A Georgia man who was released from prison five years ago has become a millionaire after building a business and investing his earnings, according to financial documents reviewed by local media.
Aaron Delaney, 36, served seven years in state prison for a non-violent financial crime. He was released in 2020 and says he was determined to rebuild his life and support his family.
Delaney and his partner, Marcus Bryant, had just adopted a newborn daughter days before his incarceration. Bryant cared for the infant alone during Delaney’s sentence, while Delaney remained involved through phone calls, letters, and limited visitation.
“Knowing I had a newborn daughter and a family waiting for me pushed me to stay focused,” Delaney said in an interview. “I made up my mind that prison would not be the end of my story.”
While incarcerated, Delaney completed vocational training and business courses and studied investing and entrepreneurship. After his release, he started a service-based company focused on creating employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals. He also invested profits in index funds and real estate.
Within five years, Delaney’s net worth exceeded $1 million, a milestone he reached this month after closing a housing renovation investment deal. He currently employs more than two dozen people, many of whom are returning citizens.
Delaney credits re-entry programs, community support, and his family for his success. “A lot of people don’t get a real second chance,” he said. “I did. And I’m trying to create that opportunity for others.”
Bryant says the financial achievement is meaningful, but the family’s focus remains on stability and raising their daughter. “We’re proud of what he’s accomplished,” Bryant said. “He came home, kept his promise to build a future, and now we get to raise our daughter together.”
Delaney says he hopes his story encourages other formerly incarcerated individuals and influences public perception.
“People coming home from prison shouldn’t be written off,” he said. “With support and opportunity, we can contribute, we can succeed, and we can rebuild our lives.”
State officials say re-entry programs remain essential in reducing recidivism and strengthening communities, pointing to Delaney’s story as an example of successful rehabilitation.
Delaney plans to continue expanding his business and investment activities while staying focused on parenting his infant daughter.
“This is only the beginning for us,” he said.