In a recent move by the North Carolina Post-Release Supervision and Parole Commission, Bobby Malone, an inmate convicted of a first-degree sexual offense in 1989, has been approved for parole. According to the N.C. Department of Adult Correction's announcement, Malone's release, which became effective January 15, 2026, is under the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP). This decision comes as Malone has served more than three decades behind bars, raising questions and eliciting responses from various community segments.
The case number, 89 CRS 026905, specifies that the offense took place in Mecklenburg County, with Malone's conviction dating back to August 18, 1989. The release is part of a structured agreement, involving educational and vocational programs designed to integrate the offender back into society after a life sentence. The state's shift to Structured Sentencing in 1994 may have changed how inmates are sentenced, but as reported, it does not impact those incarcerated under prior laws.
MAPP, the program that facilitated Malone's release, emphasizes rehabilitation through a series of educational and vocational initiatives. The three-way agreement between the offender, the Commission, and the State Prison System aims to reduce recidivism by preparing inmates for a constructive reentry into the community. This approach is deemed to benefit not only the former inmate but society at large, promoting a safer and more wholesome reintegration process.
The Commission's notification is in compliance with North Carolina G.S. 15A-1371(3), which mandates community notification in such proceedings. The parole commission is reachable for queries at (919) 716-3010, providing a direct line for those seeking further clarity on the matter.
