Parole board orders treatment in lieu of revocation for three people

At separate hearings Oct. 1, 2026, the Committee on Parole opted for treatment in lieu of full revocation for three individuals the panel deemed candidates for inpatient or DOC-approved substance-abuse programs. John Sims (DLC 743047) and Donnie Joe Dotson (DLC 711750) were ordered to inpatient treatment and a transfer to a Department of Corrections-approved substance-abuse facility was arranged; Donnie Dotson’s charges included distribution-related allegations that were later reduced and the board noted his willingness to pursue treatment.

Brandy Joyce Whittlesey Stapp (DLC 624259) was found to have left a sober-living facility and the panel concluded she has a serious drug problem; rather than revoke, the board ordered long-term DOC drug treatment and set conditions for release, including a nightly curfew and continued outpatient treatment. Lieutenant Todd Roberts and facility staff confirmed no disciplinary issues while some subjects were in custody; panel members recorded concurrence before instructing staff to process transfer paperwork.