"I'm too sexy for jail," Taji "Verbal" Lee said as he sat in his orange Centre County jumpsuit, his wrists and ankles handcuffed.

Lee, convicted of running one of the largest drug rings in county history, is currently serving 30 to 60 years in maximum security at the State Correctional Institute-Greene in Waynesburg.

"Jail is really overrated," he said with a smirk. "Jail life isn't that bad, but it's not that good either."

Lee said his most cherished times while in prison are spent with his many visitors. But, like most held behind bars, Lee said he would rather be home, which for him is in Newark, N.J.

"I'd prefer to be on the streets with my children," he said.

Lee has been detained in prison since his Jan. 11, 2005 arrest for drug-related charges.

He said dealing with the Centre County judicial system has been a learning experience though.

"Through Centre County, I've learned a lot of useful things," he said.

Lee said he has taken advantage of his time in prison by studying the law and has become well versed in his Constitutional rights.

During his appeal hearing to have a new trial or a reduced sentence yesterday, Lee's attorney, Ron McGlaughlin, consulted Lee numerous times before addressing the judge.

Lee sat with a stack of court documents and paperwork in front of him, which he continually read with shackled hands. Lee scoffed at Judge Bradley P. Lunsford's decision to deny a request for Lee to take the stand. Lunsford, who continually mentioned Lee's lack of remorse for his actions, said the testimony would be a waste of time.

"I never testified," Lee said. "How could you tell me I wasn't remorseful?"

However, Lee said his prison experience has been spiritually motivating.

"I was saved in jail," he said as the guards prepared him for his return to prison. "I go to church every Sunday, don't you?"

Lee is now appealing to the Superior Court of Pennsylvania for a new trial or a modified sentence.