Parole panel conditions James Martin's release on long‑term substance‑abuse program and electronic monitoring

The Committee on Parole voted Sept. 9, 2025, to grant parole to James Martin contingent on his successful completion of a long‑term intensive substance‑abuse program run by the Department of Corrections and on additional post‑release supervision conditions, including electronic monitoring and a 9 p.m.–6 a.m. curfew for six months.

Martin, serving a 15‑year sentence for burglary and drug distribution offenses and identified as a habitual offender, told the panel he had struggled with substance abuse since his teens and that his father was ill. He detailed participation in AANA and faith‑based programs and said he was near completion of prerelease coursework; he also noted family support and a job prospect from his father.

The nut graf: board members acknowledged Martin’s rehabilitative work and family supports but required completion of an intensive DOC substance‑abuse program before approving parole and added monitoring conditions to mitigate relapse risk.

Facility staff reported no disciplinary issues at Dixon CI and said Martin had been made a trustee; family members including James Martin Sr. and friend Sherrill Williams testified in support and offered housing and employment. Board chair Cheryl Renock said she would grant parole "after completing a long term DOC substance intensive substance abuse program." Panel member Pete Freeman concurred and added a recommended 9 p.m.–6 a.m. curfew with electronic monitoring for the first six months post‑release.

Outcome: parole approval contingent upon program completion and compliance with the listed special conditions. The board recorded unanimous support for conditional release.

Next steps: Martin will be placed into the DOC long‑term substance‑abuse program; parole supervision will confirm program completion and activate electronic monitoring and curfew at release.