Former deputy back in court on more drug charges

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — A former New Hanover County Sheriff’s deputy sentenced to prison last year after pleading guilty to dozens of crimes is due back in court today to face new charges.

Joey LeBlanc is set to make a first appearance after investigators reportedly found a stash of drugs after his October conviction, according to officials. LeBlanc admitted to drug charges and other crimes including forgery and embezzlement after stealing drugs that were evidence in criminal investigations. The father of three is now serving a more than four-year prison sentence for his crimes.

LeBlanc was assistant commander of the sheriff’s Vice and Narcotics Division when he was fired in June 2013 after detectives from the unit noticed some irregularities with LeBlanc and reported them to the captain. Prosecutors said LeBlanc had been stealing evidence from the county for two years.

LeBlanc is due in court at 2 p.m. We will have more details tonight on WWAY NewsChannel 3.