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Here's how convicted murderers can get out of jail on parole

A life sentence doesn't always last until an inmate dies.

CROSSVILLE, Tenn. — People go to jail to be punished, but also reformed, with the hopes that they will not commit any more crimes when released.

That doesn't appear to be the case with 57-year-old George Hardin of Crossville, who is on the run and now faces more jail time for violating his parole when he became accused with kidnapping a woman at gunpoint on Sunday.

Hardin was sent to jail on a rape charge in 1982.

While in jail, he killed another inmate, which landed him a first degree murder charge and a life sentence with the possibility of parole.

"In the opinion of the parole board, when a person has reached a certain plateau that they can be safely released back out into society, that's when we have someone that is determined to be paroled," said attorney T. Scott Jones.

Hardin was granted parole after six attempts for his freedom.

He's now accused of kidnapping a woman in Crossville and is facing charges of aggravated assault, aggravated kidnapping, armed dangerous felon, reckless endangerment, and felony possession of a firearm.

RELATED: Manhunt underway for convicted murderer now wanted for kidnapping and assault

This has many people asking why he was ever released from prison.

"Eventually they are released after violent crimes when they've served a percentage of their sentence, and/or a lot of times they quote, unquote 'flatten their sentence' when they've served the maximum percentages calculated by law," said Jones.

The state parole board granted Hardin his parole after all but one of his sentences were expired, and he was over average time served for his last active offense.

"Here the parole board evidently exercised the best judgement that they had," said Jones. "Obviously they were wrong, but you know we're not always right."

The parole board voted to grant release on parole with a number of conditions with which Hardin was required to comply.

With new warrants, Jones said Hardin is likely to end up behind bars again.

"For all intents and purposes, at age 57, if this gentleman's convicted, he'll die in prison," said Jones.

Hardin is still on the run and considered armed and dangerous.

He's 5'10" and about 200 pounds. He has white hair, blue eyes, and multiple tattoos on both arms.

If you see Hardin, do not approach him and call 911 immediately.

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