CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A man serving a life sentence for crimes committed over 46 years ago was granted parole and released from prison this month.
Curtis Hough, 72, was granted parole this month for first-degree burglary and second-degree rape charges he was convicted for in 1978, the North Carolina Post Release Supervision & Parole Commission announced on Monday.
Hough was found guilty of breaking into a home in Monroe and raping a woman in September 1977, according to court records. After his conviction, Hough was given a life sentence for the burglary and a 60-year sentence for the rape charge.
Hough appealed his case to the NC Supreme Court, arguing he was unfairly represented by the jury and that the trial judge held bias against him. However, the Supreme Court denied his claims.
Protests were held in Monroe after Hough's conviction, according to newspaper reports at the time. Hough was given an expected release date of 2058, according to NC inmate records.
Hough was granted parole through the Mutual Agreement Parole Program (MAPP), which provides scholastic and vocational opportunities for inmates to prepare for life outside of prison. Parole remains only possible for people convicted of crimes before October 1994.
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