Joe Exotic, the former "Tiger King" star serving a 21-year prison sentence, has submitted a glowing letter of support from a prison guard as part of a renewed plea for a presidential pardon from Donald Trump.

Exotic, whose real name is Joseph Maldonado, was convicted in a murder-for-hire plot targeting rival zookeeper Carole Baskin. Introducing the letter, Radar Online noted that Keith Jones, Recreations Specialist at the Federal Medical Center in Fort Worth, Texas, called Exotic's case "unique and unjust."

Letter
Letter Department of Justice

Jones wrote, "I feel that Mr. Maldanado and his case need to be revisited. I truly believe it warrants review and consideration for an immediate release. The request is based on his crime, which I think he has already served. I've read and heard a lot of cases, although Mr. Maldanado's case screams out to me as unique and unjust."

The guard highlighted Exotic's positive demeanor despite his incarceration. "Mr. Maldanado has had the right and positive energy despite his situation, and not to mention his chronic medical condition. Mr. Maldanado is battling cancer and continues to walk with his head up and remain positive around the yard. Every time I've had an encounter or conversation with him it's always uplifting," Jones added.

Exotic himself detailed the urgency of his request, citing his health struggles. "Anyone can die in here. I pray with my health issues that I don't," he said, referencing his battles with lung and prostate cancer.

He warned that continued incarceration could have political consequences. "Worst case right now is that I am out in October of 2030. It would be the worst thing for the Republican party for me to die in here because the millions of people who watched Tiger King Season 2... would hate that Trump let me die in here."

Exotic also argued there is precedent for clemency. "I don't even need a pardon; I just want Trump to commute my sentence to time served with no probation so I can travel and work, and I will make you so proud of who all I can help with my platform," he said.

He expressed frustration over previous pardons granted before him. "Am I disappointed that they all three got out before I did? Who wouldn't be?" he said, referring to former GOP Rep. George Santos and reality stars Todd and Julie Chrisley.

He continued, "... I am truly disappointed that George Santos has not gone public to help bring my case more attention since his release, because we talked on his podcast and phone before he went to prison. He lived 27 some days in hell. I spent 2 years and 8 months in that hell, and you have the bloody photos."

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