Jelly Roll recommended for pardon for pre-fame crimes – “I want to be an inspiration”
The Tennessee Board of Parole has proposed granting a pardon to the well-known country artist, Jelly Roll, for his past crimes committed prior to his rise to fame.
As a passionate movie enthusiast, I penned a heartfelt letter to Governor Bill Lee last year, requesting a full pardon for Jason “Jelly Roll” Deford… and just today, the board unanimously endorsed his Pardon. Now, it’s in our governor’s hands.
The Parole Board’s role includes examining all applications for pardons, reductions in sentences (commutations), and declarations of innocence (exonerations). They then provide suggestions to the Governor, which he is not obligated to follow, as stated during their hearing announcement.

Music
Jelly Roll recently testified emotionally for five minutes before Congress. He stated, “Historically, America has mistreated and humiliated individuals struggling with substance abuse.
As reported by Associated Press, the performer (originally named Jason DeFord) addressed the board with the sentiment: “I aspire to serve as a motivator for those who find themselves in similar circumstances as I once did – to demonstrate that transformation is indeed achievable. One of my objectives in seeking your endorsement… is due to my intention to spread my message of redemption… globally.
The performer has been forthright about his past legal troubles, which involve drug-related arrests and other offenses, such as being tried as an adult for aggravated robbery at the age of 16. While incarcerated, he obtained his GED and eventually rose to fame in country music, overcoming challenges related to his convictions when it came to obtaining a passport and touring abroad.
Previously, Jelly Roll appeared before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Development to voice his support for the Fentanyl Eradication and Narcotics Deterrence (FEND) Act Against Fentanyl.
He admitted that he had been contributing to the issue earlier, but now he’s committed to being a part of finding resolutions, as he stated before the Senate.

Music
Jelly Roll isn’t your common country artist; his background encompasses stints in prison, struggles with substance abuse, and over two dozen albums as a rapper. Currently, he’s garnering attention as a potential multiple Grammy nominee.
In an interview with The Times in 2023, the singer expressed his view that there should be more educational programs emphasizing rehabilitation rather than punishment for addiction issues. He highlighted the lack of public awareness about addiction as a disease and the role big pharmaceutical companies play in enabling the production of fentanyl.
“We’ve gotten so far away from compassion,” he adds. “That’s scary.”
Jelly Roll is set to headline the Stagecoach country music festival in Indio this weekend.
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2025-04-23 21:01