Former Politician Finds Unexpected Community in Prison

P.G. Sittenfeld describes the camaraderie and solidarity he experienced during his 16-month sentence at a federal correctional facility.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

P.G. Sittenfeld, a former Cincinnati City Council member, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison. Despite his initial fears, Sittenfeld found a sense of community and support among his fellow inmates, forming unexpected friendships and experiencing a level of camaraderie that he did not expect. Sittenfeld describes the robust social economy within the prison, including group workouts, shared meals, and deep conversations, and how these connections helped him get through his incarceration.

Why it matters

Sittenfeld's story provides a rare firsthand account of the social dynamics within the U.S. prison system, challenging the common perception of prisons as places of violence and isolation. His experience highlights how incarceration can foster unexpected bonds and a sense of community among those society often writes off.

The details

Sittenfeld was initially surprised to find himself crying on his second day in prison, but the other inmates in his Bible study group offered encouragement and comfort rather than judgment. He formed a close friendship with his cellmate, Crum, and discovered a vibrant social life within the prison, including group workouts, basketball games, and shared meals. Sittenfeld was struck by the camaraderie and lack of ego among the prisoners, who had been "knocked down many pegs" and were free to be their "authentic, broken selves." He also witnessed comedic moments, like when a bird flew into the housing unit, that brought the inmates together.

  • Sittenfeld was sentenced to a 16-month prison term.
  • Four and a half months into his incarceration, three federal judges ordered Sittenfeld's immediate release, pending the final outcome of his appeal.
  • One year later, Sittenfeld received a pardon from President Trump, though his appeal remains pending before the Supreme Court.

The players

P.G. Sittenfeld

A former Cincinnati City Council member who was convicted on federal extortion and bribery charges and sentenced to 16 months in prison.

Crum

Sittenfeld's cellmate, who was serving a 20-year sentence on drug charges.

Doug

A lawyer by background who was serving a 10-year sentence and led the prison's Bible study group, which Sittenfeld attended.

Smooth

A friend of Sittenfeld's who grew up in inner-city Cleveland and was serving a long drug sentence.

Moe

One of Sittenfeld's friends who praised his homemade cheesecake in prison.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“If you'd told me that I would go the last eight years without ever eating bacon, then I would have stopped dealing drugs on the spot.”

— Crum, Sittenfeld's cellmate (New York Times)

“The difference between prison and the outside is that here, where we're all kind of equal and in the same boat, I can have a conversation with a white-collar business guy and get some career mentoring from him, whereas on the outside I'd never even have access to someone like that.”

— Smooth, Sittenfeld's friend (New York Times)

“This is actually really good!”

— Moe, Sittenfeld's friend (New York Times)

“I am so happy for you.”

— Doug, Leader of the prison's Bible study group (New York Times)

What’s next

Sittenfeld's appeal remains pending before the Supreme Court, and the outcome of that case could have broader implications for the criminal justice system.

The takeaway

Sittenfeld's experience in prison challenges the common perception of incarceration as a place of isolation and violence, instead highlighting the unexpected bonds and sense of community that can form among those society often writes off. His story serves as a reminder that even in the most difficult circumstances, people can find support, camaraderie, and a sense of shared humanity.