Illinois’ Prisoner Review Board (PRB) member LeAnn Miller resigned after parolee Crosetti Brand, who had a lengthy criminal history, killed an 11-year-old boy and injured his pregnant mother the day after being released. Brand had been serving a 16-year sentence for home invasion and aggravated assault when he was paroled early from the Stateville Correctional Center. Despite a history of domestic abuse and threatening behavior, Brand was released early. Miller, appointed by Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker in 2021, faced criticism from Republican lawmakers who claimed the appointment process had been politicized.
Following the tragic incident, Republican Illinois state Sen. Jason Plummer expressed disgust, holding Governor Pritzker responsible for the decisions made by the Prisoner Review Board. The victim, Jayden Perkins, was described as a loving, talented student who brought light to his community. Brand was initially paroled in 2023 but was sent back to prison for violating release conditions. Despite this, the PRB deemed the violations insufficient to keep him detained, leading to his early release in March. Smith, the victim, had sought a protection order against Brand due to fears for her safety. However, the PRB claimed they were not aware of the court proceedings.
Plummer and other state senate Republicans had raised concerns about the PRB in 2021, noting that members appointed by Pritzker had been serving beyond the required confirmation deadline. The board’s actions and the appointment choices made by Pritzker, such as Max Cerda, a former convict sentenced for a double murder, came under scrutiny. Cerda, while on the PRB, voted for the release of another convicted criminal. Public outrage over the board’s decisions led to the resignation of both Miller and PRB Chair Donald Shelton.
In response to the criticism and calls for accountability, Governor Pritzker acknowledged that the evidence in Brand’s case had not been given careful consideration, especially considering the victim’s history of domestic violence. Pritzker pledged to implement additional safeguards and training to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The PRB, consisting of 11 members, was expected to operate independently, but the recent events raised questions about the decision-making process and the need for reform within the board. The case highlighted the complexities of parole decisions and the importance of thorough assessment in such matters.
The tragic killing of Jayden Perkins prompted widespread outrage and sorrow in the community, with many remembering him as a bright and caring individual. The incident also underscored the challenges faced by victims of domestic violence and the need for improved support and protection mechanisms. Governor Pritzker’s acknowledgment of the shortcomings in the PRB’s decision-making process signaled a commitment to address the systemic issues that led to Brand’s early release. Moving forward, there is likely to be increased scrutiny and oversight of parole decisions and the members appointed to the board.
The case of Crosetti Brand and the subsequent resignation of PRB members have reignited debates about criminal justice reform and the impact of political influence on parole decisions. Republicans and Democrats alike have called for accountability and transparency in the review board’s operations to prevent similar tragedies. The focus on victims’ rights and safety, as well as the need for comprehensive evaluation protocols for parolees with violent criminal histories, has become a central point of discussion in the aftermath of the incident. Efforts to reform the PRB and ensure that parole decisions prioritize public safety and victim welfare are likely to gain momentum in the coming months.