Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee pardons country star Jelly Roll: His story is remarkable
Tennessee Gov.Bill Lee pardoned country star Jelly Roll Thursday for his criminal past in the Volunteer State, including robbery and drug convictions.Lee granted the pardon for the 41-year-old rapper-turned-singer, whose real name is Jason Deford, citing the Grammy-nominated musician’s long path to redemption and advocacy.Lee and Deford met for the first time on Thursday at the Oak Hill governor’s mansion, where the two hugged in front of a lit Christmas tree following the announcement.“His story is remarkable, and it’s a redemptive, powerful story, which is what you look for and what you hope for,” Lee told reporters.
Unlike federal pardons, which free individuals from prison, Tennessee pardons offer a statement of forgiveness to those who have already completed their sentences — often restoring some civil freedoms, such as voting.Deford’s convictions include a 2002 robbery when he was 17 as well as drug charges several years later.In the robbery case, Jelly Roll and two armed accomplices stole $350 from a home with the help of a female acquaintance.Although he was unharmed, Deford was sentenced to one year in prison and probation.
In 2008, police also found marijuana and crack cocaine in his car, resulting in eight years of court-ordered supervision.The country star’s pardon followed a months-long review process and a unanimous, non-binding recommendation from the Tennessee Board of Parole in April.Jelly Roll detailed for the parole board how he fell in love with songwriting while in custody, calling music a passion that “would end up changing my life in ways that I never dreamed imaginable.”The “Need a Favor” singer said receiving the pardon will make it easier for him to travel internationally for concert tours and accomplish his Christian missionary work without extensive legal paperwork.
He was among 33 people to receive clemency as part of the governor’s regular holiday pardons.Deford has also testified before the US Senate abou...