After nearly three decades of dedicated service to Plaquemines Parish, Jerry Lobrano is retiring from the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office, leaving behind a legacy defined by integrity, commitment, and compassion for his community.
Jerry’s journey began at Jesuit High School, where he graduated in 1986. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Tulane University in 1990, followed by his Juris Doctorate in 1993. That same year, he was admitted to practice law in Louisiana and began his career as an associate with W. Eric Lundin, III and the Plaquemines Parish Public Defender’s Office, serving from 1993 to 1996. In October 1996, Jerry joined the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office, where he would spend the next 29 years making an indelible impact.
Throughout his tenure, Jerry handled every type of case imaginable—from serious felonies to traffic violations. However, in 1999, after the birth of his second son, he shifted his focus exclusively to misdemeanors and Wildlife & Fisheries cases, ensuring justice was served with fairness and respect. Known for his approachable nature and trademark phrase, “DAT RITE,” Jerry became a beloved figure among colleagues and the community alike.
One of Jerry’s most enduring contributions has been his role as the longest-running prosecutor to teach Project LEAD to the schoolchildren of Plaquemines Parish. Through this program, he educated countless students about the legal system, the importance of making good choices, and the value of civic responsibility—leaving a lasting impression on future generations.
As Jerry reflects on his career, he shares a personal milestone: his oldest son, Robert Lobrano, recently joined the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff’s Office as a deputy, and his youngest son, Charles Lobrano, just joined the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney. “After almost 30 years of public service, I’m ready to pass the torch to them so they can create their own legacy in public service,” Jerry says with pride.
As Jerry steps into retirement, the office welcomes Sarah Ansardi Tesvich as the new First Assistant District Attorney. Sarah brings energy, experience, and a deep commitment to the people of Plaquemines Parish, where she has been a lifelong resident. A graduate of Ursuline Academy (2009), Sarah earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2013 and her Juris Doctorate from Loyola University New Orleans in 2016. She began her career with the Jefferson Parish District Attorney’s Office before she joined the Plaquemines Parish District Attorney’s Office in 2017 and quickly distinguished herself as a skilled prosecutor.
Sarah currently handles all misdemeanors in Division B and prosecutes felonies in Divisions A & B. Sarah is passionate about teaching Project LEAD, a commitment she continues year after year in Plaquemines Parish schools. She previously had served as the prosecutor for the 25th Judicial District Drug Court Program. Her appointment as First Assistant District Attorney marks a new chapter for the office. “It is an honor to be assigned this position,” Sarah says. “I look forward to continuing to serve my community with dedication and integrity.”
Jerry’s retirement is bittersweet for those who have worked alongside him, but his influence will endure through the example he set and the relationships he built. As Sarah steps into her new role, the office remains committed to the values Jerry championed—justice, fairness, and service.
Congratulations to Jerry on a well-earned retirement, and to Sarah on this exciting new opportunity.
Pictured: District Attorney Charles J. Ballay, Clerk of Court Kim Vaughn Turlich, 1st Assistant District Attorney Sarah Ansardi Tesvich and Ante Tesvich
Pictured; Clerk of Court Kim Turlich Vaughn and 1st Assistant Sarah Ansardi Tesvich (background) District Attorney Charles J. Ballay
Pictured: District Attorney Charles J. Ballay, Clerk of Court Kim Turlich Vaughn, 1st Assistant District Attorney Sarah Ansardi Tesvich, Ante Tesvich, Chief Deputy Lon Boudreaux, PPSO, President Keith Hinkley, PPG
Pictured: John and Jane Tesvich, 1st Assistant District Attorney Sarah Ansardi Tesvich, Ante Tesvich, Danica Ansardi and Tray Ansardi
Pictured (LtoR):
District Attorney Charles J. Ballay, Donna Prest, Chanda Barthelemy, Lorene Yuratich, Sarah LeBlanc, 1st Assistant Sarah Ansardi Tesvich, Nadia Cognevich, Victoria May, Rae Riley and form 1st Assistant District Attorney Jerry J. Lobrano
