Cecil Stratton, DOC number 486511, appeared before the Louisiana Committee on Parole on July 9, 2025, at Louisiana State Penitentiary facing alleged parole violations including absconding and an arrest on an aggravated second-degree battery charge. After hearing testimony from Stratton and his retained attorney, the panel voted not to revoke his parole and instructed him to report immediately to his parole officer.

The hearing focused on three alleged rule violations. Stratton pleaded guilty with a statement to an absconding allegation tied to a warrant issued in August 2024, saying he had called and reported during hurricane evacuations and had been directed to check in later by staff. He pleaded not guilty to an allegation arising from an arrest on aggravated second-degree battery, saying he was at work and that the district attorney later reduced the matter to a misdemeanor that was ultimately dismissed after the complainant failed to appear for court.

At the hearing Stratton told the panel, “I called in and talked to the chief of police, Mr. David Lindenberg, and he said I talked to your parole officer. He said don't worry about it ... make sure you come in and see him in October.” His attorney added that the complainant had signed an affidavit saying she did not remember the incident because she was allegedly overdosed on Xanax on the date she spoke to police and that the district attorney later filed misdemeanor charges that were dismissed when the complainant failed to appear.

Panel discussion noted the absence of the complainant to testify and the dismissal of the criminal case. The panel described the preponderance of the evidence as insufficient for revocation on the aggravated-battery allegation and characterized the absconding matter as a brief lapse, with the panel saying Stratton had learned from the episode. The panel also acknowledged Stratton’s reported payment of past-due probation fees while incarcerated.

The panel's decision was recorded as not to revoke Stratton's parole, with the panel directing him to immediately report to his parole officer as a condition of continued supervision. No further sanctions were imposed at the hearing; the parole file will reflect the panel's finding and required reporting.

The decision followed standard parole procedure: the panel read alleged rule violations, accepted pleas, heard witness and attorney statements, and took a vote. The panel did not record a formal criminal conviction on the alleged aggravated battery; members relied on court records and counsel's representations in reaching their finding.

Stratton remains on parole under the conditions set by the panel; further noncompliance could trigger a new revocation proceeding.