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Parole officers spotlighted; formerly incarcerated man describes recovery and reentry
Summary
The board heard a Parole Division spotlight introducing a new parole officer and a testimony from a formerly incarcerated man who credited prison programs, faith‑based support and parole officers with aiding his recovery and reentry.
The board heard a Parole Division spotlight that introduced a newly promoted parole officer and featured testimony from a formerly incarcerated man who described his participation in prison programs and life after release.
Rene Hinojosa, Parole Division director, introduced Parole Officer Sean Norlin and former inmate Matthew Kelly. “Sean started his career with the agency as a correction officer at the Ellis unit in December of 2016,” Hinojosa said, and he noted Norlin began working as a parole officer in December 2024 at the Bryan District parole office.
Parole Officer Sean Norlin told the board he graduated from the parole‑officer training academy in March and said he joined parole because “I saw that there were opportunities for them to better themselves, and I saw how critical it was going to be for parole when they got out.”
Matthew Kelly, who was released to parole in February 2016 and is expected to discharge in June 2026, described participation in faith‑based and therapeutic programs while incarcerated and his work after release. “On [the] holding cell in the floor of the county jail, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ,” Kelly told the board, describing a 15‑year sentence and a sequence of programs he completed including faith‑based dorms, therapeutic communities, recovery groups and vocational work. He said he has not had a violation in nine years and credited parole officers and community supports with helping him reintegrate.
Kelly described starting a lawn‑care and property‑management business, involvement in local recovery organizations, and serving as a deacon and worship leader in his church. He thanked parole staff and said, “I don't feel my time in prison was wasted. I believe it saved my life.”
Chairman Nichols and other board members thanked Kelly and highlighted the parole division’s role in community supervision and public safety.
Ending: The board used the spotlight segment to recognize a new parole officer and to hear a reentry success story that board members framed as illustrating the role of programs and parole supervision in rehabilitation.
