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Category
Criminal Justice

Bobby Sneed set free after months-long fight with state parole board

The former Angola prisoner sued the board in state and federal court after members stripped his release last year.
by Nick Chrastil January 11, 2022 Updated January 11, 2022

NOPD announces it will no longer issue citations for simple possession of marijuana, months after council pardon ordinance

The New Orleans City Council passed a law last year requiring automatic pardons for possession of small amounts of marijuana.
by Nick Chrastil January 7, 2022 Updated January 7, 2022

Class-action lawsuit over conditions and mental health care at David Wade correctional set for trial next week

Prisoners claim they are not treated for mental illness, kept in solitary confinement for months.
by Nick Chrastil January 6, 2022 Updated January 6, 2022

‘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.
by Nick Chrastil December 31, 2021 Updated December 31, 2021

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.
by Nick Chrastil December 23, 2021 Updated December 23, 2021

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.
by Nick Chrastil December 16, 2021 Updated December 16, 2021

Louisiana policy intended to reform solitary confinement still leaves people in indefinite lockdown

Officials say the total number of people in restrictive housing has gone down, but the state doesn’t keep enough data to substantiate that claim.
by Eli Cahan and Nick Chrastil December 15, 2021 Updated December 15, 2021

New sheriff in town

In a major upset, Hutson defeats 17-year incumbent Sheriff Marlin Gusman.
by Nick Chrastil December 11, 2021 Updated December 12, 2021

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.
by Nick Chrastil December 9, 2021 Updated December 9, 2021

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.
by Nick Chrastil December 8, 2021 Updated December 9, 2021

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