Bartee approved for conditional parole

The state’s parole board gave James Bartee conditional parole—about six months ahead of his projected release date.  A spokesman for the Probation, Parole and Pardon Board says the conditions for Bartee’s release are that he have a place to live and a place of work.  There’s a further requirement for him to stay away and have no contact with the victim of the crime for which Bartee was found guilty.  For the conditional release, the prisoner needed approval today from four of the seven parole board members.  Spokesman Pete O’Boyle says Bartee, a one-time candidate for Oconee Sheriff three years ago, doesn’t get out of prison immediately.  “It generally takes a couple of weeks,” he said.