Country music sensation Jelly Roll has not shied away from his tumultuous past and speaks openly about his incarceration.
Now, along with his hit songs; Jelly Roll can add a new milestone to his list of accomplishments…a free man!
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has granted Jelly Roll a pardon for his crimes. He was one of 33 people whom earned a pardon from the Governor on December 18; just one week after being invited to join the Grand Ole Opry.
The Governor’s office noted that none of the people pardoned were involved with crimes relating to homicide, a sex-related conviction, or a crime committed as an adult against a minor.
The official press release from the Governor’s office stated that the “pardons are granted to individuals who have complete their sentences and have been living freely in their communities for at least five years.”
The artist’s attorneys spoke on the pardon saying, “we can confirm Governo Bill Lee granted a full pardon to Jelly Roll earlier today as part of his announced executive clemency decisions.”
Speaking on Jelly Roll, Governor Lee said,“his story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for.”
Over a year ago, Davidson Country Sheriff Daron Hall recommended Jelly Roll for a pardon and earned a unanimous vote from the Parole Board to receive the pardon in April.
The pardon makes it considerably easier for the artist to tour internationally and to serve as a missionary without having to file mountains of paperwork.
Born Jason Bradley DeFord, the father of two spent much of his teen and young adult years in and out of correctional facilities for various crimes including drug dealing and aggravated robbery.
An advocate for reform, Jelly Roll now spends time in facilities visiting inmates.