Jelly Roll could receive Tennessee state pardon for crimes tied to early life

Yahoo

23-04-2025

The Brief
The Tennessee Board of Parole voted unanimously to recommend a pardon for Jelly Roll.
The country artist, born Jason DeFord, has a criminal record dating back to his youth.
Gov. Bill Lee will now decide whether to grant the official pardon.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Country star Jelly Roll is one step closer to receiving a state pardon for crimes he committed as a teenager and young adult. The Tennessee Board of Parole voted unanimously on Tuesday to recommend clemency for the Nashville native, whose journey from incarceration to music stardom has become central to his public identity.
The final decision now rests with Gov. Bill Lee, who has issued more than 90 pardons since taking office in 2019, according to state records.
The backstory
Born Jason DeFord, the artist's most serious conviction came at age 17, when he and two others were involved in a 2002 robbery. Though unarmed, Jelly Roll entered a home with his accomplices—both carrying guns—and helped take $350 and a wallet. He served one year in prison and additional time on probation.
A later 2008 drug arrest involving marijuana and crack cocaine led to eight years of court supervision. He also has two misdemeanor convictions: one for driving without a license, and one for drug paraphernalia.
Despite these early run-ins with the law, Jelly Roll has since rebuilt his life and career. His 2023 album "Whitsitt Chapel" and hit song "Need a Favor" catapulted him to crossover success, earning him CMT and CMA awards along with four Grammy nominations.
What they're saying
Supporters who spoke at Tuesday's hearing included Nashville Sheriff Daron Hall, who praised Jelly Roll's community service and advocacy. For the artist, the moment was deeply meaningful.
"This was incredible," he said, according to a recording of the meeting. "I pray this goes through. But today was special for me, regardless."
Jelly Roll emphasized that the pardon would help ease the burden of international travel—especially to Canada—where his criminal record often complicates entry. A letter from an immigration attorney, submitted with his clemency application, explained the long wait times associated with special travel permits.
Still, the artist made clear the pardon would serve a larger purpose.
"I'll still be using this same pardon, God willing, to go do missionary work in my 50s and 60s," he said.
Why you should care
Since rising to fame, Jelly Roll has made it a point to give back. He frequently visits jails and rehab centers before concerts, often without media coverage. In Winnipeg, he spent part of the day playing basketball with kids at a youth center—hours before taking the stage.
Those close to him say the outreach is real and consistent, driven by a desire to help people in situations like the one he escaped.
Under Tennessee law, a pardon is a formal statement of forgiveness, available to those at least five years removed from their most recent sentence. The parole board began reviewing Jelly Roll's application in October 2024. One board member recused themselves, but the remaining members voted unanimously in favor of the pardon.
The Source
This report is based in part on original reporting from the Associated Press, which covered the Tennessee Board of Parole's April 22, 2025 hearing and recommendation in favor of Jelly Roll's pardon. Additional details were drawn from the board's recorded proceedings and publicly available clemency materials outlining the artist's criminal history and post-incarceration advocacy work.