Parole retained for Louisiana man after panel cites limited evidence of abuse

The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole voted Jan. 15 not to revoke the parole of Karenza Williams (DOC 768406) after a hearing at Louisiana Tech and remote testimony from Caddo Parish officers.

Panel member Chuckie Tillis read the alleged violations, including an October 25, 2025, report of domestic abuse battery and an outstanding supervision balance of $1,020. Williams pleaded not guilty to the battery allegation and guilty to owing fees. His partner, identified in the hearing as Clarkson, told the panel she saw no bruises and did not feel threatened. Williams asked the board for video evidence from the bank; he said the bank reported no footage.

Tillis and other panel members asked Williams about his time on parole and whether he had taken anger-management classes; Williams said he had not but that he would participate if offered. Panel members also reviewed his supervision history and noted he had been on parole about two years and faced a pending court date in March.

After questions from fellow members, including follow-up on fees and supervision arrangements, the panel voted to sustain parole. Tillis said, “my vote’s gonna be do not revoke,” and the chair concurred, citing lack of corroborating evidence. The board issued a reprimand and returned Williams to supervision.

The panel specifically noted the fee arrears (listed at $1,020) and encouraged Williams to pursue offered programming and to resolve supervision obligations. The board did not appoint counsel for Williams because he was not eligible for appointed counsel under the revocation questionnaire results.

The committee is scheduled to continue hearings at additional facilities the same day.