Jim Castaneda, DOC number 751598, appeared before the Louisiana Committee on Parole on July 24 and was denied parole after board members said he had not served enough of his sentence and had offenses that warranted continued confinement.

Castaneda, who told the board he had served about seven years and four months and described himself as a trustee and a cook in facilities where he had been incarcerated, said he had completed the LA Risk substance-abuse-related programs and had apologized to victims through CPS. He said he had been a trustee and had "no write ups, no disciplinary actions." His mother, Theodora Juarez, told the board she believed he had learned his lesson and expressed support.

Board members outspokenly emphasized the gravity of the underlying charges. Board member Carolyn Stapleton described the crimes as "horrible" and said the children involved remained in foster care; she and other members said nine years (the sentence length noted in the hearing) was the minimum that should be served given the effect on victims. The board took into account opposition from the judge and the district attorney. The three-member panel voted to deny parole unanimously.

The committee noted Castaneda had completed some classes but that victim remorse and more programming were factors in its decision. The chair encouraged him to continue participating in treatment and programming. Castaneda was told the denial was effective July 24; the board recorded opposition from the DA, the judge and sheriff and recommended continued programming placement when available.

Speakers included the inmate, a facility staff member who reported he had been a good worker, and his mother. Action: parole denied (unanimous).