AG Jeff Landry Calls for Apology from Governor, Truth in Sentencing

BATON ROUGE, LA - Following an investigative report by WBRZ that showed nearly one in four inmates released through Governor John Bel Edwards' Criminal Justice Reform Program have reoffended, Attorney General Jeff Landry further condemned the program and called on the Governor to apologize to crime victims.

"The statistics provided by our State's prosecutors are alarming, but not surprising to those of us who knew the Governor's criminal justice reform was dangerous," said General Landry. "As predicted - these prisoners were let out without any investment in their rehabilitation, which we warned was going to be bad for public safety."

"The Governor’s reckless approach to empty our jails simply so he can take credit for a smaller prison population remains a threat to Louisiana citizens," continued General Landry. "It also further highlights the need for truth in sentencing."

"The Governor and his team have reneged on their promise to be open and transparent - slow-walking or refusing to release their numbers," added General Landry. "Fortunately, the District Attorneys are getting the truth out about the grave and avoidable murders and other violent crimes being perpetrated by the Governor's early releases."

“The numbers are clear, these people have a higher recidivism rate than previous population,” concluded General Landry. “Crime victims and public safety have been, and will continue to be, top priorities for my office and me; I call on the Governor to join us - stop putting politics over people and apologize to all who have been affected by his plan."

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