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Board recommends commutation and parole consideration for Freddie J. Wheeler
Summary
After testimony from prison staff, the Louisiana Parole Project and family members, the board voted to recommend commuting Freddie J. Wheeler’s sentence to allow immediate parole consideration and to forward that recommendation to the governor.
The Louisiana Pardon Board recommended on Oct. 30 that Freddie J. Wheeler, serving a life sentence from convictions in Lafayette and Acadia parishes, be considered for commutation with immediate parole eligibility.
Wheeler told the board that he had used crack cocaine in his youth and described participation in multiple in-prison programs. Correctional staff at Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola) said Wheeler had worked as a trustee in the CDC warehouse and completed courses including victim awareness, anger management, substance-abuse programs and a health-care orderly course. Staff reported no disciplinary reports in his current incarceration.
Supporters from the Louisiana Parole Project and clergy described Wheeler’s steady program participation and family ties; the Parole Project said it would provide transitional housing and reentry services if the board recommended favorably.
Board members discussed Wheeler’s long criminal history and supervision problems but several said his institutional record and program completion supported a recommendation. The chair announced the board had the votes needed to recommend commuting his sentence to 99 years with immediate parole eligibility; that recommendation will be forwarded to the governor for review.
The board’s recommendation is advisory; any change to Wheeler’s sentence requires action by the governor.
