After over 16 years as the head of Louisiana’s state prisons, Department of Public Safety and Corrections Secretary Jimmy LeBlanc announced his resignation due to health reasons. He will step down on August 29th and take on a role as warden of Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel. Governor Jeff Landry has not yet named a replacement.
LeBlanc’s resignation comes after a discussion with his doctor and Governor Landry’s decision not to reappoint him during the recent legislative session. While facing challenges such as drug smuggling and heat-related issues in state prisons, LeBlanc is praised for his dedication by both sides of the political aisle and criminal justice advocates.
Criticism has been aimed at the Department of Corrections in the past, with lawsuits over conditions at Angola prison and a federal judge ordering corrections to correct deficiencies in heat policies for farm laborers. Despite these challenges, LeBlanc’s departure is seen as a loss for the criminal justice community, with advocates highlighting his commitment to reform and rehabilitation efforts.
LeBlanc’s successor will need to address the state’s high incarceration rate and the impact of recent laws that have increased prison sentences. As a 51-year veteran of the corrections department, LeBlanc has left a legacy of both successes and struggles that will have a lasting impact on Louisiana’s prison system.
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