In 2008, Michael Nelson was arrested for stealing an empty brown paper lunch bag out of a parked car. For this, he was convicted of felony burglary. Because he had prior offenses, prosecutors sought and secured a life sentence against him. While permissible under the laws at the time of his arrest, because Mr. Nelson had never committed a violent crime he could not receive a life sentence if he were arrested today.
While in prison, Michael got his GED and Bachelor’s in Christian Ministry. He served as the Re-entry Mentor for inmates taking welding classes. Michael channeled his passion for horticulture and landscaping into passing the Louisiana State arborist, pesticide, horticulture, and landscaping examinations. He focused very seriously on his sobriety. He did not receive any write ups for rule violations in 15 years in prison.
In 2021, the Louisiana Legislature passed a law recognizing that people serving life sentences for non-violent crimes should have the opportunity to prove their readiness for freedom. People who had served 15 years were eligible for a parole hearing. Mr. Nelson went before the parole board as his 15 year-mark approached, and spoke candidly about his path to prison, reflecting on all of the work he had done to ensure that he could stay free if given another chance.
He was unanimously granted parole, and released November 1, 2023.
