The North Carolina Post Release Supervision and Parole Commission has started investigating the parole possibility for an individual convicted of first-degree burglary in 1992. Roy Hardison, identified by prison number 0166499, is under consideration for the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP), described as a scholastic and vocational initiative aimed at easing eligible inmates back into society.
According to a recent press release by the N.C. Department of Adult Correction, MAPP is a collaborative effort among the Parole Commission, the Department of Adult Correction, and the individual offender. Martin County's Superior Court first heard the case back in '92, when the world and the justice system looked markedly different, sentencing Hardison to life for burglary under statute 91 CRS 003653. The Commission's decision-making process will involve considering extensive information, including input from those both supporting and opposing Hardison's parole, within the framework of the facts of his case.
The state of North Carolina revised its sentencing guidelines with the introduction of Structured Sentencing, eliminating the option of parole for crimes committed on or after October 1, 1994. This change, however, does not extend to those, such as Hardison, who were convicted under the old system. The opinions against the possibility of Hardison's parole, as well as other restricted information such as official crime versions and victim details, will remain confidential throughout the investigation process but are integral to the Commission's eventual verdict.
Details of Hardison’s case and the MAPP program investigation remain private because they are internal offender records. However, the Department stated that the process will be handled transparently and that a decision will be shared with all required parties within 10 days of the investigation’s conclusion. Those hungry for more context on the MAPP system are encouraged to visit the N.C. Department of Adult Correction's website, where additional information resides ready for public consumption. Questions directed at the inner gears of the parole process can be addressed by contacting the Commission directly at (919) 716-3010.
