Prisoners claim they are not treated for mental illness, kept in solitary confinement for months.
Author Archives: Nick Chrastil
Nicholas Chrastil covers criminal justice for The Lens. As a freelancer, his work has appeared in Slate, Undark, Mother Jones, and the Atavist, among other outlets. Chrastil has a master's degree in mass communication from Louisiana State University, where his research focused on New Orleans' newspapers during the Reconstruction era. During his time at LSU, he also covered the Louisiana state legislature as part of the Manship Statehouse Bureau. He is a native of Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Posted inCriminal Justice
‘Everybody needs oversight’: Sheriff-elect Susan Hutson talks about her plans for remaking a troubled agency
Hutson will have a lengthy transition period, not taking office until May. It’s not yet clear whether, or to what degree, she will be included in decision-making during the transition.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Despite City Council pardon in August, marijuana convictions remain on criminal records
Municipal Court judge says that the process for such a large blanket pardon was not made clear before the council approved it.
Posted inCriminal Justice
After momentary ‘release,’ Angola prisoner Bobby Sneed rearrested and put in local jail
Sneed is suing the state parole board for illegal imprisonment, following an unusual decision to strip his parole last spring.
Posted inCriminal Justice
New sheriff in town
In a major upset, Hutson defeats 17-year incumbent Sheriff Marlin Gusman.
Posted inCriminal Justice
After Louisiana Supreme Court decision, judge again orders Bobby Sneed released from prison
State must release Sneed from Angola without delay, a Baton Rouge judge ruled on Thursday.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Years-long dispute over jail size a key issue in race for sheriff
Incumbent Sheriff Marlin Gusman has taken credit for reducing the jail’s footprint and population. But his record shows him frequently working to increase the size of the jail.
Posted inCriminal Justice
City Planning Commission approves retrofit of jail as alternative to new Phase III facility
Council members have indicated that they will not vote to approve a zoning ordinance required to build Phase III, though a federal judge has ordered the city to move ahead with the building.
Posted inCriminal Justice
Angola prisoner suing state parole board remains locked up after appeals court throws out order for his release
A panel of judges accepted the argument that state courts are not empowered to second-guess the parole board.
Posted inCriminal Justice
City bidding out jail’s healthcare contract
National contractor Wellpath has served the provider since 2014.