Flint, MI

Last Saturday, 27th July, turned out to be a momentous day for Jelly Roll, also known as Jason DeFord, as he unexpectedly found himself being sworn in as a Deputy Sheriff while visiting the Genesee County Jail in Flint, Michigan. The need a Favor singer, who has long served as a symbol of redemption and second chances, was originally in town for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of a new on-site music facility.

A Surprise Swearing In

The event, peppered with moments of humor and camaraderie, witnessed a pleasant surprise for Jelly Roll. Sheriff Christopher Swanson, clad in his official uniform, took to the podium and announced, “It is my honour to extend a Deputy Status, and he’s going to be sworn in today as a Deputy Sheriff for the county of Genesee, right here, in Flint, Michigan, with his own badge.”

As everyone hustled to get their cameras ready, Jelly Roll stood by the sheriff, raised his right hand and was officially sworn in. Adding to the surreal moment, he was handed a badge, a real one, for his duties.

A Second Chance Embodied

Jelly Roll’s incredible journey from troubled teenager, arrested multiple times for charges including possession of marijuana and attempted robbery, to deputy sheriff speaks volumes about the power of second chances. His sworn-in ceremony ended with a heart-touching note by Sheriff Swanson, who concluded with a line that could not have been more apt, “Now, that’s second chances.”

Additionally, Jelly Roll’s new role could help the police force in Genesee County to approach crimes committed by troubled young people with empathy and offer solutions that result in redirection, rather than punishment. A philosophy Jelly Roll himself upholds, not just in theory, but also in practice.

Giving Second Chances

When offstage or away from his deputy duties, Jelly Roll runs a food truck named “Rolling with Jelly”, which exclusively hires workers with a criminal record. He firmly believes in extending second chances, stating in an interview last year, “Every other place in the world is like, ‘If you got a felony, you can’t work here.’ We’re only hiring felons. They run the food truck and it comes out on tour with us some nights.”

In Other News

Jelly Roll continues to make waves on the music front as well. Recently, he collaborated with mgk on the song “Lonely Road”, which beautifully interpolates the John Denver classic “Take Me Home, Country Roads”.