SAN FRANCISCO — When Charles Lucas was freed from Kern Valley State Prison last weekend, he had an unlikely team to thank. The Three Strikes Justice Center, a nonprofit law center which helps commute inmates serving life sentences for non-violent offenses under California’s “three strikes” law, and the company that helped raise the crucial funds — San Francisco’s Kink.com.
“This was a blessing,” said Lucas in a video interview upon release. “I’m thankful to be here. I’m free!”
Charles Lucas is the first inmate to be freed by the Three Strikes Justice Center co-founders, attorneys Givelle Lamano and Angeli Fitch, who struck an unusual partnership with adult entertainment company Kink to help raise the funds for Lucas' case and others.
“Last summer, we faced a major crisis,” Lamano said. “Hundreds of cases that were eligible to be commuted were facing a deadline to file, and many inmates did not have enough resources to even pay for postage. We were woefully underfunded. Peter Acworth of Kink heard about the cause, and because of his own experience with the justice system, offered to put together a fundraiser.”
The BDSM and fetish entertainment company — the world’s largest — first hosted a fundraiser in the Armory Club, a bar owned by the company; later owner Acworth hosted a fundraising dinner at the San Francisco Armory, the converted military space where the company films. Additionally, Kink used its email lists and placed ads on its websites to raise awareness and funds for the cause.
“We need to do more to free people like Mr. Lucas,” Acworth said. “The three-strikes law resulted in tens of thousands of men and women getting life sentences, often for minor crimes like drug possession. As someone who has made mistakes in my own life, and has seen firsthand how differently the justice system treats those with resources, and those without, this became an important and personal cause.”
Acworth has previously written about his own experiences, and his reasons for supporting the TSJC on his own blog.
“Hopefully, Charles Lucas is just the first of a long list of men and women who will have a chance at a new life,” Lamano said. “There’s more work to do, and we hope that more people like Peter will step up to make it happen.”
Kink plans on hosting another fundraiser, the Cinco de Kinko, for the TSJC on May 1. In the meantime, donations to the Three Strikes Justice Center can be made here.
Three Strikes Justice Center, Kink Announce First Inmate Release
Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.
More News
TrustyFans Introduces New Blog
Creator directory TrustyFans has introduced an official blog to its site, titled "From Hidden to Hype."
JustFor.fans' Dominic Ford Featured in Wired Magazine
JustFor.fans Founder and CEO Dominic Ford is featured in a new article in Wired Magazine, titled "The Internet Revolutionized Porn. Age Verification Could Upend Everything."
Dr. Charlotte Gaydos Joins ProDx Health Advisory Board
Dr. Charlotte Gaydos has joined the Advisory Board of ProDx Health.
Aylo Fined $5 Million as FTC, Utah Settle Safety Practices Complaint
The Federal Trade Commission and the state of Utah on Wednesday settled a complaint against Aylo, requiring the company to pay a $5 million penalty and implement measures to prevent illegal content from appearing on its sites.
New AI Companion Platform 'Pornstar.love' Launches
Pornstar.love, a new AI companion platform, has officially launched.
Pineapple Support, Stripchat to Host 'Navigating Thoughts of Suicide' Support Group
Pineapple Support and Stripchat are hosting a free online support group to help performers deal with suicidal ideation.
Plaiir Names Cade Maddox as Lead of Creator Relations
Networking platform Plaiir has appointed Cade Maddox as its new lead of creator relations.
Go.cam Launches 'One-Line Integration' Verification Solution
Go.cam has introduced a one-line code integration for age verification.
XBIZ Amsterdam to Debut 'Behind the Lens' Screening Series
XBIZ is pleased to announce the debut of “Behind the Lens,” a new screening series presenting discussions with noted directors, taking place at the upcoming annual European conference, XBIZ Amsterdam.
'White Rabbit' Party Headed for XBIZ Amsterdam
XBIZ is pleased to announce the White Rabbit Party, an XBIZ Amsterdam special event set to take place Wednesday, Sept. 3.