The State Parole Board denied parole for Rachel Smith, DLC 603478, after reviewing her case at the Ouachita Parish female facility. Deputy Marchand told the board Smith had been in the women's work-release program for almost a year and had no write-ups; staff described her as a strong worker.

Smith told the panel she had been in a bad place, homeless and using drugs; she expressed remorse and said she kept in contact with her children while incarcerated. The panel asked whether Smith had taken classes; she said she was on waiting lists for programming because of her out date and status.

Board members noted the case involved repeated offenses involving a juvenile and concluded the seriousness of the record required denial. The panel voted unanimously to deny parole. The board recorded the denial on the administrative record: Smith will remain in custody and may seek future review after addressing outstanding program requirements and other considerations.