The Louisiana Committee on Parole voted on July 9, 2025, not to revoke Michael Martin’s parole following a revocation hearing at Bayou Dorsett Correctional Center, and instead directed a six-month placement in a transitional work program.

Martin, DOC number 486696, was charged with rule violations stemming from an April 7, 2024 second-degree battery arrest in Webster Parish that was later the subject of a bench trial finding of simple battery. Martin pleaded not guilty at the parole hearing and said he was not at the location when the incident occurred. A supporter, Gina Silva, told the panel new evidence and a recorded statement suggested Martin was working at the time and not present for the incident.

Facility staff said Martin had been at Bayou Dorsett for about 12 months, had worked on crews, and generally conducted himself well. The panel reviewed court dispositions showing Martin had been found guilty of simple battery at a bench trial but heard argument that the record did not reflect the full context. One panel member noted Martin had served approximately 12 months in custody for the charge.

After discussion, the panel voted not to revoke parole. Instead, members recommended a six-month placement in a transitional work program as an alternative to revocation; one member said being in custody for 12 months exceeded the typical sanction for a simple-battery charge and supported the alternate disposition. The panel also noted a pending minor facility write-up that had not been resolved and directed facility staff to manage that issue consistent with the transitional placement.

The decision will be recorded in Martin’s parole file and the transitional work placement will be administered by the facility and parole supervision staff.