The Louisiana Board of Pardons and Parole convened on July 24, 2025, to discuss the parole hearing of Javier Bautista, a 39-year-old inmate convicted of indecent behavior with a juvenile. Bautista, who pled guilty in 2024 and was sentenced to seven years of hard labor, faced strong opposition from the District Attorney's office regarding his early release.

During the hearing, Bautista maintained his innocence, claiming that he was pressured into pleading guilty by his attorney and the judge. He argued that medical records could prove his claims, stating that they showed inconsistencies with the allegations against him. Bautista's defense was supported by his wife, who testified that he had expressed a desire to go to trial rather than accept a plea deal. She described the emotional turmoil they experienced during the legal process, emphasizing the pressure they felt from the legal system.

The District Attorney's office presented a letter outlining their position against Bautista's release, citing the nature of his offense, which involved inappropriate conduct with an 11-year-old girl. The victim's mother reported the incident, leading to an investigation. The DA's office highlighted that Bautista had limited participation in rehabilitation programs while incarcerated and noted an outstanding immigration detainer against him.

The victim's statement was also read during the hearing, expressing a desire for no contact with Bautista and detailing the lasting impact of the abuse on her life. The board members considered the testimonies from both sides, including law enforcement's opposition to Bautista's release.

As the hearing concluded, the board moved to an executive session to deliberate on the case further. The outcome of Bautista's parole request remains pending, with significant implications for both the victim and Bautista's future.