zlacker

I think this is an important endeavor. In the U.S. we tend to be too much focused on punishment and retribution. No one benefits by preventing ex convicts from an attempt at a normal life. I hope you succeed and wish you well.

I do think you ought to remove the phrase, "...but despite having paid everyone back..." That phrasing comes off to me as a bit of a justification for what you did and seems to indicate a feeling that you should not have been sentenced. I don't know if this is your intent or if indeed such a belief is justified. It may be off putting to some.

>>yequal+(OP)
I think you're right, and it's probably my last ditch attempt to defend myself. I need to omit that and move on. thanks

Edit: removed that bit as well as "I went on to build a large financial services firm". Thanks for pointing this out.