You’ve seen the videos. The loud, infectious "Put it on a cracker!" catchphrase. The massive pots of crawfish. The heavy Cajun accent that makes you want to book a flight to Louisiana immediately. But behind the viral TikTok fame of Justin Chiasson, better known as Stalekracker, there’s a much more complicated history involving a badge, a uniform, and a boating accident that changed everything.
If you search for a stalekracker state trooper picture, you’ll likely find two versions of the man. One is the boisterous chef in overalls and sunglasses. The other is a clean-cut Louisiana State Trooper in a formal uniform, representing a 19-year career in law enforcement that ended abruptly in early 2023.
It's kinda wild how fast things can shift from "Money, Dude!" to legal battles.
The Story Behind the Stalekracker State Trooper Picture
The image of Justin Chiasson in his Louisiana State Police (LSP) uniform isn't just a throwback; it represents nearly two decades of his life. Before the world knew him for his jambalaya, he was a veteran officer earning over $84,000 a year. He wasn't just a hobbyist with a badge. He was a long-term member of the force, having been hired back in September 2004.
The disconnect between his "everyman" bayou persona and his role as a State Trooper became a massive talking point when news broke that he was under investigation.
💡 You might also like: Eric Andre and Amber Rose: What Really Happened Between the Comedian and the Icon
In July 2022, Chiasson was a passenger on a boat operated by Bryan Nolan in Assumption Parish. The boat collided with another vessel carrying nine people. Instead of staying to render aid—an act most people expect from a law enforcement officer, even off-duty—the boat fled the scene.
Victims, including Jodi Sheets, described the terror of seeing the boat approach and then disappear into the night. Sheets later expressed her frustration to local news, questioning why Chiasson didn't use his training to help.
He didn't call for help. He didn't report the wreck.
Why the Picture Surfaces in News Cycles
Whenever a social media star faces legal trouble, the public goes looking for the "official" side of them. The stalekracker state trooper picture serves as a stark contrast to the carefree, beer-sipping character he plays on TikTok.
LSP eventually placed Chiasson on leave in October 2022, three months after the crash. Why the delay? Colonel Lamar Davis stated that the agency was waiting for the administrative investigation to progress. But the optics were tough.
His wife, Amy Chiasson, took to social media to defend him, claiming he was a victim of the crash himself and suffered broken ribs. She alleged he was only placed on leave because he refused to take a polygraph test, famously stating he "wasn't taking his lieutenant down with him."
This added a layer of "blue wall of silence" drama to the whole cooking influencer narrative.
The Firing and the Fallout
On January 6, 2023, the Louisiana State Police officially terminated Justin Chiasson. The reasons weren't just about being on the boat. They cited violations of the LSP code of conduct, specifically "conduct unbecoming of an officer" and "making false statements."
He lost a career of 19 years just short of a full 20-year retirement.
👉 See also: Rebbie Jackson Siblings: What Most People Get Wrong About the First Family of Pop
Some fans on Reddit and TikTok claim he later "won" his case and got his pension back, but the official record from early 2023 was a termination. In various podcast appearances, Chiasson has alluded to legal victories and fighting the system, but the stigma of the hit-and-run incident remains a point of contention among those who followed the story closely.
Misconceptions vs. Reality
- Misconception: He was the one driving the boat.
- Reality: He was a passenger. However, as a State Trooper, he was held to a higher standard regarding the duty to report an accident.
- Misconception: He was fired immediately.
- Reality: It took six months from the date of the accident for the termination to become official.
Honestly, the whole situation is a messy blend of Louisiana "good ol' boy" politics and the modern era of social media accountability.
Moving Forward: From the Badge to the Bayou
Since leaving the force, Chiasson has leaned 100% into the Stalekracker brand. He’s not a trooper anymore. He’s a businessman. He sells "Da Cajun Two Step" seasoning, has millions of followers, and has appeared on major networks like Tasty and Delish.
For many of his fans, the stalekracker state trooper picture is a footnote. They don't care about the LSP conduct codes; they care about how to season a brisket. But for the victims of that July night on the water, the uniform in that picture represents a broken oath.
If you’re looking into this story, here are the actionable steps to stay informed on how these types of public-figure controversies play out:
💡 You might also like: Matt Lauer and Annette Roque: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes
- Check Local News Outlets: For specific details on Louisiana law enforcement, WBRZ in Baton Rouge has the most extensive investigative reporting on Chiasson’s personnel files.
- Verify Pension Claims: Public records regarding state employee pensions are often subject to appeals; if you hear he "won his job back," look for official LSP press releases rather than TikTok comments.
- Monitor Legal Filings: Administrative law cases for state employees often take years to fully resolve in the court system.
The transition from a 19-year career in law enforcement to a full-time internet celebrity is rare. It’s even rarer when that transition is sparked by a controversial exit. Whether you see him as a Cajun icon or a former officer who skirted responsibility, the history behind that trooper photo is a core part of the Stalekracker story.