The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole convened on November 20, 2024, to discuss revocation and parole hearings, focusing on the case of an inmate seeking parole after completing various rehabilitation programs. The meeting highlighted the inmate's participation in classes such as "Cajun Rage," "Living in Balance," and "Victim Awareness," which he credited with helping him improve himself during his time at the Winfield Correctional Center.

During the hearing, board members inquired about the inmate's past conduct, including a significant loss of good time due to a theft charge. The inmate explained that he had lost 195 days of good time due to this incident, but he denied any involvement in a battery while incarcerated. The board members noted a previous guilty plea to a battery charge, which raised questions about his awareness of his actions.

The discussion also touched on the inmate's experiences with violence, specifically a stabbing incident that he described as an act of self-defense after a dispute over stolen money. This incident was a point of concern for the board, as it reflected on the inmate's past behavior.

Board member inquiries revealed that the inmate had not participated in any programs since 2022 due to the shutdown of classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite expressing a desire to continue his education, the inmate was informed that no new classes were currently available at the facility.

Ultimately, the board members expressed their concerns regarding the inmate's past crimes and the opposition from law enforcement, including the district attorney and local police. While acknowledging the inmate's efforts to rehabilitate, they indicated that they would have to vote to deny his parole request due to the severity of his previous offenses and the lack of available programs to further his rehabilitation.

The meeting concluded with a recommendation for the inmate to continue seeking educational opportunities and to return for another hearing in the future, emphasizing the importance of ongoing personal development and preparation for potential reintegration into society.