Serving the citizens of Louisiana through informed decision-making in clemency pursuits, and promoting public safety and facilitating successful reentry for returning residents.
Parole in Louisiana allows a person to finish their sentence while under supervision of the Department of Corrections, Division of Probation and Parole.
View the process
Both pardon and parole hearings are open to the public. Individuals interested in attending a hearing should arrive at least 30 minutes early and must report to the Security Office for processing.
Mrs. Ranatza retired from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections in 2011, after serving over 30 years in DPS&C. She served in a variety of management positions throughout the Department, with her last position being that of deputy secretary. Mrs. Ranatza was the first female in Louisiana to achieve the designation of Certified Corrections Executive by the American Correctional Association and is a member several corrections affiliated organizations. She was appointed as chairman of the Louisiana Board of Parole in February 2012 and chairman of the Pardon Board in August 2012. She was re-appointed as board chair by Governor John Bel Edwards on January 20, 2016.
After studying criminal justice at Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, La., and completing the Calcasieu Regional Law Enforcement Training Academy, Mr. Wise served as a deputy in the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office for 18 years as supervisor over all uniformed divisions. He served as an investigator at Louisiana State Penitentiary after having completed the Corrections Training Academy. Mr. Wise was first appointed to the Louisiana Board of Parole in 2004 and was appointed to the Pardon Board in August 2012. He was re-appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards on January 20, 2016.
Mr. Jones is an attorney who has practiced in Baton Rouge since 1976. He received his bachelor of arts degree from Louisiana Tech University in 1973, and his Juris Doctorate degree from Louisiana State University Law Center in 1976. He is licensed to practice before all Louisiana courts and the United States Supreme Court. He is a lifetime member of the Louisiana Association for Justice, and in 2010 he was the recipient of the Stephen J. Sharp Public Service Award by the American Association for Justice. When he was actively practicing, he was exposed to various facets of criminal justice and has always had an interest in our corrections system and people in prison. He was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards on July 30, 2018.
Mr. Loftin retired in August 2015 after serving as executive director of Ware Youth Center in Coushatta, La. for 27 years. Prior to his position at Ware, Mr. Loftin served as a child protective investigator in the state of Louisiana’s Office of Community Services. Mr. Loftin received his bachelor of arts degree in behavioral sciences with a concentration in psychology and sociology and a minor in religion from East Texas Baptist College.
Mr. Roche’ served as the director of library services at Southern University Law Center from 1990 until his retirement in August of 2007. Prior to becoming the director of library services, Mr. Roche’ served a variety of roles in the Southern University System, including associate law librarian and associate professor at the University Library. Mr. Roche’ received his bachelor of sciences degree in social science-history with a minor in library science from Southern University and a masters of library services from Louisiana State University. Mr. Roche’ serves on the Board of Pardons and Committee on Parole as the victims’ advocate.
Mr. Kelsey is a physical therapist with 20 years of experience, 15 of which were in his own private practice. Throughout his career, Mr. Kelsey has worked in a variety of settings including mental health outpatient, rehab, and acute care. Mr. Kelsey received a bachelor of science in physical therapy from Louisiana State University Medical Center and a master’s in general business and healthcare from Southeastern Louisiana University. Mr. Kelsey was appointed by Governor John Bel Edwards to serve as an at-large member of the Committee on Parole.
Ms. Wise began her criminal justice career as a probation and parole officer in the Monroe District Office of the Division of Probation & Parole. Her career spanned over 20 years. She served as community resources coordinator for the district and also supervised a unit of probation and parole officers. Ms. Wise received her master’s degree in criminal justice from the University of Louisiana Monroe and is a veteran of the Louisiana National Guard. After her retirement from the Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections, Governor John Bel Edwards appointed Ms. Wise to serve as an at-large member of the Committee on Parole on February 12, 2016.
