, it was just such a situation, behind the walls of a Pennsylvania prison, where no-one would know or hear, that Psychological Services Specialist, Jon K. Uhler, elected to step-up. Instead of protecting his career, reputation, and his own comfort, he "blew the whistle" on the abuse of mental health inmates within a solitary confinement setting, and he was joined by two of his other co-workers. Together, the three psychology staff members would play the key role in the nation's first case against a prison system for sanctioning the abuse of mental health inmates in solitary confinement. And, it would be this case that would initiate the changes throughout the nation, with regard to ending the punitive use of long-term Solitary Confinement as punishment against inmates with mental health diagnosis.
Predictably, as a large, closed systems become morally dark, it doesn't take kindly to light. As a result of their actions, the 3 whistle blowers were systematically targeted for removal. The first of the 3 had allegation fabricated against her, and was gone within weeks of the first coworker's "sudden retirement" (she elected to retire, as opposed to have them slander her name and reputation). Next, allegations of "Christian proselytizing". Yep, you read that right... after the US DOJ Investigation got underway, allegations were made against Jon Uhler by none other than the man being investigated, Chief Psychologist, James D. Harrington. Hmmm... suddenly, 8 years into his stellar employment career... poof... allegations are suddenly made against him. Who would have imagined?). After a formal PA DOC investigation, those spurious charges were unsuccessful... much to the consternation of James Harrington and others.
However, as is so true about those who don't take kindly to having their dark deeds unmasked, James Harrington displayed an unusual degree of persistence toward ensuring that the remaining two whistle blowers would meet the same professional fate as their co-worker. So, he simply regrouped, in order to look for another opportunity to retaliate against Jon Uhler, for his part in blowing the whistle on the abuse of mental health inmates in Solitary Confinement. Though it took James Harrington 2 additional years of dogged determination, he and others who had been named in the US DOJ Findings once again lodge allegations against Jon... but this time with gusto. They would actually go so far as to charge him with the bogus crime of... ready for this?... "forgery"... you read that right... of creating a monthly mental health treatment plan for 3 inmates. Yep, you read that correctly. Out of hundreds of mental health treatment plans he wrote over the course of 11+ years, there would supposedly be found 3 such pieces of paper that indicated he took it upon himself to write down long and short term monthly goals on 3 inmates. Seriously? After months of intensive scrutiny to find something to accuse him of, that is the best they could come up with? So, Jon would be inclined to add extra work to his busy prison workload by manufacturing 3 inmate's mental health treatment plans? Talk about a "nothing burger"! Yet, that was what they would use to assert he perpetrated a criminal offense. 11+ years, excellent performance evaluations, and he would be inclined to do what? And for what reason?
But, that was the level they needed to stoop to allege some kind of "criminal conduct," in order to "teach him a lesson." In addition to that, they were especially pleased with themselves this time around, as they managed to get the local small town newspaper to feature the alleged "charges"... all to add to the smear campaign.
No doubt, they felt as though it was "mission accomplished". However, what they didn't count on was the presiding judge, who would review the manufactured charges, quickly saw through their pathetic attempt at retaliating against Jon (for the key role he played in blowing the whistle on inmate abuse, and working with the US DOJ [see below] to help bring to light what was happening in the dark and behind closed doors), saw through such a blatantly corrupt strategy employed by the PA DOC to slander Jon Uhler's good name and reputation. What did the judge do as a result? He looked at Jon with an understanding glance, noted how "unusual" it was for such charges to be leveled against such a professional, and... subsequently dismissed of all charges. From beginning to end, the entire charade was put to rest within 5 months. Jon was vindicated, another retaliatory plan was thwarted, the perpetrators were dismayed, and Jon's record and reputation were unblemished.
As was the case prior to such a strategic attempted smear, his personal and professional record remains sterling to this day... which is why he continues to hold active professional licenses within 2 states. Such licensing background checks are detailed and robust, and both state licensing review processes found him to be credible, ethical, and entirely professional.
Understandably, Jon elected to retire (with full benefits) after that experience. The last remaining staff was targeted, with allegations made of her not being able to maintain her job performance. Thus, she retired a years later. Though each three whistle blowers paid a significant personal and professional price for stepping-up...
The wheels of divine justice would prove to be active... as the Scriptures are filled with the truth that the Lord upholds those who are willing to do what is right, those who act with integrity... those who risk it all in order to protect those being oppressed, and will vindicate those who do right (Psalm 57:2-3).
It was in Oct., 2018, two years after his retirement... that another state agency acted... but this time, it would be PA Dept. of State bringing formal charges against licensed psychologist (Institutional/Regional Psychologist for the PA DOC), James D. Harrington, listing multiple counts of unprofessional conduct, relating to his role in permitting the abuse and suicide of numerous mental health inmates under his watch. Unlike the bogus charges James Harrington et al. had managed to get lodged against Jon Uhler, these were real charges, based in reality, much of which stemmed from the findings of the US Dept. of Justice's exhaustive investigation. And the outcome? Over a year after Jon K. Uhler and his other 2 colleagues testified, and after exhausting the appeals process, on 12-2-19, the PA Board of Psychology issued a scathing rebuke of James Harrington (a key pusher of the false narrative & fabricated charges against Jon K. Uhler), finding him guilty on all charges, and permanently revoking his professional psychology license. Though a long time in coming, such vindication was heartening to Jon Uhler and his coworkers, knowing that the Lord will judge those who perpetrate injustice, and will vindicate those who do what is right, just, and fair (Psa. 52:1-5; Psa. 50:16-23).
What's the take-away from all of this? As Jon K. Uhler has written,
"In each of our lives, we are confronted with moral dilemmas of different sizes, of varying degrees of significance. Some of those may be small, some quite significant. It is at such moments we find out what we're made of, what our core values are, and whether we will do the hard thing... regardless of the personal price. Like Moses in the Old Testament, may we each strive daily to be ready to do what's right, to put principle over pragmatism, to engage when it comes to protecting others being harmed... for that is the high calling and high price of the road less traveled."
As an aside... because of Jon Uhler's key role in bringing the abuse of inmates to light, his role of protecting those who could not speak up for themselves, and because of his exemplary and unblemished personal and professional background, he has been asked to serve again as a key witness in an upcoming civil case (see below), filed by the family of one of the inmates who killed himself under James Harrington's watch (which has named many within the PA DOC including James D. Harrington), as being negligent and culpable in their individual capacities for the harm endured by vulnerable mental health inmates.
Though it is sometimes hard to convey what the abuse of lower functioning and/or mental health inmates looks like to those who've never experience what solitary confinement is like, the following will give you a sense of how otherwise normal looking officers can reveal a very dark, cruel, and sadistic bent.
The heart-wrenching letter below, written from the mother of one of the young men who committed suicide due to their maltreatment under the blind eye of James D. Harrington, will give you an idea why Jon K. Uhler elected "to put it all on the line" to protect vulnerable inmates, such as Brandon from any further abuse. It is this case that Jon will be serving as an important witness. Where few were willing to step up to do the right thing, Jon did... and, we couldn't be more proud of him.
As Jon had been told from the outset, he was the first prison psychology staff in the US willing to risk coming forward to blow the whistle on the abuse of mental health inmates by prison guards and management staff. And, it would be his testimony that would prove crucial to this being the president setting case, that would begin putting an end in the US to the use of long-term solitary confinement as a means of punishing mental health inmates in prison.
At the end of the the two years of his efforts assisting them with building their case, the lead investigator for the case against the PA Dept. of Corrections by the US Dept. of Justice, personally contacted Jon, to thank him for his crucial role, for his ethics, and for his bravery. Despite the significant retaliation he subsequently experienced by select strategically positioned officials within the PA Dept. of Corrections, Jon K. Uhler, LPC, has no regrets for doing the hard thing to protect those who were vulnerable... including a
trans inmate.
So, what was the outcome of all of the attempted smear job and attempts at slandering Jon K. Uhler's reputation, and making it appear his personal and professional record are anything other than what they are... spotless and exemplary? He now hold 2 professional state licenses, and he has gone on to acquire additional Certifications (each of which require a spotless background check) which have allowed his professional career to thrive, and his ability to clinically use his professional skills and knowledge has expanded beyond what he could have imagined.
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