Can I visit a federal inmate if I was an inmate previously?

Gift boxes are not permitted in any federal facility - all goods and sundries must be purchased through the institution's commissary. Visitation for you will be a challenge. The federal system requires potential visitors to register with an application that is processed through the NCIC database. If you come up as a felon in their search your visitation will be denied. If you petition the warden at FCI Ashland and thoroughly explain your situation, your crime and your incarceration - you might get a special visit. It is entirely up to the warden in these cases but being upfront will give you the best chance. You can mail the document you want your inmate to notarize. He would then go to his unit team secretary and request a notary. Notaries come to the facility once or twice a month and he will be able to get the notarization done at that time.