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Parole revoked for Derek Smith after probable-cause finding despite victim non-cooperation
Summary
Derek Smiths parole was revoked following an arrest that led prosecutors to dismiss charges when the alleged victim would not cooperate; the board cited a September probable-cause finding and photographic evidence in reaching its decision.
The Committee on Parole revoked Derek Smiths parole at a Morehouse Parish hearing on Oct. 12, 2025, after reviewing an arrest for aggravated battery, alleged strangulation and related allegations. Although the district attorney dismissed the charges on March 31, 2025 because the victim would not cooperate, the board noted that a preliminary exam on Sept. 5 had found probable cause for at least one charge.
Agent Hopkins and corrections staff described photographic evidence and a recorded statement taken at the time of arrest; the board referenced bruising documented in photographs and the probable-cause finding when voting to revoke. "...they did have a preliminary exam in court and did find probable cause to proceed to trial on the domestic charge," an agent said. Board members ultimately voted to revoke Smiths parole.
Why it matters: The case highlights how a prosecutors dismissal for lack of victim cooperation does not automatically prevent parole authorities from finding a violation when independent evidence (photographs, recorded statements, probable-cause findings) is in the record.
Key details: The hearing noted arrears of $1,050 at the time of the hearing and prior GPS and curfew enforcement actions. Parole supervision recounted prior technical violations and an instance the parolee spent seven days in custody for failure to charge his GPS. The board discussed the victims recorded statement and photos showing neck bruising as evidence supporting probable cause.
Discussion versus action: Staff and an agent summarized the investigative material and supervised-history context (discussion). Following executive-session deliberations, the panel returned and voted to revoke parole (decision).
Ending: The board revoked Smiths parole and closed the hearing at Morehouse Parish; the transcript does not provide post-revocation custody placement or release dates on the record.
