A former Marion County Sheriff’s Office deputy, who was found guilty of manslaughter in connection with the 2024 shooting death of his girlfriend, has asked the judge to show leniency ahead of his sentencing.
In early October, a six-person jury found Leslie Boileau guilty of manslaughter with a firearm. The charge stemmed from a shooting incident on September 19, 2024, that claimed the life of his girlfriend, 25-year-old Polina Wright.
In a motion filed last week, Boileau’s attorney asked the judge to consider a lighter sentence. Specifically, the attorney mentioned that Boileau has no prior criminal history, and he has “shown genuine remorse.”
The attorney added that Boileau has “cooperated with law enforcement and the court, and has expressed accountability for the tragic outcome.”
Back on September 19, 2024, Ocala Police Department officers responded to a residence located in southeast Ocala, in the Highlands area, in reference to shots being fired. When the officers arrived at the home, they discovered an adult female victim, Wright, who was deceased from an apparent gunshot wound to her forehead, according to OPD.
The police department stated that a 9mm handgun was observed on Wright’s lap, and a rifle was spotted nearby.
According to police, Wright’s boyfriend, identified as Boileau, had contacted law enforcement advising that he “accidentally shot his girlfriend.”
While speaking with officers, Boileau claimed that he was “handling and dry-firing” several firearms with Wright when the accidental shooting occurred. He was taken into custody for further questioning.
OPD stated that Boileau told investigators that after returning home from dinner, he opened a package of gun cleaning supplies with Wright, and they both began cleaning their firearms. He claimed that a round “accidentally fired” while he was “demonstrating the use of a rifle.”
The discharged round proceeded to strike Wright’s forehead.
Following an investigation, Boileau was placed under arrest and booked into Marion County Jail.
The Marion County Sheriff’s Office promptly terminated Boileau’s employment. He had served as a deputy sheriff for 8 years, according to MCSO.
Boileau remains in custody while awaiting his prison sentence, which is expected to be at least 10 years due to the mandatory minimum penalty for his charge of manslaughter with a firearm.
A sentencing hearing for Boileau is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 14, 2025.