Story By: Shannon ThorntonPublished On: March 5, 2026 at 2:55 PM CST

Former Elayn Hunt major turns herself in to sheriff’s office for arrest

IBERVILLE PARISH — A former Elayn Hunt Correction Center (EHCC) employee turned herself in to the Iberville Parish Sheriff’s Office (IPSO) Thursday morning, facing charges including sexual conduct with a person in an institution.

According to IPSO, Francis Smith was arrested and charged with malfeasance in office; sexual conduct with a person in an institution. Smith had previously resigned from the rank of major on Sept. 12, 2025.

Smith’s arrest is the latest of arrests at the facility. Yesterday, another employee, Lieutenant Paula Leblanc, turned herself in to IPSO, facing charges of malfeasance in office.

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Shannon Thornton

Shannon has called Livingston Parish home for most of her life. Her passion for delivering truthful news began as a child, and she started her journalism career more than a decade ago at LSU. After a hiatus from journalism to focus on other writing and editing roles, she is excited to be back in the world of news. She lives with her pack of cuddly, rambunctious dogs.

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Former Elayn Hunt major turns herself in to sheriff’s office for arrest

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