Committee on Parole denies Jesse Shelton’s parole request after victim statements and executive session

The Committee on Parole declined to grant parole to Jesse Shelton at a July 10, 2025 hearing at Rayburn Correctional Center. After Shelton described extensive educational and vocational programming during 15 years in custody, the board heard victim impact testimony and family statements.

Shelton acknowledged the aggravated-sexual-offense conviction and apologized; he described participation in education, vocational training and victim-awareness programs. Three family members and a pastor spoke on his behalf, outlining support plans and counseling intentions. Victim impact testimony in the record described long-term trauma and urged the board to deny release.

The board recessed for an executive session to review procedural matters, then returned to vote. Two members voted to deny parole because of the gravity of the offense and victim opposition; one member also voted to deny. The chair announced the hearing concluded and denied Shelton’s request; the decision was recorded at 09:47 a.m.