AmSouth Bank ripoff Discrimination against convicted felons Orlando Florida

As a first time offender, I was serving my time at a Work Release Center in Kissimmee, Fl. I was hired by Darden Restaurants as a greeter at Smokey Bones Restaurant. Elaine Southworth, from AmSouth Bank came in and offered all employees a free checking account, free check card, free checks and no monthly fees. Great, I gave her my PRISON I.D., prison address, etc to open my account.

I received my checks in the mail plus my bank card. She came by the restaurant and offered me a Christmas account, which once again, I signed up for. I was so excited that AmSouth Bank was really into customer service that I had my partner open our business account there as well.

Once released from DOC custody last week, I purchased a Days Inn Hotel in Orlando for $6.9 million dollars. My plan is to turn this into transitional housing for first time offenders needing a place to get on their feet.

I met with Kenneth Eller, Jr., Branch Manager, explained to him what I was doing, and shared my testimony with him. We both seemed excited to be able to work together. He told me I would hear from him yesterday. I didn't! I stopped by the branch this morning to cash a check, and the teller told me there were no funds in the account.

I knew this was impossible and asked for the manager. Kenneth Eller, Jr. greeted me and took me into his office. He punched up my account number and said wow, we closed your account because you are a convicted felon. He pretended he knew nothing about it. On the next breath, he said he forwarded cashiers checks out yesterday on my three accounts. I questioned him about it, and he said well, "oh well".

I got home and phoned 205.801.0103, Pat Becker, a*s't to the President of AmSouth Bank in Birmingham, AL. I gave her a few account numbers and she placed me on hold. She came back and said the accounts were closed. I requested to speak to the President in which she informed me that he does not speak to convicted felons.

Well, if he doesn't speak to convicted felons, why does AmSouth Bank solicit customers from Work Release Centers and use prison I.D.'s as a form of identification?

I have never been so upset the way I was treated. They can't have it both ways. I have lost monies because of their treatment. The cost of checks, and now I must go back and repay people I have written checks too. Please help me. Yes, I was guilty of Stock Fraud, served my time, was cleared through the verification they use for account holders, and then just get dropped for reasons that are beyond me.

Farrell
Orlando, Florida
U.S.A.