DISTRICT ATTORNEY OFFERS A SECOND CHANCE TO 15 YOUNG ADULTS WHO GRADUATE FROM PRETRIAL DIVERSION PROGRAM

DA Boston Announces Milestone of 75 STRIDE Graduates

Decatur, Ga.- DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston is pleased to announce the graduation of 15 young adults from the sixth cohort of her office's STRIDE pretrial diversion program. Since the program's inception, 75 graduates have benefitted from the STRIDE program.

STRIDE, which stands for Stopping Trends of Repeat Incarceration with Diversion and Education, is a voluntary diversion program that holds young adults accountable for serious non-violent crimes they have committed, while also ensuring their civic and career opportunities remain intact.

DA Boston and her team introduced STRIDE in 2019. 6 participants graduated from the first cohort of the program in October 2020, 12 participants graduated as part of the second cohort in April 2022, 15 participants graduated from the third cohort in July 2023, 10 participants graduated from the fourth cohort in September 2024, and 17 participants graduated from the fifth cohort in December 2025.

"STRIDE holds young adults who make a mistake accountable, while allowing them to learn from it without permanently damaging their future opportunities," said DA Boston. "The program reduces incarceration and interrupts the cycle of recidivism. Rather than label these young people as criminals, we offered them a second chance. The 15 individuals graduating this year have all risen to the occasion."

STRIDE participants must be 17-24 years old, reside in DeKalb County, and meet one of three requirements: the charge is out of guidelines for normal pretrial diversion; they have had prior contact with the justice system, including juvenile justice, or more than one felony pending; or they are at high risk for re-offending/lack supportive structures to complete pretrial diversion independently.

Graduates successfully completed a 12-month program that encompassed several requirements including: cognitive behavioral counseling; monthly meetings; full-time work or school; community service; civic engagement; acts of restorative justice (restitution, letters of apology, etc.); and a book-based presentation.

Participants pledge to remain crime-free and not possess weapons during the program, and they are required to take part in a series of interventions and educational opportunities. In exchange for successfully completing the program, the District Attorney will dismiss charges.

"In the last six years, 75 young adults have graduated from the STRIDE program with new job opportunities, self-confidence, and a renewed sense of civic responsibility," said DA Boston. "I believe in them, and I look forward to their future success."

A ceremony for the 15 participants graduating from the sixth cohort of the STRIDE program took place on September 28, 2026, and featured a keynote address from Dr. LaDena Bolton, DeKalb County Super District 7 Commissioner.

"It is your responsibility to be the best version of yourself," Bolton said. "You have to start curating your own story for yourself. Your story will have chapters written in triumph. You'll have chapters written in mistakes… and we all have made them. You hold the pen. That's what I want you to remember. You're the author. You're the editor, which means you hold the power."

Amir Gilbert, a graduate of the sixth cohort, was chosen by program administrators to represent his fellow participants and offer words of encouragement at the graduation ceremony.

"STRIDE helps build your confidence, while also helping you mentally with anything you need," Gilbert said. "It wasn't easy, so I'm also proud of my fellow participants that made it through and helping me get through it as well. Thank you for everything STRIDE has done for me, and I hope the next batch of participants you can help change their lives as well."

During the STRIDE program Gilbert participated in WorkSource DeKalb's Work Experience (WEX) program and received hands-on experience with the DeKalb County Sanitation Department. Through the placement, he gained valuable experience in a professional work environment, as well as the opportunity to demonstrate his skills and abilities. Just six weeks into WEX, Gilbert was offered a job.

STRIDE partners include RED, Inc., WorkSource DeKalb, American Alternative Court Services and eCourt Date.

DA Boston's Diversion and Community Alternatives Programs Unit encompasses alternatives to prosecution and treatment programs offered by the District Attorney's Office and the Courts. The DCAP Unit creates and administers alternative solutions allowing our community to receive justice while still allowing non-violent defendants to maintain employability and positive community engagement. The Unit is led by Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Lisa Moultrie and is staffed by Program Coordinator & Case Manager Tina Padilla, Senior Assistant District Attorney Ashley Masset, Senior Assistant District Attorney Young Cho, and Victim Advocate Marc King.

Please note, due to privacy concerns, record restriction guidelines, and conditions associated with the STRIDE program, additional participant identification is being withheld.