Parole denied for habitual-offender inmate with long record and medical issues
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Summary
The Committee on Parole denied parole for John Marshall, an eleventh-felony habitual offender serving a life sentence for distribution of cocaine, citing extensive criminal history, law-enforcement opposition and limited recent program completion despite medical dorm placement.
The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole denied parole Jan. 15 to John Marshall (DOC 10.386), an eleventh-felony habitual offender serving a life sentence for distribution of cocaine, after an interview at Elaine Hunt Correctional Center.
Marshall, who is 71, described longstanding health problems (including diabetes and kidney disease), participation in AA/NA programs and several vocational classes. Facility staff said Marshall has been housed in the medical dorm and has not had write-ups since transferring to Hunt in 2022. Marshall said he has been sober for years and has worked to help others in programming.
Panel members questioned Marshall about his criminal history, disciplinary record and program participation. One member noted an extensive criminal record and the fact Marshall’s sentencing and habitual-offender status weighed against release. Another member pointed to law-enforcement opposition and past disciplinary entries as factors in denying parole, and the chair concluded the board had not been persuaded that Marshall had demonstrated readiness for release.
The panel's votes were to deny parole; the board cited strong law-enforcement opposition, the nature of Marshall’s prior convictions, and the absence of demonstrated readiness for community release. The committee encouraged Marshall to continue participating in programs available at his facility.
