Parole Board introduces the video: “Carey Parrott, A Parole Success and a Recipe for Returning Offenders” 

ATLANTA - A former offender who received a pardon earlier this year appeared before the State Board of Pardons and Paroles today speaking to the Board Members about his past and his success following prison.

At the State Board of Pardons and Paroles’ monthly meeting, the video, “Carey Parrott, A Parole Success and a Recipe for Returning Offenders” was introduced.  The video gives insight on how Parrott, a former offender, successfully transitioned from offender to a contributing member of his Athens community; now assisting others recovering from addiction.

Parrott appeared before the board and spoke about his past and his journey. Parrott told the board he’s grateful for the opportunity to share his experiences with others through the video in order to make a difference.

“If what I have to share is going to help one person, one parolee turn their life around, then by all means use it,” stated Parrott.

The Board’s video includes Parrott’s assessment of where he came from and what it took for him to change his life, leaving his past behind. The video is now on the Board’s home page website at www.pap.georgia.gov.

Parrott says offenders leaving prison should, “trust in their parole officer, share information and be compliant with their release plan.” By doing so, Parrott says it will be a great recipe for success.

Parole Board Chairman James Mills says Parrott’s story is definitely a recipe for success that offenders leaving the prison system should review and take to heart.

“This individual is a productive citizen again. He’s been restored through parole and now a pardon. He’s done this by following his officer’s instructions and having the willingness to change. It clearly shows that anyone coming out of prison can be successful,” stated Mills.

During the presentation of the video and Parrott’s comments to the Board, Chairman Mills presented Parrott with a framed copy of his recent pardon.

Parrott’s criminal history of misdemeanor arrests and felony convictions spans twenty years and includes burglary and multiple drug related crimes.

Today, Parrott is the founder and CEO of Parrott Counseling Services, LLC, which provides counseling for individuals suffering from addiction as well as providing clinical supervision and counseling training in the Athens community. Among his many achievements, Parrott graduated college with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and master's in social work. Parrott is a licensed clinical social worker, and a master addictions counselor.  He also works for the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs as a case manager assisting homeless veterans.

A pardon granted by the State Board of Pardons and Paroles does not expunge or erase a person’s criminal history or record, however the pardon is attached to the person’s criminal history. A pardon is an official act of forgiveness granted by the state and may benefit the person when seeking employment opportunities.

To learn more about the pardon process or the Parole Board visit www.pap.georgia.gov.

For more information contact the Office of Communications at 404-657-9450.

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