'I have failed in my commitment': Louisiana police chief Graig LeBlanc issues apology after mistress shoots him and his wife

OPELOUSAS, LOUISIANA: In an open letter to the public, a Louisiana police chief confessed to cheating on his wife following injuries from a gun at the hands of a subordinate caught up in a romantic triangle.

On December 22, the St Landry Parish Sheriff's Office reported that Opelousas Police Chief Graig LeBlanc and his spouse Captain Crystal LeBlanc, a deputy, were shot outside Officer Savannah Butler's residence.

Crystal LeBlanc shot in the arm

According to the police, Craig LeBlanc was inside Butler's home when Crystal LeBlanc arrived to talk to him. This led to an argument between Crystal and Craig as he emerged from Butler's home.

Moments later, Butler appeared in the doorway with a gun. She fired a shot as the police chief tried to seize the weapon, leading to the bullet going through his hand. Crystal LeBlanc was subsequently shot in the arm with the same bullet.

Following the incident, Graig LeBlanc and his spouse "admitted themselves to local hospitals," according to the St Landry Parish Sheriff's Office, where they were treated for their injuries. Investigators concluded that Butler had then contacted the Sheriff's Office after tidying up the crime scene in an attempt to "cover up evidence."

On Wednesday, Graig LeBlanc—who has been employed by the Opelousas Police Department since 1998—discussed his infidelity.

The Opelousas Police Chief wrote, “My actions have caused pain and distress, not only to my family but also to our community,” Mail Online reported.

He added, "I must acknowledge the role I played in this unfortunate situation. I have failed in my commitment to uphold the standards expected of the Chief of Police and, more importantly, failed the trust you have placed in me."

"Infidelity is a breach of not only the personal commitments I made but also the professional standards we all expect from those in public service," his statement further said.

Graig LeBlanc expressed 'sincere apologies' to his wife

In his remarks, Graig LeBlanc made no explicit mention of Butler. Restoring community trust is a priority for the police chief, who announced that he is starting an "internal review" within the department.

“I want to express my sincere apologies to my wife, my family, all parties involved, and to each and every member of our community,” the Opelousas Police Chief wrote in his statement.

Butler, 42, was freed on a $22,000 bond after she turned herself in to the police on January 1 at the St Landry Parish Jail, according to the authorities.

After being arrested and charged with obstruction of justice for tampering with evidence, illegal firearm discharge, and two counts of negligent injuring, she has been placed on administrative leave.

As 20-year police veteran Crystal LeBlanc entered Butler's property, detectives also found probable cause to issue a trespass summons to her. She has also been put on administrative leave alongside Butler.

Law enforcement reports that the Opelousas Police Chief is not currently facing any charges. The inquiry is still underway.

Graig LeBlanc, who attained the rank of Detective Sergeant, was chosen in November 2022 to lead the Opelousas Police Department, and he began his tenure in January 2023.