A Louisiana police chief admitted he cheated on his wife in an open letter to the public after they were both shot and wounded by his subordinates who were involved in a love triangle.
Opelousas Police Chief Graig LeBlanc and his wife Crystal LeBlanc, a deputy with the St. Louis Parish Sheriff’s Office. Landry, was shot outside the home of Officer Savannah Butler on Dec. 22, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Police said Crystal LeBlanc arrived at Butler’s home to confront her husband, who was inside the officer’s home before the argument between the couple.
Butler, armed with a handgun, appeared in the doorway moments later and fired a single shot into the police chief’s hand when he tried to grab the gun.
The bullet went through LeBlanc’s hand and struck Crystal LeBlanc’s arm, according to police.
Savannah Butler (B) turned herself into the St. Landry on January 1st. Facebook/Opelousas Police Department
Graig LeBlanc and his wife “admitted themselves to a local hospital” for treatment and were later released.
Butler then cleared the scene to “cover the evidence” before calling the sheriff’s office, investigators determined.
Graig LeBlanc, who has been with the Opelousas Police Department since 1998, addressed his cheating on Wednesday.
Graig and Crystal Leblanc have been married since 2004. Facebook/Graig Leblanc
“My actions have caused pain and distress, not only to my family but to our community,” the Opelousas Police Chief wrote.
“I must acknowledge the role I played in this unfortunate situation. I have failed in my commitment to uphold the standards expected of a Chief of Police and, more importantly, failed in the trust you placed in me. Kafir is a violation of not only the personal commitment I made but also the professional standards we all expect from those in public service.”
Graig LeBlanc did not directly refer to his wife or Butler in his statement.
Graig Leblanc has been elected Police Chief of the Opelousas Police Department in 2022. Facebook/Graig Leblanc
The police chief said he is initiating an internal review of the police department and is committed to restoring community trust.
Butler, 42, turned himself in to police at the St. Landry on Jan. 1, posted a $22,000 bond, and was released, authorities said.
He was placed on administrative leave following his arrest and has been booked on charges of obstruction of justice, illegal discharge of a firearm, and reckless wounding.
Graig Leblanc was shot once in the hand during the altercation. Facebook/Graig Leblanc The bullet that went through Graig Leblanc’s hand hit Crystal Leblanc in the arm. LinkedIn/Crystal Leblanc
Crystal LeBlanc, a 20-year police veteran, was issued a summons for trespassing on Butler’s property.
Graig LeBlanc was also placed on administrative leave pending an investigation.
The Opelousas Police Chief does not currently face any pending charges, according to law enforcement.
The law enforcement couple has two children together. Facebook/Graig Leblanc
The investigation is still ongoing.
The city of Opelousas is located 24 miles north of Lafayette and has a population of about 15,835 in 2020, according to the census.
After rising to the rank of Detective Sergeant, Graig LeBlanc was elected Opelousas Police Chief in November 2022 and assumed office in January 2023.
The couple have been married since April 2004 and have two children.
“I want to express my sincere apologies to my wife, my family, all parties involved, and to every member of our community,” the Opelousas Police Chief wrote in his statement.
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Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
