Attorney General Liz Murrill today announced several key leadership changes within the Louisiana Department of Justice aimed at strengthening operations across the agency.

After many years of dedicated public service to the State of Louisiana and the Department of Justice, Criminal Division Director Leon Cannizzaro retired on June 1, 2026.

During this transition period, Executive Counsel John Sinquefield will serve as Interim Director of the Criminal Division. Sinquefield brings decades of experience as a former prosecutor and has served under multiple Attorneys General.

New Orleans Section Chief and Assistant Attorney General Daniel Smart and Assistant Attorney General Heather Hendrix will co-manage the New Orleans office during this period.

Additionally, Chief Deputy Attorney General Larry Frieman will transition from Chief Deputy into the role of Director of Legislative Affairs to focus full-time on legislative affairs. This transition aligns closely with Frieman’s governmental experience as a former legislator. Over the past three years, Frieman has played a key role in advancing the Department’s legislative initiatives and has successfully guided 39 bills into law.

Natalie LaBorde will assume the role of Chief Deputy Attorney General. LaBorde has extensive experience in state government administration, large-scale program administration, legislative affairs, intergovernmental affairs, and litigation. Prior to joining the Louisiana Department of Justice in November 2024 as Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General, LaBorde served for nine years as Deputy Assistant Secretary and Executive Counsel for the Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections, a state agency comprised of approximately 5,000 employees and an annual operating budget of $950 million.

In that dual role, LaBorde oversaw an expansive portfolio including Department litigation, regulation and policy development, intake and release records management, reentry services grants, media communications, and legislative affairs. She also served in several senior roles in the administration of Governor Bobby Jindal, including Criminal Policy Advisor, Deputy Chief of Staff, and Assistant Executive Counsel.

Attorney General Murrill said, “Natalie’s broad experience in state government and commitment to public service make her well suited to serve in the role of Chief Deputy.”

“All these leadership changes position the Louisiana Department of Justice to continue strengthening public safety, aggressively enforcing the law, holding criminals accountable, and serving the people of Louisiana with excellence, accountability, and integrity,” said Attorney General Liz Murrill.

Attorney General Murrill’s priorities moving forward remain focused on:

CRIME

- Combating violent crime, fraud, abuse, and public corruption

- Supporting law enforcement and strengthening public safety 

STATE SOVEREIGNTY

- Protecting Louisiana’s sovereignty and constitutional rights 

VICTIMS’ RIGHTS

- Protecting Louisiana’s children and future generations 

- Expanding advocacy and support for victims statewide

All changes to Attorney General Murrill’s executive team became effective on June 2, 2026.