On the inside in Louisiana's corrupt justice system. Three weeks before his high school graduation, college-bound Forest Martin was sentenced to life in prison. This biography records his intense journey from his school days until his pardon from Gov. Edwin Edwards. In the interim he became the victim of a severe beating, an inmate lawyer, the light heavyweight champion of the underground boxing ring, and one of the numerous convict servants in the governor's mansion. The poignant story of one man clinging to hope and faith reveals insider secrets and conspiracies related to the state's politics and judicial system.
Forest C. Hammond-Martin, Sr., also known as Saint, is a writer, minister, and businessman who also worked as an investigator, paralegal, and legal assistant for the Baton Rouge Public Defender's Office. The former teenage star-athlete-turned-boxing instructor previously fought matches at Sugar Ray Leonard's Boxing Gym in Maryland and became the light heavyweight boxing champion of Angola Penitentiary, where he served time for his involvement in a tragic crime. Martin was pardoned by Louisiana Governor Edwin Edwards after having worked as a butler in the Governor's mansion for years. He received his GED while in prison and earned a bachelor's degree from Southern University upon returning to the outside world. Today, Martin dedicates his life to being a role model and educating at-risk youth about the legal system. He has received many certificates of appreciation for his presentation with the R. A. W. (Reality at Work) Tour Training Program that addresses youth at risk for criminal behavior. Martin is the proud father of six and grandfather of seven. He has written religious columns for the Alexandria Town Talk and has made appearances on radio and television stations throughout Louisiana. Martin lives with his wife in Alexandria, Louisiana.