Parole denied for Augustus Medrano Jr.; board cites lengthy drug trafficking history despite family and employer support

The Louisiana Committee on Parole denied parole Sept. 11 for Augustus Medrano Jr., DOC 617466, who is serving a lengthy sentence for conviction related to possession with intent to distribute marijuana and related federal and state drug convictions. The hearing included family members, an employer representative and facility staff by Zoom.

Medrano acknowledged he violated parole after a federal conviction and described health issues, including past colon cancer and bypass surgery, which his family said have contributed to financial strain; family members and employer Kevin McHale told the board they would provide housing and work if he were released. His son said the family is prepared to support housing and employment; employer Kevin McHale told the board Medrano “was probably the most reliable and honest employee we’ve ever had” and said the company would welcome him back.

Board members reviewed Medrano’s long criminal history, including a 1980s federal sentence and subsequent trafficking convictions across states and years. The board noted that Medrano had repeated opportunities for lawful employment and release yet engaged in trafficking again. Parole members also noted opposition from the district attorney and the local sheriff and recorded concerns about the breadth of his prior drug‑distribution activity.

After deliberation, the board denied parole based on the long pattern of serious drug trafficking offenses, the record of interstate trafficking and the opposition letters. Board members recorded the denial and urged Medrano to pursue available medical care and programming while incarcerated.