Jelly Roll receives pardon recommendation from Tennessee parole board: I pray this goes through
The Tennessee Board of Parole on Tuesday recommended a pardon for country music star Jelly Roll, a Nashville native who has spoken openly about his criminal record and what it has taken to overcome it.The board’s action leaves the final decision on a pardon up to Gov.
Bill Lee.The rapper-turned-country singer wants to be able to travel internationally to perform and share his message of redemption, after spending time behind bars as a young person.The board issued its nonbinding recommendation unanimously after a hearing that lasted about an hour and 45 minutes with several witnesses, including Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, advocating for the 40-year-old musician named Jason DeFord.One board member recused themselves from voting.Jelly Roll broke into country music with the 2023 album “Whitsitt Chapel” and crossover songs like “Need a Favor.”He has won multiple CMT Awards, a CMA Award and earned four Grammy nominations, including for new artist of the year.“This was incredible,” he said of the board’s decision.
“I pray this goes through.But today was special for me, regardless.”His most serious convictions include a robbery at age 17 and drug charges at 23.
In the first case, a female acquaintance helped Jelly Roll and two other young men enter a house in 2002.Both of the others were carrying guns, although Jelly Roll was unarmed.They demanded money, and received $350 and a wallet with no money in it.
Because the victims knew the female acquaintance, she and Jelly Roll were arrested right away.He was sentenced to serve a year in prison and additional time on probation.Later, in 2008, police on patrol found both marijuana and crack cocaine in his car.
He was sentenced to eight years of court-ordered supervision.He also has two misdemeanor offenses for driving without a license and possession of drug paraphernalia.Lee, a Republican, said every case seeking clemency, such as pardons, is equally important and goes through a thorough process.�...