Louisiana pardon board hears clemency petitions across state; majority denied, one commutation recommended

The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole convened in multiple correctional facilities and by remote connection on Jan. 27, 2025, to consider clemency, commutation and parole-related requests from incarcerated people across the state. The four-member panel — chaired by Cheryl Renata and including Board Members Carolyn Stapleton, Steve Prater and Pete Freeman — heard testimony from applicants, prison wardens and family members. The board denied most applications and issued one recommendation for commutation to immediate parole eligibility.

Board members said they weighed each applicant’s in‑custody conduct, history of prior convictions, victim impact statements and plans for reentry. Wardens and reentry providers described programming and housing plans; several applicants had support from family members and nonprofit reentry groups. District attorneys, victims and law‑enforcement officials participated by video or in person in several cases and urged denial in many of the matters.

Major outcomes at a glance: most applications were denied by the board; one applicant, Calvin Rousseau at Hunt Correctional Center, received a board recommendation to commute his sentence so he would become immediately eligible for parole. Several applicants were told they will be considered for parole through the standard parole process when they reach their parole eligibility dates. In cases with split votes, the board recorded ties that resulted in denial.

The meeting record shows recurring themes across hearings: (1) board members cited victim opposition, the seriousness of the underlying offense and prior criminal history as primary reasons for denials; (2) wardens and reentry providers described programming and housing plans that board members said would strengthen parole applications at or near existing eligibility dates; and (3) family members and community employers urged mercy and described reentry support if the board granted relief.

Votes at a glance Rodney Reed Scott (Allen Correctional Center) — Application for commutation/clemency: denied by the board (3–1). Board noted family and facility support but prioritized parole eligibility procedure and prior convictions. Cody Alexander (Louisiana State Penitentiary) — Application for commutation/clemency: denied (4–0). The district attorney and victim family urged denial; board cited the nature of the offenses. Tyrone Edwards (Angola) — Application for clemency: denied (4–0). Victim opposition and law‑enforcement input cited. Harry Reed (Dixon Correctional Institute) — Application for pardon/clemency: denied (4–0). Victim family opposition and the length of time served were discussed; board denied. Ronald James Desirmeaux (West Baton Rouge) — Application for clemency: denied (4–0). Board referenced victim opposition and proximity of statutory release dates. Earl Joseph Waszant Jr. (Rayburn Correctional Center) — Application for clemency: denied (4–0). Board imposed, in the record, a special condition request (no contact with victim’s family) to be considered for the good‑time release certificate review. Greg Baker (David Wade Correctional Center) — Application for clemency: denied (4–0). District attorney and victim statements were strongly opposed; board denied. Steven Entrekin (David Wade) — Application for clemency: denied (4–0). Board noted seriousness of the offenses and law‑enforcement opposition. Wade Tolliver (David Wade/Bayou transfer) — Application for clemency: denied (4–0). Board cited violent history and supervision problems. Warren (Warren/Warren Breaux) (Raymond LaMorte/others) — Application for clemency: split vote (2–2), denied due to tie. Two board members favored immediate parole eligibility; two opposed, producing a tie and resulting denial. Jonathan Thibodeaux (Raymond LaMorte) — Application for clemency: denied (4–0). Board cited public safety concerns and seriousness of offenses (bank robbery, shooting a law enforcement officer) despite program participation. Calvin Rousseau (Hunt Correctional Center) — Application for commutation: recommended for commutation to create immediate parole eligibility (4–0). Board cited extensive programming, work assignments, restitution efforts and community/employer support; board members agreed to recommend commutation so the applicant becomes immediately parole‑eligible. Barbara Reynolds (Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women) — Application for clemency: denied (4–0). Board referenced the plea to manslaughter, length of sentence and prosecutorial input.

Context and next steps Most denials were final decisions by the board to withhold a recommendation for commutation or clemency. When the board recommends commutation or clemency, the governor typically reviews the board’s recommendation; that process was discussed during meetings where the board described the administrative path and timing for any successful recommendation. For applicants with denials, board members repeatedly suggested applicants pursue their scheduled parole hearings or continue programming and reentry planning to improve prospects at parole eligibility.

Board members emphasized that a denial today does not remove an applicant’s ability to return with new information, additional treatment or a stronger reentry plan at a later date or to pursue parole when eligible. Several wardens and nonprofit reentry groups asked the board to consider documented housing and employment plans when assessing future parole applications.

Ending The panel convened at DOC headquarters in Baton Rouge and conducted hearings at multiple facilities. The board’s next sessions and case schedules were not specified on the record; applicants and supporters were told how to follow up on parole‑eligibility timing and to submit documentation of completed programming and reentry plans.