Parole granted to Tonka Haynes with Louisiana Parole Project supervision

The Louisiana Board of Parole voted to grant parole to Tonka Haynes after a Sept. 18 interview at Allen Correctional Center. The panel noted Haynes's program participation, stable conduct at Allen, and an agreed reentry plan with the Louisiana Parole Project.

Haynes, who described himself as remorseful and said he had completed several in‑custody programs, told the panel, "I utilized programs to help better myself and further my growth and rehabilitation." Assistant Warden Crystal Simon reported minimal conduct issues at Allen and said Haynes has taken "many programs. His conduct is very minimal and hasn't had any trouble here at Allen."

Nut graf: Panel members cited Haynes's coursework, lack of recent infractions at his current facility and a concrete reentry plan as the basis for a grant. The panel voted to release him to the Louisiana Parole Project with conditions requiring Phase 1 participation and ongoing case management.

The parole project representative described a structured transition: five weeks of Phase 1 classes with a case manager assigned and a minimum of one year of case management follow-up, including monthly contact, preferably twice per month. Board member J. LeDoux said the caseworker should “touch base with you at least once a month, preferably twice a month.”

The panel recorded opposition from local law enforcement: the assistant district attorney, Rene Marr (Jefferson Parish), stated the DA's office was opposed, citing Haynes's earlier disciplinary record and prior denial in 2022. "Because of that, we are opposed to his release," Marr told the panel. The board nevertheless voted 3-0 to grant parole, with the chair noting the conditions and the Parole Project's role in supervision.

Ending: Haynes's parole was granted with placement in the Louisiana Parole Project and supervisory conditions; the panel recorded law‑enforcement opposition and specified caseworker contact requirements.