This article recounts an unusual situation in which publicity may be helpful to prisoners. By making people aware of how they have changed, prisoners could have an advantage in gaining parole or other prison privileges.

Prison guard Kenneth Moon, 67, was the only prison guard on duty at the Orient Road Jail in Tampa Florida. He was charged by a prisoner who was able to get him into a choke hold and began to strangle him. Prisoner Jerry Diegez Jr ran over and gave the assailant a 'Haymaker Punch". This is a wide looping punch designed to put as much weight as possible behind it and knock out the opponent. All three men fell over and another prisoner came to help, pull Moon out of the choke hold and getting the prisoners arm off his throat. Another prison came and used the radio to call for assistance. All of those prisoners are credited with saving Moon's life.

The prisoners responsible for this rescue were convicted of crimes such as drug trafficking and murder. Yet when they saw Moon in trouble, they went out of their way to help him. Other prison guards eventually came and subdued the prisoner who was on the attack. "Their past acts aside, you know, you've got to applaud them for what they did," Jim Previtera, of Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff's office is to send letters to the rescuers' lawyers to be used in court on the inmates' behalf. They are hoping the letters in their files will help them in the future. Having the public know about it also helps. When you have evidence and support in what you are doing, it can go a long way.

Lots of sites are carrying the story and YouTube even has footage. The letters were also sent to the prisoners lawyers. Who knows how far this little bit of publicity can take them but it could be the tipping point for men who may have actually been rehabilitated.