Javier Rebon (also recorded as Javier Bautista), 39, was denied parole by the Louisiana Committee on Parole on July 24 after the district attorney's office and the victim urged the board to oppose early release.

The committee's hearing in Baton Rouge included in-person and Zoom testimony from supporters and a written letter from the district attorney. Board member Carolyn Stapleton said she would "vote to deny your parole based upon the information that I've received from law enforcement DA," citing "extreme law enforcement opposition." Chuck Tillis registered a single "grant" vote, but the board requires unanimity; Chair Steve Prater joined Stapleton in denying parole, and Rebon's request failed.

The committee's decision followed statements by Rebon and by a DA letter read into the record. In his appearance Rebon said he pleaded guilty to "indecent behavior with a juvenile," described pressure from his attorneys and the judge at his plea hearing, and denied some allegations. He told the board he has served more than two and a half years, had "no write ups, no fights, no drugs," and said he has employment and housing offers and family support if released. Rebon also told the board he would accept deportation if required and that he would not return to the United States in that case.

Supporters joined by Zoom and in person. Jonathan Perot, who described himself as a longtime acquaintance and roofing colleague, said he assembled about 30 letters of support and job offers. Rebon's stepdaughter, Adelina Viatoro, and his wife, Solu Ramon, said the family has housing in Houston and that they would relocate if necessary. Lieutenant Cathy Townsend, the Catahoula Correctional Center staff member present on-site, told the board Rebon had been "fine here" with no institutional issues and that she had been told by DOC staff that inmates at that facility could not be placed in programs at that time.

A written statement from the district attorney's office, read aloud by a board member, said the DA was "strongly opposed to the early release" of Rebon. The DA's summary said the facts showed Rebon kissed and fondled the 11-year-old daughter of a friend and referenced an allegation of rape when the child was 8. The DA indicated Rebon was a first-time felony offender who pled guilty and received a seven-year hard-labor sentence; the DA's letter said Rebon had limited programming, had not completed DOC offender programs, and had a static-99 score indicating "moderate" risk. The DA also noted an outstanding immigration detainer and requested that parole be denied.

Board action and next steps: The committee voted with two members opposing and one member in favor; the parole request failed for lack of unanimity. The chair told Rebon the board does not retry criminal cases and that defendants raise legal challenges in district and appellate courts. The board encouraged staff to "try to get you somewhere that possibly some courses are offered" so Rebon could start taking programming.

Clarifying details: The board recorded that Rebon was serving a seven-year sentence after pleading to indecent behavior with a juvenile as part of a plea; the DA's office described a longer underlying allegation. The DA's letter and the board's record also reference an immigration detainer; the transcript shows the DA asked for a no-contact restriction if release occurred and noted the victim opposed contact.

Outcome: Denied (vote: Carolyn Stapleton  no; Chuck Tillis  yes; Steve Prater  no).