Parole revoked for Haven Nugent after car-search evidence of drugs, panel finds

The Committee on Parole revoked the parole of Haven Nugent (DLC 600063) at an Evangeline Parish hearing on Oct. 22 after hearing that Nugent’s identification was found in a vehicle where illegal substances were discovered.

Chair Chuck Tillis introduced the case and called questions; board member Haven Nugent (the parolee) pleaded not guilty and disputed several elements of the police narrative. During board questioning members reviewed the report that officers found illegal substances in a vehicle door panel and that Nugent’s identification appeared in the vehicle. Nugent told the panel he had been with the person the day before and said the other person had stolen his car; he denied having drugs on his person at arrest.

The reporting parole reviewer described multiple complaints and witness reports, including a theft-prevention officer at a local store who said she heard Nugent asking about whether officers had found drugs in the vehicle. Nugent insisted he had called police about his car being impounded and denied the conversational attribution.

After discussion, the panel concluded there was sufficient evidence by preponderance that Nugent associated with persons involved in distribution and that contraband was discovered in the vehicle. The panel voted to revoke parole. "Due to the drugs being located in your car, my vote today is gonna be to revoke," the panel lead stated; LeDoux and Prater concurred. The board denied Nugent’s request for continued release.

Ending: The hearing concluded with the formal revocation and denial of his parole petition; panel members expressed concern about evidence linking Nugent to distribution activity.