YORK, Neb. -- A group of Nebraska prison inmates were granted parole just days before Christmas.
Seven inmates at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women gained their freedom this week.
Parole Board members said even in the giving season, they don't give presents when it comes to weighing whether a prisoner should be released early.
"I don't think holidays come into play as far as my sitting on this parole board," said Bob Boozer.
It does mean a lot to those faced with spending another Christmas behind bars.
"This is the best Christmas gift I could ever receive -- being with my family again," said parolee Anna Carson.
"I got incarcerated just before the holidays last year and all I got were pictures," said former inmate Annett Gedwillo.
"I get to see my family," said parolee Victoria Appling. "I get to be home for the holidays and back to my kids."
For some who gained their freedom this week, treatment programs, like substance abuse, were not embraced at first.
"Nobody wants to face the truth about themselves," said Christina Gamet. "I know I didn't. I had to come to terms with a lot of things."
The Parole Board members don't specifically schedule the inmates who are likely to get parole around the holidays. They said it's just whenever their hearing date comes up.
Seven inmates at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women gained their freedom this week.
Parole Board members said even in the giving season, they don't give presents when it comes to weighing whether a prisoner should be released early.
"I don't think holidays come into play as far as my sitting on this parole board," said Bob Boozer.
It does mean a lot to those faced with spending another Christmas behind bars.
"This is the best Christmas gift I could ever receive -- being with my family again," said parolee Anna Carson.
"I got incarcerated just before the holidays last year and all I got were pictures," said former inmate Annett Gedwillo.
"I get to see my family," said parolee Victoria Appling. "I get to be home for the holidays and back to my kids."
For some who gained their freedom this week, treatment programs, like substance abuse, were not embraced at first.
"Nobody wants to face the truth about themselves," said Christina Gamet. "I know I didn't. I had to come to terms with a lot of things."
The Parole Board members don't specifically schedule the inmates who are likely to get parole around the holidays. They said it's just whenever their hearing date comes up.
