Committee on Parole denies Johnny Meredith’s parole; board cites proximity to release and law‑enforcement concerns

The Louisiana Committee on Parole denied parole for Johnny Meredith during a hearing at Rayburn Correctional on June 5, 2025. Commissioners said Meredith’s adjusted good‑time date was close, law enforcement had raised objections, and the board preferred the institution use the near term to help find housing and work before release.

Panel members read Meredith’s record into the record, listing multiple convictions tied to methamphetamine distribution, illegal carrying and weapon‑related counts, simple arson and simple burglary. Meredith, who said he had been in custody about eight years, denied selling meth and said he had participated in many institutional classes and prerelease programming.

Meredith told the panel he had worked on carpentry and other jobs and that he was trying to change his life. Institutional staff, including Warden Travis and classification staff, reported one minor write‑up and said they had been discussing housing and employment plans with him but expressed reservations about releasing him so near his good‑time date.

Commissioners weighed the case and repeatedly cited the proximity of Meredith’s release window (the board noted he was scheduled to be released in a few months on good time) and law‑enforcement opposition. The board voted to deny parole; commissioners told Meredith they would assist the institution in arranging re‑entry help prior to his release date.

Decision: Parole denied at approximately 09:24 a.m. The board recorded the denial citing the proximity of Meredith’s good‑time date and concerns from law‑enforcement officials.