Parole reinstated for Frank Johnson after bar incident; board imposes monitoring, treatment and curfew conditions

The Committee on Parole reinstated parole for Frank Johnson (also known in records as Frank Francis, DOC 408638) following a May 20, 2025, revocation hearing at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Parole staff presented an incident report alleging a physical altercation at a local bar; the report says the victim sustained a gunshot wound to the leg. Parole staff also reported probable‑cause findings at the preliminary stage for disturbing the peace (later recorded as one count) but found insufficient evidence on a possession‑of‑firearm charge. Johnson acknowledged being at the bar and described attempting to de‑escalate a fight between two people; he told the panel he was not the shooter and said, "I tried to deescalate the problem." Several family members, a counselor and his wife spoke in support. The victim in the bar incident later told the board he had been shot and identified Johnson as the shooter.

Chairman Danny Barra voted to reinstate parole with conditions, citing the victim’s lack of opposition at the time of his vote and emphasizing monitored, structured supervision. The board’s conditions included electronic monitoring for six months with a 10 p.m.–6 a.m. curfew except for approved work, a substance‑abuse evaluation and adherence to anger‑management programming; the board also told Johnson that further violations could lead to revocation. One commissioner said his private judgment was to revoke but acknowledged the majority’s vote would carry.

Members and supporters emphasized Johnson’s employment stability, involvement with youth outreach and counseling progress. The chairman recorded the vote to reinstate parole, noting it was Johnson’s "last final chance" and admonishing him to avoid bars and lounges and to comply with conditions.

The board instructed parole staff to arrange electronic monitoring and counseling referrals and closed the hearing after issuing the conditions.