Hearing recessed until Thursday at 1:30 p.m.
Judge James E. Lagomarsino is reviewing a request for shock probation that could allow Leah
Blackard, former Executive Director of the Navarro Council of the Arts and the Palace Theatre,
to serve the remainder of her 10-year prison sentence under supervised probation.
The motion was heard Tuesday in Navarro County’s 13th District Court in a packed courtroom,
with several community members in attendance as the case continues to draw local attention.
Blackard was sentenced on September 17 after being convicted of theft of property exceeding
$300,000. As part of the sentence, she was ordered to pay $450,000 in restitution.
The case has drawn significant attention locally due to Blackard’s former leadership role with the Navarro Council of the Arts and the Palace Theatre, organizations closely connected to the
county’s arts and cultural programs.
During Tuesday’s hearing, the defense requested that the court grant shock probation.
Kerri Donica, representing Blackard, submitted a written statement from Blackard’s therapist in support of the request.
Initially, the state indicated it had no motion opposing the request for shock probation.
However, after reviewing the therapist’s letter submitted by the defense, the state objected to the letter being admitted into the record and requested an opportunity to speak again with the defendant.
Donica also presented a $50,000 check toward the court-ordered restitution during the hearing.
Prior to Tuesday’s proceedings, $100,000 had already been delivered to the Navarro County
District Attorney’s Office toward the restitution order.
Following arguments from both sides, Lagomarsino indicated the court would review the request for shock probation before making a decision.
The court has not yet ruled on the motion.
Proceedings were recessed until Thursday at 1:30
p.m., when the court will continue reviewing the request and determine whether the original ten-
year sentence will stand or be modified.
Jennifer Combs Investigative Reporter NavCo Chronicle