Illinois Parole Official Resigns Amid Controversy Over Felon’s Release

An Illinois Parole Board member has resigned following a tragic incident which came in the wake of a released felon’s attack on a pregnant woman and the fatal stabbing of her young son, prompting a statewide reevaluation of parole procedures, particularly in cases involving domestic violence.

LeAnn Miller, a 63-year-old member of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board, stepped down from her position after it was revealed she had advocated for the release of Crosetti Brand. Brand, a 37-year-old with a history of violating protection orders and making threats, attacked Laterria Smith and fatally wounded her 11-year-old son, Jayden Perkins, in a heart-wrenching act of violence that has since shocked the community.

Government Response to the Incident

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has responded to the incident by mandating a comprehensive overhaul of the procedures for addressing domestic violence cases within the parole system. Pritzker’s directive aims to fortify the protective measures for victims of domestic violence, ensuring that their safety is prioritized in parole considerations. The governor underscored the necessity of implementing additional safeguards and training for the Parole Board to avert similar tragedies in the future.

In light of the recent events, the governor has also called for a collaboration between the Prisoner Review Board and the Department of Corrections to refine the process of information sharing in cases involving domestic violence. This initiative may extend to legislative action to enhance the legal framework governing parole decisions, reflecting a proactive approach to reforming the parole system in Illinois.

The Case at Hand

The case that prompted this overhaul involves Laterria Smith, who, despite being in critical condition, is expected to recover along with her unborn child. Her ordeal highlights the persistent dangers posed by individuals with a history of domestic violence, even after incarceration. The accused, Crosetti Brand, had previously served a portion of a 16-year sentence for an attack on another ex-partner before being paroled. His subsequent actions, culminating in the tragic assault on Smith and the murder of her son, have ignited a debate over the adequacy of the current parole system in protecting victims of domestic violence.

Brand’s parole was initially revoked due to allegations of violating a protection order obtained by Smith. However, he was released after a Parole Board hearing determined there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the claims against him, despite Smith’s reports of his attempts to contact her. This decision, and the subsequent attack, have underscored the critical need for a more vigilant and victim-centered approach in parole deliberations.