Parole panel roundup: revocations, treatment placements, reinstatements and continuances
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Summary
At multiple sites on Feb. 11, the Louisiana Committee on Parole revoked or continued supervision for several inmates, sent one to long‑term DOC treatment in lieu of revocation, reinstated parole for another with mandatory treatment, and continued other hearings pending verification or criminal cases.
The Louisiana Committee on Parole heard multiple cases Feb. 11 at headquarters in Baton Rouge and remote parish jails, issuing a mix of revocations, treatment placements, reinstatements and continuances.
Votes at a glance
- Richard Fontenot (733076): Panel recorded pleas of guilty to parole violations, including absconding and failure to report. The panel voted to revoke parole based on continued criminal behavior (revocation recorded).
- Robert Joseph Rala (DSC 591238): After Rala described homelessness and opioid addiction and staff noted program participation, the panel voted 2–1 to send him to a long‑term Department of Corrections substance‑abuse treatment program in lieu of revocation; DOC will screen for drug‑court placement if appropriate.
- Derek Sherman (500129): (See separate article.) The panel granted parole with conditions and authorized staff to pursue an interstate compact transfer to Colorado pending compact approval.
- Michael Coleman (559151): The panel found the recent criminal charge had been dismissed and reinstated Coleman's parole with a mandatory condition requiring participation and completion of treatment at Longleaf Behavioral Hospital.
- Aaron Ruffin (DSC/aliases discussed): The panel set aside the hearing to verify outstanding charges and, after an executive session, continued the hearing and ordered a mental‑health evaluation before any release; the panel did not approve immediate release.
- Mister Talley and Richard Hannon: Both hearings were continued; Talley’s parole matter was continued pending disposition of new criminal charges and Hannon could not appear due to a court conflict.
What the panel said and required
Panel members emphasized that continuances and treatment placements were intended to balance public safety and rehabilitative needs. In treatment‑in‑lieu cases, the panel left the length and placement to DOC assessment, and members repeatedly conditioned releases on approved residence, ongoing monitoring and completion of mandated programs. When pending criminal charges existed, the panel frequently continued parole hearings until court dispositions could be confirmed.
Administrative follow‑up
Parole staff were directed to verify dismissed or pending charges, to coordinate treatment placements with DOC where ordered, and to file interstate‑compact paperwork for any approved transfers. Cases continued for verification will return to the panel after the necessary documentation is provided.
The committee adjourned the Orleans session after continuing cases that could not appear or were pending in court.
