Aaron is 21 years old (20 at the time of the offense) and currently serving a two-year prison sentence in TDCJ for a non-violent crime. He has no prior criminal record, and never has used alcohol/drugs.

Medication Impact:

• Aaron is diagnosed with ADHD, Major Depressive Disorder and Anxiety. In November 2023, he started a standard dose of ADHD medication and over the span of 7 months, his dosage increased until he was weaned off in June 2024. After he began medication, everything went down hill. His crime was committed during the months he was on this medication. It was noted by his current therapist, that medication was likely the reason Aaron went into stimulant induced psychosis for months. When someone is in this state, their perception of the world becomes altered. During this time frame, he failed all his college courses, got into 2 car accidents, and was hospitalized twice for severe dehydration. 

About Aaron's Charges:

• He was initially "charged" with 4 charges (charged doesn't mean guilty, it is just what is presented at the time). But, after the state investigated, he was only convicted on 1 indicted charge at sentencing. Additionally, this charge was even taken apart. Only 1/2 of the indicted charge was able to stick for conviction. It is important to note as well that Aaron did NOT take a plea deal to reduce charges. He actually plead open to the Judge and allowed her to choose his punishment instead of opting for a plea deal. Often, people choose to take a plea deal because it is typically used to reduce or get rid of charges. But, that is not what he chose to do. He took accountability for what he did do and did everything he could to own up to in court.
• The remaining 3 charges he was initially presented with, were unable to stick because there wasn't enough to prove they could.

Context: (Under Article 37.07 of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, judges are allowed to consider other “relevant facts” at sentencing, including dismissed or unadjudicated offenses, so long as they are not used as a basis for conviction or punishment beyond the statutory limits. This process is known as “Taking Into Consideration” (TIC). Importantly, a TIC is not an admission of guilt, not a conviction, and not eligible for enhancement (i.e., it cannot be used to raise the level of a future offense or sentence).They may inform the judge’s understanding at sentencing but carry no legal weight beyond that scope.)

About Aaron:

• Before his sentencing, Aaron had a strong support system consisting of his mother and his partner, they hold him accountable. Aaron was attending weekly in person therapy, pursuing his education with all A’s, volunteering at the Food Bank and attending karate classes 5x a week, all while maintaining steady employment.
• Aaron currently has a reentry plan to enter into society in a positive and productive way, and the people in his life are committed to ensuring he stays on the right path. He will go back to his therapy sessions, re-enroll in school, reapply at his former place of employment and restart with volunteering and practicing martial arts. His therapist is awaiting his return and has saved a spot for him. 
• Additionally, while Aaron remained on bond for 10 months, in that time, he did not have any infractions. He made every weekly check in, and abided by the terms and conditions. Parole would allow Aaron to continue the progress he was making prior to incarceration, while still holding him accountable through supervision and expectations, all while contributing positively to society. 

Incarceration is not the only path to justice, especially for someone who has shown they’re capable of meaningful change. Aaron has a support system ready to guide him and a plan to move forward in the right direction. His story is not one of repeated mistakes, but of a young man who made a bad choice, and is doing everything in his power to make it right. We ask the Parole Board to consider how Aaron has already shown that he is not a risk to society, and this was a one-time mistake, not a pattern. Incarceration, delays his opportunity to give back, grow, and truly prove the kind of man he was and can continue to become.

Aaron is not disposable. His life matters. He just needs the chance to continue moving forward. Aaron has completed 61 re-entry, coping skills, medical, accountability, change, and many more courses just while incarcerated this short time. He works a job in the maintenance department doing data entry, and is currently enrolled in the CHANGES program. By signing this petition, you are joining us in asking the Texas Parole Board to give Aaron the opportunity and prove he will make a difference in this world, and offer him a second chance through parole. (Photo of Aaron as a toddler)