The Puerto Rico Court of Appeals recently upheld the decision to deny parole to Carlos José Medrano García, who is serving a lengthy prison sentence for serious crimes. This ruling affects Medrano García and others in similar situations, emphasizing the legal complexities surrounding parole eligibility and the authority of parole boards.

The court's decision, issued on June 8, 2026, confirmed that the Parole Board, known as the Junta de Libertad Bajo Palabra (JLBP), rightfully claimed it lacked jurisdiction to grant Medrano García's request for parole. This case highlights the importance of understanding the legal framework governing parole in Puerto Rico.

Background

Carlos José Medrano García is currently serving a sentence of 78 years and six months for multiple offenses, including acts of lasciviousness and attempted rape. In October 2024, he requested parole from the JLBP, which subsequently denied his application, stating that his convictions excluded him from eligibility for parole under current laws.

Following this denial, Medrano García filed a request for administrative relief with the Department of Correction and Rehabilitation (DCR) in November 2025. He contested the JLBP's decision, arguing that it improperly applied amendments from Law No. 85-2024 that retroactively affected his eligibility for parole. However, in February 2026, the DCR responded that it did not have the authority to review the JLBP's decision, as the JLBP operates as an autonomous agency.

The Ruling

The Court of Appeals, led by Judge Pérez Ocasio, ruled that the DCR was correct in stating it had no jurisdiction to review the JLBP's decision. The court emphasized that the JLBP has exclusive jurisdiction over parole matters and that Medrano García should have sought reconsideration directly from the JLBP instead of the DCR.

The court ruled, "The JLBP has jurisdictional authority to address requests for reconsideration from petitioners whose parole privileges have been denied."

The judges on the panel included President Judge Sánchez Ramos and Judge Trigo Ferraiuoli, who supported the decision to affirm the DCR's ruling. The court found that Medrano García's arguments regarding jurisdiction and the application of the law did not hold merit.

Impact

This ruling is significant for individuals seeking parole in Puerto Rico, as it clarifies the jurisdictional boundaries between the JLBP and the DCR. It reinforces the notion that parole is a privilege rather than a right, and that the JLBP has broad discretion in making decisions regarding parole eligibility.

The court's decision also serves as a reminder for future petitioners to follow proper administrative procedures when contesting decisions made by the JLBP. The ruling could set a precedent for similar cases where individuals may attempt to challenge the JLBP's authority through other administrative channels.

What's Next

Medrano García's options for appeal are limited, as the ruling from the Court of Appeals is typically final unless further review is sought from a higher court. Details were not available in the court filing regarding any related cases or further legal actions that Medrano García may pursue.