Page 11 - 2022 OAD First Monday Journal

2022 OAD BEACON OF HOPE AWARD

EZEQUIEL OCHOA

Ezequiel Ochoa, a proud father of two—Annabelle and Mason—and husband to his wonderful, supportive
wife, Jarline Ochoa, is a carpenter for Tydown Contracting Corporation, where he has worked for the
past 16 months. From his home in Middletown, NY, he travels around the state for Tydown, living and
working on site and making necessary sacrifices for his family’s stability and future. He is a model of
resilience, good nature, and dedication.

During a difficult, fractured childhood Ezequiel followed his older brother, Percy—his only source of
support and best friend—into a street gang that controlled their neighborhood. When he was 18 years
old, he was indicted along with other gang members for several offenses related to the gang’s activities.

Ezequiel pleaded guilty to possessing a gun and reckless endangerment and, after the sentencing
court ruled that he was not eligible to be adjudicated as a youthful offender under New York law, was
sentenced to six years of incarceration.

Former OAD attorney Kami Lizarraga challenged that ruling in the Appellate Division and prevailed. And
then, Ms. Lizarraga argued successfully, before the same sentencing judge, that Ezequiel should indeed
be granted youthful offender status and freed of the burden of a criminal record.

Ultimately, it was Ezequiel’s remarkable rehabilitation while incarcerated that made this change possible.
Ezequiel did the work which ultimately led to the judge’s ruling. He disassociated from the gang that led
to his conviction. He endured immense pressure and physical violence while incarcerated. And yet, he
did not waver in his resolve to be reunited with his then-two-year-old daughter, Annabelle, and his wife,
Jarline. His family supported him through telephone calls and weekly visitation.

Upon his release from prison, Ezequiel and his family moved out of New York City. In doing so, Ezequiel
was able to safely reenter the community and contribute meaningfully to his family. Ezequiel continued
to demonstrate his commitment and resilience by working as a laborer, obtaining an OSHA certification,
and starting a career as a carpenter. Today, Ezequiel now works alongside his father, building homes and
other structures and supporting his family. His family has grown with the addition of his son, Mason,
who is 9 months old. They are stable and happy, and their future is bright.
7