City and state leaders comment on released prisoners in New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS – “I’m more than willing to talk to anyone who wants to talk about what we’re doing in New Orleans because we’re doing it differently,” said Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams.

Earlier this week, Republican Senator Jay Morris expressed concern about the large number of inmates who have been newly sentenced or released in recent months.

“About the middle of last week, I received several texts and calls from people who were concerned that an excessive number of convicted prisoners were being released in New Orleans,” said Louisiana State Senator Jay Morris.

Morris said 157 New Orleans inmates have been released in recent months due to resentencing and reduced sentences. A list obtained by WWL Louisiana shows dozens of cases processed since March alone.

“Murder, attempted murder, maybe some rapes, armed robbery was a big deal. So we're going down the list,” Morris said.

As of August 1, a new law allows Louisiana's Attorney General to appeal resentencing.

“The concern I've been expressed is that they've tried to rush this through, so to speak,” Morris said.

New Orleans Police Department Chief Anne Kirkpatrick made the statement on Friday, saying the New Orleans Police Department and the District Attorney's Office are partners working together to achieve justice.

“Yes, there's always a concern that people will reoffend, but people have paid their debt and are out now,” said NOPD Superintendent Anne Kirkpatrick. “A lot of people are reinstating their rights, and so when we say we believe in restorative justice, we have to practice it.”

Williams says he plans to hold a press conference sometime early next week.

“We have worked really hard with our partners to reduce crime,” Williams said.

A Senate Judiciary Committee has ordered Williams to appear at a special hearing in September.

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