Louisiana Pardon Board denies most clemency requests, recommends commutation and one pardon restoration

The Pardon Board convened Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, to consider a slate of clemency and commutation applications submitted by incarcerated individuals across multiple Louisiana correctional facilities. Board members reviewed each applicant’s criminal history, institutional record and victim statements before casting votes on outcomes ranging from denials to recommendations for commutation and a restoration-of-firearms pardon.

Why it matters: The board’s decisions affect long-term sentences, parole eligibility and statutory restoration of rights for people convicted of violent and nonviolent offenses. Several cases drew detailed victim testimony and objections from district attorneys, while other applicants presented records of program completion, employment plans and family support.

Summary of outcomes and context

Votes at a glance (each entry lists the applicant, charge at filing, board motion or recommendation and the meeting outcome):

- Applicant: Richard [last name redacted] — manslaughter (Washington Parish). Motion discussed: some board members proposed commutation to 20 years with immediate parole eligibility; law-enforcement and victim opposition was strong. Outcome: denied (board recorded that the application did not receive the four favorable votes required). Evidence in transcript: applicant testimony and votes were recorded beginning in the meeting packet for the Rayburn Correctional Center case and concluding with a denial announced on the record.

- Applicant: Roberto Castro Valdez — manufacture/growth of marijuana (April 2008 first-offender case). Motion: a recommended pardon with limited conditions (some board members proposed a 17-year “cleansing” period). Outcome: denied — Castro received three favorable votes and thus fell short of the four votes required for a favorable recommendation.

- Applicant: Roy McLaughlin — first-degree murder and related charges. Motion/consideration:…