79-Year-Old Oklahoma Man Begins 50-Year Sentence for 1980s Armed Robbery

Jerry Pelley extradited to Louisiana to serve remaining time for string of robberies committed decades ago

Apr. 4, 2026 at 2:39pm

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A 79-year-old Oklahoma man, Jerry Pelley, has been extradited to Louisiana to begin serving a 50-year sentence for an armed robbery he committed over 40 years ago. Pelley, who also goes by the name Hubert Enholan, was convicted in 1982 for a series of armed robberies across multiple states, but has recently had his Oklahoma sentence commuted after serving 37 years. However, Louisiana is now requiring him to serve out the remainder of a 50-year sentence for a pharmacy robbery in the early 1980s.

Why it matters

This case highlights the complexities of sentencing and parole, especially for elderly offenders who committed crimes decades ago. While Pelley's family and supporters argue his advanced age and declining health should be taken into account, Louisiana is upholding the original lengthy sentence, raising questions about criminal justice reform and compassionate release policies.

The details

In 1982, Pelley was convicted in Oklahoma for a string of armed robberies he committed in Oklahoma, Louisiana, and Iowa, along with various drug charges. He was sentenced to a combined 175 years, with 80 of those years to be served in Oklahoma. Over the years, some of his sentences were shortened or ordered to run concurrently. In February 2025, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board granted Pelley commutation of his 80-year Oklahoma sentence, which he had served 37 years of. However, Louisiana is now requiring him to serve the remaining 50 years of a separate sentence for an armed robbery of a Lake Charles pharmacy in the early 1980s.

  • In 1982, Pelley was convicted and sentenced in Oklahoma.
  • In February 2025, the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board granted Pelley commutation of his 80-year Oklahoma sentence.
  • On March 18, 2026, Pelley was transported by U.S. Marshals to the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, Louisiana to begin serving his 50-year sentence.

The players

Jerry Pelley

A 79-year-old Oklahoma man who also goes by the name Hubert Enholan, and was convicted in 1982 for a string of armed robberies across multiple states.

Kendra Kragel

An Oklahoma-based inmate advocate who has been assisting Pelley and argues his advanced age and declining health should be taken into account.

Madison Boone

An Oklahoma-based attorney with Project Commutation, who explains that commutation is rare in Oklahoma but the current parole board has been willing to consider it for individuals who have served 30-plus years on sentences where nobody died or was injured.

Louisiana Department of Corrections

The state agency that is now requiring Pelley to serve out the remainder of a 50-year sentence for an armed robbery he committed in the early 1980s.

Oklahoma Department of Corrections

The state agency that previously held Pelley on an 80-year sentence, which was recently commuted after he served 37 years.

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What they’re saying

“This is shocking to everyone who knows his case. Jerry is now in the last chapter of his life. He is elderly, in poor health, and no longer any danger to society.”

— Kendra Kragel, Oklahoma-based inmate advocate

“No one was ever hurt in any of his armed robberies. Yes, Jerry had a gun, but he never shot anyone, never harmed anyone, and in many of the robberies he was in and out in less than 45 seconds. He was a man with a serious drug problem, not a killer.”

— Kendra Kragel, Oklahoma-based inmate advocate

“Jerry had a court-appointed attorney who had never handled a criminal case before and clearly did not know what he was doing. He did not have effective counsel.”

— Kendra Kragel, Oklahoma-based inmate advocate

“Commutation is a rare occurrence in Oklahoma. However, the current pardon and parole board has been willing to consider in recent years commutation of sentences for individuals who have served 30-plus years on sentences where nobody died or was injured, which is Mr. Pelley's case.”

— Madison Boone, Oklahoma-based attorney with Project Commutation

What’s next

Pelley's family is now seeking new legal representation to file appeals regarding his 50-year sentence in Louisiana.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of balancing public safety, criminal justice reform, and compassion for elderly offenders who committed crimes decades ago. It raises questions about sentencing disparities, the role of effective legal counsel, and whether advanced age and declining health should be considered in determining appropriate punishments.