I’m in receipt of your email and have reviewed the petition entitled, “Stop Tren Mallet from being released.” It appears the petition is based on a misunderstanding of the offender’s legal status and sentence. As the Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, I would like to address the incorrect information.

In this matter, Mr. Mallet was found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity (NGRI) for the offense of Second Degree Murder on April 28, 2025, in Iberia Parish. Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 654, when a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity is returned in a capital case, the court is required to commit the defendant to a proper state mental institution or to a private mental institution approved by the court for custody, care and treatment. In accordance with that mandate, Mr. Mallet was ordered to reside at the secure forensic facility located on the grounds of Eastern Louisiana Mental Health System in Jackson, Louisiana and this facility is operated by the Louisiana Department of Health.

Mr. Mallet was subsequently placed on conditional release for an indefinite period of time and is supervised by our Department’s Division of Probation and Parole. His placement is not an “early release” from a sentence of incarceration; rather, it is a statutorily authorized conditional release following a verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity.

Pursuant to Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 657.2, for good cause shown, placement in a conditional release program may be extended after five years in one-year increments at a yearly contradictory hearing with the state. Mr. Mallet is required to comply with all conditions outlined in Louisiana Code of Criminal Procedure Article 658, and any alleged violations are addressed by the sentencing court.

The Committee on Parole has no authority over Mr. Mallet’s incarceration and his potential release would not be a parole decision driven by parole policy. It is strictly a matter for the sentencing judge in New Iberia

Furthermore, any modification of conditions or discharge from conditional release may only be ordered by the sentencing court after appropriate legal proceedings. Accordingly, the offender’s status remains under the continuing jurisdiction and oversight of the court.

Sincerely,
Gary E. Westcott
Secretary
Louisiana Department of Public Safety & Corrections

Note: The Change.org Civic Engagement Team reaches out to decision makers to let them know about petitions in their community and to help facilitate engagement with supporters. The above was an email response we received regarding this petition.