On September 16, 2026, and Ascension Parish jury found 57-year-old Stacy Leblanc of 223 Georgetown Ln. Belle Rose, LA, guilty as charged of Manslaughter in connection with the in-custody death of 40-year-old Charlie Stafford of Gonzales. Leblanc was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Philip Prescott and Blake Sheets. Presiding over this matter was the Honorable Judge Jason Verdigets. Leblanc was represented by area attorney Matthew Ory. 

        On November 30, 2025, the Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office Violent Crimes Unit responded to the Ascension Parish Jail in reference to a battery. Detectives learned that during inmate medication distribution, an argument ensued between inmate Stacy Leblanc and inmate Charlie Stafford. At some point, Leblanc struck Stafford with a single closed fist strike resulting in Stafford falling to the ground and striking the back of his head on the concrete floor knocking him unconscious. Jail medical personnel and corrections officers rendered aid to Stafford, who was ultimately transported to an area hospital for treatment. On December 2, 2025, Stafford succumbed to his injuries. Leblanc, who was in custody for an unrelated incident was booked on the charge of Manslaughter in connection with Stafford’s death. 

          Upon the jury returning a guilty verdict, sentencing was deferred to a later date. Leblanc faces up to 40 years in state prison. Sentencing is tentatively set for December 7, 2026.