On July 6, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested Thomas Bourgeois, 33, of Marrero, for the alleged unlawful removal of crab trap contents. Agents also cited Denise Bourgeois, 26, of Marrero, and Scott Pipkins, 28, of Avondale for the same violation. While patrolling the Little Lake area of Jefferson Parish, agents saw the alleged violators empty the contents of several crab traps into Thomas Bourgeois' bass boat. When agents approached the boat, they found several dozen live blue crabs. Further investigation revealed that the three were running traps which belonged to a local commercial crab fisherman, who had not authorized them to run his traps. The crabs were released, and the 16-foot bass boat and motor were seized.Due to a flood of complaints of crab and crab trap theft, enforcement agents have increased their efforts to catch individuals stealing from others.  Agents will seize all equipment used in the commission of the crime of crab or crab trap theft.The penalties for unlawful removal of crab trap contents include fines of up to $750, up to 120 days in jail, or both, and forfeiture of anything seized in connection with the violation. Agents participating in the case were Lt. Allen Adam and Senior Agents Kris Bourgeois and Jeff Robinson.