The Louisiana police chief admitted to cheating on his wife in an open letter after they were both shot and wounded by his subordinates in a love triangle.
Opelousas Police Chief Graig LeBlanc and his wife, St. Landry Parish Sheriff's Deputy Crystal LeBlanc, reported on Dec. 22 that Officer Savannah Butler was shot and killed outside her home. sheriff's office.
Police said Crystal LeBlanc arrived at Butler's home to confront her husband, after which an argument broke out between the couple.
Butler, armed with a gun, appeared in the doorway moments later and fired one shot into the police chief's hand as he tried to take the gun.
Police said the bullet passed through LeBlanc's hand and struck Crystal LeBlanc in the arm.
Greig LeBlanc and his wife were “admitted to a local hospital” for treatment and later released.
Investigators determined Butler then cleaned up the crime scene to “destroy evidence” before contacting the sheriff's office.
Greig LeBlanc is Opelousas Police Department since 1998addressed his infidelity on Wednesday.
“My actions caused pain and suffering not only to my family, but also to our community,” the Opelousas police chief wrote.
“I must acknowledge the role I played in this unfortunate situation. It was a betrayal of trust. Adultery is not only a violation of my personal commitments, but also a violation of the professional standards we all expect from public servants.”
Greig LeBlanc did not directly mention his wife or butler in his statement.
The police chief said he has begun an internal investigation within the department and is committed to restoring the trust of the community.
Butler, 42, turned himself in to police at the St. Landry Parish Jail on Jan. 1 and was released on $22,000 bail, authorities said.
She was placed on administrative leave after her arrest and was taken into custody on charges of obstruction of justice, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and manslaughter.
Crystal LeBlanc, a 20-year police veteran, was issued a summons for trespassing on Butler's property.
Greig LeBlanc has also been placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.
The Opelousas Police Chief currently has no outstanding charges, according to law enforcement.
The investigation is still ongoing.
The City of Opelousas is located 39 miles north of Lafayette and had a 2020 population of approximately 15,835 people. According to the census.
Greig LeBlanc was promoted to sergeant before being elected Opelousas Police Chief in November 2022 and taking office in January 2023.
The couple married in April 2004 and had two children.
“I would like to offer my sincere apologies to my wife, my family, everyone involved, and each and every member of the community,” the Opelousas Police Chief said in a statement.
