Amid reports from WBRZ's investigative unit about problems in the prison system, Landry appoints a new corrections director

BATON ROUGE – Gov. Jeff Landry on Thursday promoted a deputy secretary to be the new head of the state Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Gary Westcott replaces James LeBlanc, who left the post last week for health reasons. Landry told WBRZ's Investigative Unit on Monday that he asked state police to investigate the prison department because of allegations of rampant drug problems at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Facility in St. Gabriel.

Westcott most recently served as deputy secretary of the Department of Corrections.

“At a time when public safety is the top priority for the citizens of our state, I can think of no one better than Gary Westcott to lead the Department of Public Safety and Corrections. He has the leadership skills, experience and knowledge needed to ensure this department operates efficiently and effectively,” Landry said in a statement.

Westcott worked for the prison system's probation and parole department for 29 years before retiring in 2020. He then served as the Iberia Parish prison warden until earlier this year. He has also been a volleyball coach at Catholic High of New Iberia since 2017.

In February, Landry appointed him deputy secretary of the Department of Corrections.

“Governor Landry has made it abundantly clear that overhauling our prison system and improving public safety is of paramount importance. I am honored by his confidence in me to fulfill this task, and I look forward to getting to work,” Westcott said.

WBRZ's Investigative Unit has reported in recent days that drug use is widespread at Elayn Hunt Prison.

“Over the weekend, I had a number of conversations with Colonel Hodges (of the State Police) and directed her to initiate an investigation into the allegations contained in the WBRZ report and other reports arising from this particular story,” Landry said Monday.