Swainsboro - The State Board of Pardons and Paroles delivered parole certificates to two inmates at the Emanuel Women’s Facility in Swainsboro on Friday, September 29, 2017. Inmates Holly Bryant and Wendy Harper were presented parole certificates from Board Member Terry Barnard following their GED graduation ceremony.

Barnard encouraged the other inmates at the ceremony to keep striving toward reentry.

“Today, more than ever, as a result of criminal justice reform, the opportunities exist for inmates to improve their education and other skills in order to make the transition to the community a successful one,” stated Barnard.

Executive Director of Parole Chris Barnett attended the graduation ceremony with Barnard.

“The Board wants the state’s inmates to exhibit true change while they’re incarcerated. Putting forth effort and completing programming is evidence of what is necessary,” stated Barnett.

Bryant and Harper were among 18 inmates completing their GED requirements at Emmanuel.

Both inmates are scheduled to be released October 4, 2017. Bryant was convicted of forgery in Franklin County. Harper was convicted of theft and drug possession in Coffee County.

The Parole Board consists of five Board Members who are full time state employees. They are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the State Senate. They serve seven year staggered terms. The members determine which parole eligible inmates are granted parole and they make decisions on pardons as well as clemency requests for death row inmates. In Georgia, eligible inmates are automatically considered for parole. If released on parole, offenders who violate their release conditions may be returned to prison by the Parole Board.

For more information about the Georgia Parole Board, please contact the Office of Communications at 404-657-9450 or [email protected]; also visit www.pap.georgia.gov.

For more information about the Georgia Department of Corrections, visit www.gdc.georgia.gov.

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