Parole board issues mixed rulings in June 24 session; parole granted to man with ICE detainer

The Committee on Parole met June 24 in Baton Rouge with remote participation from multiple parish jails to hear revocation and parole cases. Chair Cheryl Renata presided with panel members Chucky Telis and Mrs. Jerry Leoo. The board acted case-by-case: some paroles were continued to allow resolution of pending criminal charges, several parole revocations were ordered, and a parole grant was issued to an inmate subject to an ICE detainer.

The most consequential single vote was on Miguel Ramos, who was sentenced in June 2024 for a December 2022 vehicular homicide. Ramos acknowledged responsibility and told the panel he accepts the consequences. Counsel reported an active Homeland Security detainer; the board voted to grant parole to the ICE detainer, meaning Ramos will be turned over to immigration authorities for removal rather than returning to DOC supervision if removal proceeds. "My vote today is to grant the parole to the ICE detainer," Chair Renata said; other members concurred.

Other formal outcomes at the hearing included: - A continuance: One revocation (case of Mr. Estim) was continued so the U.S. Marshals and federal process could be resolved before the board decides. The panel explicitly cited the pending federal process as the reason to continue. - Continued supervision with conditions: The panel continued supervision for Herbert Anthony Pawn Jr., imposing conditions including completion of a domestic violence prevention program, increased drug testing and prohibition on THC recommendations. - Parole with conditions: Robert White was granted release conditioned on completing the long-term Steve Hall substance-abuse program including a required 100-hour pre-release component; a special condition asked him to speak to at‑risk groups if released. - Denials: John Piper’s parole was denied because required pre-release programming was not available without disrupting his employment and the panel lacked unanimous agreement to move him. - Revocations: The panel revoked parole in several cases after officers reported new arrests or other violations (including Mr. Augustine, Jared Ross, Victor Demery, and Dante Mallister). In some revocation votes members cited recent arrests, guilty pleas in criminal court, or failure to comply with supervision conditions. - Returns to supervision: Bryce Hill was returned to supervision after his mother testified that confusion around immediate release and officer assignments contributed to missed reporting; the board ordered weekly reporting for 60 days as a condition.

The board frequently cited supervision fees, program completion, and documented treatment plans when explaining votes. Several decisions were tied to pending criminal cases; the board paused or continued proceedings where federal charges or imminent court dates were cited.

What happens next: For cases the board continued, decisions will be revisited after federal or criminal courts act. For paroles granted subject to ICE custody, the practical effect will depend on immigration processing and whether the individual is deported; the board noted that if deportation does not occur staff should return the person to DOC custody. For revocations, standard DOC procedures for re-incarceration and credit calculations will follow.

Votes at a glance (selected cases, outcome, rationale): - Miguel Ramos (Assumption Parish): parole granted to ICE detainer; counsel said an ICE detainer remains active and Ramos accepts removal. (vote: grant) - Herbert Anthony Pawn Jr. (St. Tam Parish): continued on supervision with added domestic-violence program requirement, increased drug screens and no THC recommendations (vote: continue with conditions). - Robert White (Katahula): parole granted contingent on completing Steve Hall program and 100-hour pre-release (vote: grant with conditions). - John Piper (Southwest Correctional Center): parole denied due to lack of unanimous support and pre-release placement concerns (vote: deny). - Mr. Augustine (Marksville): parole revoked after recent arrests and jail incident reports (vote: revoke). - Jared Ross (Leville): parole revoked after repeated failures to comply; board cited record and recent incidents (vote: revoke). - Victor Demery (Red River): parole revoked after guilty plea to possession of a firearm by a convicted felon (vote: revoke). - Dante Mallister (Lincoln Parish): parole revoked after admitting to prohibited social‑media contact and arrears (vote: revoke). - Bryce Hill (Boil’s/Leville): returned to supervision with weekly reporting for 60 days after family testimony explained reporting confusion (vote: do not revoke).

Speakers quoted in this report are attendees in the hearing transcript. The board reserved executive sessions where required for confidential deliberation.

The Committee on Parole adjourned at 12:40 p.m.