CHALMETTE MAN ARRESTED FOR CRAB TRAP THEFT

On July 2 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested Richard White, 48, of Chalmette, for alleged theft of crab traps, unlawful removal of contents from crab traps, and possession of stolen property of more than $100 in value. Agents responded to a complaint from a local commercial fisherman that White was transporting stolen traps by boat in the Bayou Bienvenue area of St. Bernard Parish. When agents arrived in the area, they stopped White and found him to be in possession of nine traps that belonged to other fishermen. All traps were in working order and each contained crabs. Agents arrested White in the presence of the alleged victims and seized his 16-foot boat and 15-horsepower outboard motor. White has an extensive record of violations of commercial fishing regulations.  The penalty for the unlawful removal of contents from traps and the theft of traps include fines of up to $750, jail for up to 120 days, or both for each offense. The penalty for possession of stolen property over $100 to less than $300 is a fine not exceeding $500, jail for up to six months, or both.  Agents participating in the case were Captain Brian Clark, Senior Agents Jeff Robinson, Todd Laviolette and Gary Pierce.