Topline: Gov. Bill Lee granted the musician a full pardon for robbery and drug charges dating back to his youth.
Published: December 27, 2025 5:32 pm ET
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Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Jelly Roll on Dec. 18, 2025, via Brandon Hull/Office of Governor Bill Lee
NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced a full pardon for country singer Jelly Roll on Dec. 18, clearing felony charges from more than 20 years ago.
Jelly Roll, whose legal name is Jason DeFord, was one of 33 people to receive executive clemency in Lee’s year-end round of pardons, according to a report by the Associated Press. The 40-year-old singer was previously convicted of aggravated robbery and drug possession with intent to sell.
The aggravated robbery charge stemmed from an incident in 2002 when DeFord was 16 years old. He served more than a year in prison for the offense and remained on probation for several years following his release, as reported by People Magazine.
Under Tennessee law, a felony conviction for a violent crime stays on a person’s record permanently. The pardon effectively clears these marks from DeFord’s criminal history and restores certain civil rights, such as the right to vote.
DeFord has been open about his past struggles with incarceration and addiction. He has used his platform as a public figure to advocate for prison reform and mental health awareness.
The governor’s office stated that pardon recipients must meet specific criteria. Applicants generally must have completed their sentences at least five years ago and demonstrated a productive life after their conviction, according to TN.gov.
Lee’s office released a statement saying the governor looks for individuals who have shown a commitment to rehabilitation. The clemency process includes a review by the Tennessee Board of Parole, which gave a unanimous recommendation for the pardon in April.
The singer previously testified before Congress in January regarding the fentanyl crisis. During his testimony, he told lawmakers that he was part of the problem during his youth but now wants to be part of the solution, as noted by THV11.
DeFord’s career saw a rise in recent years. He won the New Artist of the Year award at the 2023 Country Music Awards and received two Grammy nominations in 2024.
He frequently visits jails and rehabilitation centers while on tour. He recently donated a recording studio to the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center, the same facility where he was held as a teenager.
The pardon comes at a time when DeFord has faced travel restrictions due to his record. He told the Associated Press that his felony status made it difficult to obtain visas for international performances and missionary work.
In a video posted to social media, DeFord said he received a phone call from the governor informing him of the decision. He said the pardon represented a new beginning for his family and his career.
Lee also granted 32 other pardons in the same announcement. These actions are part of the governor’s constitutional authority to show mercy to individuals who have reformed their lives, according to the Nashville Scene.
DeFord’s history includes nearly 40 arrests for various offenses, most of which occurred before he turned 25. He has stated that music provided a path away from his former lifestyle.
In December 2022, DeFord told People magazine about his time in jail as a teenager. He said he was in and out of the facility for about three or three and a half years.
“I spent a lot of time there and eventually got charged as an adult for a crime I committed as a juvenile,” DeFord said.
He said the experience was the most impactful thing that ever happened in his life. DeFord stated that his darkest moments were being a “15-year-old scared kid spending Thanksgiving away from his family.”
The singer remains a resident of the Nashville area. He said the pardon allows him to participate in activities previously barred to him, though he has noted he still seeks to have his firearm rights reinstated through separate legislative work.
Public records show the governor has issued over 140 pardons since taking office in 2019. The process for clemency is rigorous and requires recommendations from state officials.
DeFord said he intends to continue his work with incarcerated youth. He credited his faith and his support system for the changes he made over the last two decades.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
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Tennessee Governor Pardons Country Star Jelly Roll For Past Felony Convictions
Gov. Bill Lee granted the musician a full pardon for robbery and drug charges dating back to his youth.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 27, 2025 5:32 pm ET
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Jelly Roll on Dec. 18, 2025, via Brandon Hull/Office of Governor Bill Lee
NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced a full pardon for country singer Jelly Roll on Dec. 18, clearing felony charges from more than 20 years ago.
Jelly Roll, whose legal name is Jason DeFord, was one of 33 people to receive executive clemency in Lee’s year-end round of pardons, according to a report by the Associated Press. The 40-year-old singer was previously convicted of aggravated robbery and drug possession with intent to sell.
The aggravated robbery charge stemmed from an incident in 2002 when DeFord was 16 years old. He served more than a year in prison for the offense and remained on probation for several years following his release, as reported by People Magazine.
Under Tennessee law, a felony conviction for a violent crime stays on a person’s record permanently. The pardon effectively clears these marks from DeFord’s criminal history and restores certain civil rights, such as the right to vote.
DeFord has been open about his past struggles with incarceration and addiction. He has used his platform as a public figure to advocate for prison reform and mental health awareness.
The governor’s office stated that pardon recipients must meet specific criteria. Applicants generally must have completed their sentences at least five years ago and demonstrated a productive life after their conviction, according to TN.gov.
Lee’s office released a statement saying the governor looks for individuals who have shown a commitment to rehabilitation. The clemency process includes a review by the Tennessee Board of Parole, which gave a unanimous recommendation for the pardon in April.
The singer previously testified before Congress in January regarding the fentanyl crisis. During his testimony, he told lawmakers that he was part of the problem during his youth but now wants to be part of the solution, as noted by THV11.
DeFord’s career saw a rise in recent years. He won the New Artist of the Year award at the 2023 Country Music Awards and received two Grammy nominations in 2024.
He frequently visits jails and rehabilitation centers while on tour. He recently donated a recording studio to the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center, the same facility where he was held as a teenager.
The pardon comes at a time when DeFord has faced travel restrictions due to his record. He told the Associated Press that his felony status made it difficult to obtain visas for international performances and missionary work.
In a video posted to social media, DeFord said he received a phone call from the governor informing him of the decision. He said the pardon represented a new beginning for his family and his career.
Lee also granted 32 other pardons in the same announcement. These actions are part of the governor’s constitutional authority to show mercy to individuals who have reformed their lives, according to the Nashville Scene.
DeFord’s history includes nearly 40 arrests for various offenses, most of which occurred before he turned 25. He has stated that music provided a path away from his former lifestyle.
In December 2022, DeFord told People magazine about his time in jail as a teenager. He said he was in and out of the facility for about three or three and a half years.
“I spent a lot of time there and eventually got charged as an adult for a crime I committed as a juvenile,” DeFord said.
He said the experience was the most impactful thing that ever happened in his life. DeFord stated that his darkest moments were being a “15-year-old scared kid spending Thanksgiving away from his family.”
The singer remains a resident of the Nashville area. He said the pardon allows him to participate in activities previously barred to him, though he has noted he still seeks to have his firearm rights reinstated through separate legislative work.
Public records show the governor has issued over 140 pardons since taking office in 2019. The process for clemency is rigorous and requires recommendations from state officials.
DeFord said he intends to continue his work with incarcerated youth. He credited his faith and his support system for the changes he made over the last two decades.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
Must Read
Editor Picks
Latest Articles
Tennessee Governor Pardons Country Star Jelly Roll For Past Felony Convictions
Gov. Bill Lee granted the musician a full pardon for robbery and drug charges dating back to his youth.
By Kate Byrd
Published: December 27, 2025 5:32 pm ET
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Jelly Roll on Dec. 18, 2025, via Brandon Hull/Office of Governor Bill Lee
NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced a full pardon for country singer Jelly Roll on Dec. 18, clearing felony charges from more than 20 years ago.
Jelly Roll, whose legal name is Jason DeFord, was one of 33 people to receive executive clemency in Lee’s year-end round of pardons, according to a report by the Associated Press. The 40-year-old singer was previously convicted of aggravated robbery and drug possession with intent to sell.
The aggravated robbery charge stemmed from an incident in 2002 when DeFord was 16 years old. He served more than a year in prison for the offense and remained on probation for several years following his release, as reported by People Magazine.
Under Tennessee law, a felony conviction for a violent crime stays on a person’s record permanently. The pardon effectively clears these marks from DeFord’s criminal history and restores certain civil rights, such as the right to vote.
DeFord has been open about his past struggles with incarceration and addiction. He has used his platform as a public figure to advocate for prison reform and mental health awareness.
The governor’s office stated that pardon recipients must meet specific criteria. Applicants generally must have completed their sentences at least five years ago and demonstrated a productive life after their conviction, according to TN.gov.
Lee’s office released a statement saying the governor looks for individuals who have shown a commitment to rehabilitation. The clemency process includes a review by the Tennessee Board of Parole, which gave a unanimous recommendation for the pardon in April.
The singer previously testified before Congress in January regarding the fentanyl crisis. During his testimony, he told lawmakers that he was part of the problem during his youth but now wants to be part of the solution, as noted by THV11.
DeFord’s career saw a rise in recent years. He won the New Artist of the Year award at the 2023 Country Music Awards and received two Grammy nominations in 2024.
He frequently visits jails and rehabilitation centers while on tour. He recently donated a recording studio to the Davidson County Juvenile Detention Center, the same facility where he was held as a teenager.
The pardon comes at a time when DeFord has faced travel restrictions due to his record. He told the Associated Press that his felony status made it difficult to obtain visas for international performances and missionary work.
In a video posted to social media, DeFord said he received a phone call from the governor informing him of the decision. He said the pardon represented a new beginning for his family and his career.
Lee also granted 32 other pardons in the same announcement. These actions are part of the governor’s constitutional authority to show mercy to individuals who have reformed their lives, according to the Nashville Scene.
DeFord’s history includes nearly 40 arrests for various offenses, most of which occurred before he turned 25. He has stated that music provided a path away from his former lifestyle.
In December 2022, DeFord told People magazine about his time in jail as a teenager. He said he was in and out of the facility for about three or three and a half years.
“I spent a lot of time there and eventually got charged as an adult for a crime I committed as a juvenile,” DeFord said.
He said the experience was the most impactful thing that ever happened in his life. DeFord stated that his darkest moments were being a “15-year-old scared kid spending Thanksgiving away from his family.”
The singer remains a resident of the Nashville area. He said the pardon allows him to participate in activities previously barred to him, though he has noted he still seeks to have his firearm rights reinstated through separate legislative work.
Public records show the governor has issued over 140 pardons since taking office in 2019. The process for clemency is rigorous and requires recommendations from state officials.
DeFord said he intends to continue his work with incarcerated youth. He credited his faith and his support system for the changes he made over the last two decades.
Presumption of Innocence: A presumption of innocence means that any defendant in a criminal trial is presumed to be innocent until they have been proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. The defendant in this case is only accused of the charges set forth in the criminal complaint. They are innocent until proven guilty.
Editor's Note: ThePo makes every effort to accurately transcribe the contents of affidavits of probable cause contained in criminal complaints. Often, the complaints themselves are copies of copies of faxed copies, and are difficult to read. To confirm the accuracy of our transcription, contact the Magisterial District Court listed above and request a copy of the criminal complaint. It's a public record to which you are entitled.
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