24-04-2025
Former inmate set to lead new re-entry program at the Jessamine County Detention Center
NICHOLASVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — A new role at the Jessamine County Detention Center is giving inmates a roadmap to rebuild. The man leading that effort knows the struggle firsthand.
For years, Robert Barbosa lived a life consumed by addiction. It landed him in jail 35 times by the age of 42.
'It wasn't an easy ride,' said Barbosa. 'I was coming off drugs and real heavy. I had some mishaps happen while in this place, and, you know, the same judge that started locking me up when I was 18, Judge Doherty, was the same judge that I went in front of this time.'
He said, at the time, it felt like a cycle that would never end, but others around him believed he could break it.
University alumni rally for 'One Day for UK' event
Phone feature helps rescue family lost in Red River Gorge
Former inmate set to lead new re-entry program at the Jessamine County Detention Center
'When he was in here, I always would tell everybody, 'Man, Barbosa has got so much potential. So much potential,'' said Jessamine County Jailer Jon Sallee. 'And it was awesome to see his transition.'
Barbosa said he was eventually given an ultimatum: If he didn't turn his life around, he was told he might never see his children again.
'Not having a father in my life, I knew the importance of me needing one in my life,' said Barbosa. 'And if I needed one, my kids needed one as well. And so, that family piece was everything to me.'
A judge offered him an opportunity to enter a long-term recovery program, and he never looked back.
Read more of the latest Lexington & central Kentucky news
Now almost eight years sober, Barbosa said his strength is grounded in faith and family and that he's found purpose in helping other incarcerated people navigate their second chance at life.
'If we can give them a lens to look through outside of these walls and help guide them, I think that we'll have a lot of success stories,' said Barbosa.
Barbosa is now returning to the Jessamine County Detention Center, this time on the other side as a re-entry coordinator. It's a position dedicated to helping inmates attain a future unchained.
He said it will be an honor serving the place and people that helped him achieve the life he always dreamed of.
Read more of the latest Kentucky news
'Because it was the very pit I was pulled from,' he said.
Sallee said he couldn't be happier to welcome Barbosa back in this role.
'So glad that I was able to scoop you up and bring you in here. And you know, use you as a vessel to help these guys and girls out.'
Barbosa will officially start his new job in June.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
