Repeat offender in Orange receives federal prison sentence after firing into crowd during chaotic boat ramp incident
Orange, Texas – An Orange man has been sentenced to more than 13 years in federal prison after opening fire during a large disturbance at a local boat ramp and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The sentencing was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr.
John Marion LeBlanc, 45, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced on May 27, 2025, by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone to 162 months in federal prison.
The incident that led to LeBlanc’s arrest took place on October 29, 2023, when law enforcement responded to a reported disturbance at the Orange Boat Ramp on Pier Road. Upon arriving at the scene, officers encountered a large crowd and a chaotic scene involving multiple vehicles. As they approached, officers heard gunshots and witnessed several muzzle flashes in the crowd.
One individual at the scene had been shot in the arm. “Video surveillance footage shows LeBlanc arrive at the boat ramp parking lot and fire a pistol in the crowd.” Other people also fired shots during the chaos. As officers moved in, surveillance footage captured LeBlanc tossing his firearm into a grassy area nearby, where police later recovered it.
A deeper investigation into LeBlanc’s background revealed that he had eight prior felony convictions, including two federal drug trafficking offenses. As a result, under federal law, he was prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition.
LeBlanc’s sentence serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for repeat offenders who continue to illegally possess firearms, especially in dangerous public settings.
