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TWO ARRESTED FOR CRAB THEFT VIOLATIONS
MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS SENTENCED IN LOUISIANA FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE
LACEY ACT
L.D.W.F. AGENT HONORED BY VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
PRO
ANGLER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHEATING IN BASSMASTER TOURNAMENT
EVANGELINE PARISH L.D.W.F. AGENT RECEIVES STATE WILD
TURKEY FEDERATION AWARD
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES MEDIA ADVISORY – ENFORCEMENT
ACADEMY GRADUATION
OYSTER FISHERMEN CITED FOR TAKING UNDERSIZED OYSTERS
TWO MEN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING IN JACKSON PARISH
METAIRIE MAN CITED FOR FEDERAL HUNTING VIOLATIONS
OUACHITA PARISH MAN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING
OUACHITA PARISH MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL HUNTING
L.D.W.F. AGENTS CITE THREE MEN IN ACADIA PARISH FOR
MULTIPLE MIGRATORY BIRD VIOLATIONS
LONGVILLE MAN LITTERS NATURAL SCENIC RIVER
GOOSE HUNT LEADS TO CITATIONS AND ARREST
L.D.W.F. AGENTS CITE LASALLE PARISH MAN FOR POSSESSION OF
OVER LIMIT OF DEER
TWO ARRESTED FOR CRAB THEFT VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested two Iberia Parish men for crab trap violations on Jan. 31.
Jory Paul Bourque, 30, and Jay C. Colletti, 35, both from New Iberia were
arrested for removing the contents of crab traps without the owner's
permission. Agents patrolling East Cote Blanche Bay near the Marsh Island
Wildlife Management Area apprehended Bourque and Colletti after receiving
complaints about them from other fishermen. The agents watched the two
remove crabs from traps that did not belong to them.
Bourque and Colletti were booked into the Iberia Parish jail and bond was
set at $5,000 each. The penalty for removing the contents from crab traps
is a fine between $400-$750, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court
costs.
Agents participating in the case were Senior Agents Keith Delahoussaye,
Layne Picard and Lonnie Campbell, and Agent Justin Sonnier.
MISSISSIPPI RESIDENTS SENTENCED IN LOUISIANA FOR VIOLATIONS OF THE LACEY ACT
Terry's Seafood Inc., of Lakeshore, Miss. was sentenced for a single count
felony violation of the Lacey Act in United States District Court, Eastern
District of Louisiana by United States District Judge Eldon E. Fallon on
Aug. 22, 2005.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division
agents from the Oyster Strike Force and Region 8 along with U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service Special Agents documented a scheme of Lacey Act violations.
In 2002, commercial fisherman Raymond Green took oysters from Louisiana
public oyster reefs and unlawfully transported the oysters for the purpose
of sale from Louisiana to Mississippi. The oysters were then landed at
Terry's Seafood Inc. in Lakeshore, Miss, which is in violation of Louisiana
law.
Approximately 10 different dates of sale were documented by USFWS and LDWF
agents including a total of 679 sacks of oysters that had a total retail
value of $17,654. Terry's Seafood Inc. and owner Keath Ladner received and
purchased the oysters while knowing that the oysters were required by
Louisiana law to be landed in Louisiana.
On Nov. 29, 2005, Ladner and Green were each sentenced for separate single
count misdemeanor violations of the Lacey Act in United States District
Court, Eastern District of Louisiana by U.S. Magistrate Judge Alma Chasez.
Ladner of Bay St. Louis, Miss. was sentenced to home detention for a period
of one month. Ladner was also sentenced to probation for a period of two
years. Green of Lakeshore, Miss. was sentenced to probation for a period of
one year.
As an additional probation term, Ladner and Green were ordered to
participate in an orientation and life skills program as directed by the
U.S. Probation Office. They were also both ordered to pay a mandatory $25
special assessment fee.
Terry's Seafood Inc. was ordered to pay a fine of $2,500 and also ordered to
pay $17,654 in restitution to the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries
Foundation. In addition, Terry's Seafood Inc. was ordered to pay a
mandatory special assessment fee in the amount of $400 and serve a term of
probation for a period of three years. Total amount of fines, restitution
and special assessment fees paid by Terry's Seafood Inc. was $20,554.
LDWF agents participating in the investigation were Capt. Brian Clark, Lt.
Steve McManus, Sgts. Todd Laviolette, Brian Marie and Scot Keller, Senior
Agents Desi Fulmer, Kris Bourgeois, David Nunez and Ronnie Granier. USFWS
Special Agents that participated in the case were Stephen Clark and Bill
Mellore. Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian Marcelle handled the prosecution of
all subjects.
L.D.W.F. AGENT HONORED BY VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS
The Department of Louisiana Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) honored Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division Sgt. Darren Bruce
from West Carroll Parish with a "Law Enforcement Officers of the Year" award
on Jan. 28.
Bruce was one of three enforcement officers selected from various law
enforcement agencies across the state for this prestigious award.
Law Enforcement Division Administrator Col. Winton Vidrine commended Bruce
on his award. "Sgt. Bruce is a dedicated law enforcement officer and is
respected throughout his community for his professional service to the
public. We are proud to have him as one of our officers."
The award presentation occurred in conjunction with the Veterans of Foreign
Wars, Mid-Winter Conference in Alexandria under the direction of VFW
Commander Tom Kijak. Bruce had previously been honored as a Morehouse
Parish Officer of the year in March 2005 at the Bastrop VFW Post, which led
him to the state competition.
Bruce is an eight-year veteran of the LDWF Enforcement Division and received
the award for his outstanding service and job performance. VFW Junior
Vice-Commander Clayton DeFreese Jr., VFW Post 2277 of Bastrop, presented
Bruce with the award.
PRO ANGLER PLEADS GUILTY TO CHEATING IN BASSMASTER TOURNAMENT
A Lee's Summit, Mo. man pled guilty to contest fraud on Jan. 25, 2006 in
Natchitoches Parish for cheating during a Bassmaster fishing tournament on
the Red River in November.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested Paul E. Tormanen, 39, on Nov. 11, 2005 after he weighed in a black
bass at the CITGO Bassmaster Central Open. The fish had been caught prior
to the tournament.
B.A.S.S. officials had alerted LDWF agents to the possibility of contest
fraud after they were contacted by a fisherman who had snagged one of the
fish while practicing for the upcoming event.
Agents secretly marked the fish and returned it to the stump where it had
been found. On Nov. 10, Tormanen brought the marked fish to the scales at
the Grand Ecore boat launch and had it officially weighed in to count toward
the total weight of his catch. B.A.S.S. officials informed agents and the
investigation continued. After weighing in his next days catch, Tormanen
was questioned by agents. He admitted to catching several bass before the
tournament and tying them to stumps in order to weigh them in during the
tournament.
Judge Eric Harrington from the 10th Judicial District accepted Tormanen's
guilty plea and issued a suspended sentence of six months in the parish
jail, fined him $588.50 and placed him on probation for two years. In
addition, Harrington ordered Tormanen to perform 120 hours of community
service through an approved wildlife and fisheries organization and banned
him from participating in any fishing tournament where prizes are awarded
during the period of his probation. Harrington also ordered Tormanen to pay
restitution in the amount of $3,000 to B.A.S.S., LLC.
Agents participating in the case were Lt. Richie McCarthy, Lt. Bill Tyree,
Sgts. Chuck Dison and Patrick Staggs and Senior Agents Eric Droddy and Billy
Shoemaker. Natchitoches Parish District Attorney Van Kysar prosecuted the
case.
EVANGELINE PARISH L.D.W.F. AGENT RECEIVES STATE WILD
TURKEY FEDERATION AWARD
The National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Louisiana state chapter recently
honored an Evangeline Parish Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
(LDWF) Enforcement Division senior agent as their 2005 "Louisiana
Enforcement Officer of the Year" on Jan. 28.
Senior Agent Scott Fontenot was presented with a plaque at an awards
ceremony conducted at the NWTF state banquet in Marksville. LDWF Secretary
Dwight Landreneau also attended the event and joined the NWTF in
congratulating Fontenot.
Fontenot was nominated for his all-around achievements as a LDWF agent, with
special emphasis on wild turkey enforcement. He patrols the Westbay
Wildlife Management Area in Allen Parish, which holds a large population of
turkeys that continue to thrive. He also oversees protection of a
flourishing population of turkeys in northern Evangeline Parish, and has
been successful in addressing problems with baiting violations. Sportsmen
are reporting increasing populations of turkeys in areas where they have not
been seen before.
Louisiana's NWTF state chapter annually recognizes a LDWF agent by
soliciting a nominee from the LDWF Enforcement Division. Some of the
criteria include professionalism, dependability, investigative skills and
outstanding activities.
As the 2005 award recipient, Fontenot will represent Louisiana at the 30th
annual NWTF Convention in Nashville, Tenn. on Feb. 23-26.
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES MEDIA ADVISORY – ENFORCEMENT
ACADEMY GRADUATION
EVENT: 19th Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Law
Enforcement Academy Graduation
WHEN: Friday, Feb. 3, 2006 - 10 a.m.
** Photo opportunities will be available at 9 a.m., during and following the
ceremonies.
WHERE: Louisiana Room, LDWF Headquarters Building, 2000 Quail Drive, Baton
Rouge, LA 70808.
BACKGROUND: The graduation will add 15 new agents to the Enforcement
Division following six months of training. The event will include the
history of the Law Enforcement Academy, presentation of awards and the Oath
of Office ceremony. LDWF Undersecretary Janice Lansing will be the keynote
speaker.
OYSTER FISHERMEN CITED FOR TAKING UNDERSIZED OYSTERS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited four oyster fishermen on Jan. 27 in Plaquemines Parish for alleged
commercial oyster violations.
Josip Piacun, 50, of Metairie, and Carlos A. Mejia, 30, Walter F. Cerrato,
29, and Jenrry A. Canizales, 31, all of Houston, Texas were cited for taking
undersized oysters.
Agents were patrolling in response to complaints of fishermen taking
undersized oysters when they observed the subjects dredging for oysters in
Bay Crabe. During a routine vessel inspection, agents found the subjects in
possession of oysters, of which more than 15 percent were under the legal
size limit of 3 inches. Oyster fishermen are allowed a 15 percent tolerance
of undersized oysters. Two hundred sacks of oysters were returned to the
water.
Taking undersized oysters from a natural reef carries a fine up to $350,
imprisonment up to 60 days, or both plus court costs. Upon conviction, the
subjects may be required to take oysters only from vessels equipped with an
approved vessel monitoring system.
Agents participating in the investigation were Lt. Steve McManus, Sgts.
Brian Marie and Scott Keller and Senior Agents Ronnie Granier, Eddie Skena
and Roy Pier.
TWO MEN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING IN JACKSON PARISH
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited two Louisiana Tech University students for hunting deer during illegal
hours, hunting from a moving vehicle, and hunting and spotlighting from a
public road on Jan. 19.
Sam T. Brimer, 21, of Princeton and Joshua C. Elliott, 18, of Benton were
cited after agents watched them shine a spotlight shortly after 10 p.m. into
a new clear-cut on Hwy 144, southwest of Calhoun in Jackson Parish. Agents
stopped the vehicle, driven by Elliot and located a loaded Marlin .17 HMR
rifle and the spotlight. When questioned, both Elliot and Brimer admitted
to hunting. The rifle and spotlight were seized as evidence.
The penalty for hunting deer during illegal hours is a fine from
$900-to-$950, or 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs. Hunting from a
moving vehicle brings a fine between $250 and $500, or not more than 90 days
in jail, or both plus court costs. The penalty for hunting from a public
road is a fine from $100-to-$350, or up to 60 days in jail, or both plus
court costs. Spotlighting from a public road has a fine of $50, or jail
time up to 30 days or both
Agents involved in the case are Sgt. Lane Kincaid and Agent Stan House.
METAIRIE MAN CITED FOR FEDERAL HUNTING VIOLATIONS
Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division cited a Jefferson Parish man for taking over the limit of ducks,
hunting ducks during illegal hours, hunting ducks with a shotgun capable of
holding more than three shells and failing to comply with non-toxic shot
regulations on Jan. 8.
Joshua P. Bodenheimer, 21, of Metairie was cited after agents allegedly
observed him taking wood ducks after legal shooting hours near LaPlace in
St. John Parish. Agents found Bodenheimer in possession of three wood
ducks, lead shot shotgun shells and a 12-gauge shotgun capable of holding
more than three shells.
These are all violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and have been
referred to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for prosecution in federal
court. For each conviction the penalty is a fine up to $15,000, and jail
time up to 6 months or both.
Agents involved in this case were Sgt. Davis Madere, and Agents Ed Ridgel
and Robert Turner.
OUACHITA PARISH MAN CITED FOR NIGHT HUNTING
A Ouachita Parish man was cited by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division agents on for two counts each of hunting deer
during illegal hours, hunting from a moving vehicle, hunting from a public
road and discharging a firearm from a public road on Jan. 11.
Derryl L. Price, 41, of West Monroe, was cited after agents received night
hunting complaints on Jan. 9 and 11 from Johnson Road, located in northwest
Ouachita Parish. Agents responded to Johnson Road on both days after
residents in the area reported hearing shots in the early morning hours.
Agents located evidence of night hunting on both days.
Agents received another complaint that the suspect's vehicle was parked on
the shoulder of Johnson Road and a man was in the woods in the immediate
area where evidence was located earlier in the day on the afternoon of Jan.
11. Agents located the vehicle a short time later and made contact with
Price and questioned him. They obtained a warrant to search his residence
and found a Remington .270 caliber rifle hidden in a flowerbed. After the
agents located the rifle, Price confessed to night hunting on Johnson Road
and also provided agents with a written voluntary statement. The rifle,
spotlight and deer meat were seized as evidence. The deer meat was later
donated to charity.
The penalty for hunting deer illegal hours is a fine between $900 and $950,
or up to 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs. The penalty for
hunting from a moving vehicle is a fine from $250-to-$500, or jail time up
to 90 days, or both plus court costs. Hunting from a public road has a fine
from $100-to-$350 or jail time up to 60 days, or both plus court costs. The
penalty for discharging a firearm from a public road is a fine up to $50
dollars, or jail time up to 30 days or both.
Agents involved in the case are Capt. Alan Bankston, Sgt. Duane Taylor,
Senior Agent Thomas Risser and Agent Stan House.
OUACHITA PARISH MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGAL HUNTING
An Ouachita Parish man pled guilty in the 3rd District Court in Union Parish
for illegal hunting charges on Jan. 18.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited Scott Allen Bass, 24, of Monroe after agents received a complaint from
another hunter that witnessed the illegal hunting. The witness saw a truck,
in which Bass was a passenger, stop along Hwy 549 west of Marion. The
driver of the truck then shot a deer from the road.
Agents located the truck a short time later on the Union Wildlife Management
Area and questioned Bass. Bass confessed to being involved in the incident
and provided agents with a voluntary written statement. Bass is scheduled
for sentencing on March 22. The driver of the truck, Rodney Dale Austin
Jr., 24, of Monroe was also cited. He pled not guilty and is awaiting
trial.
The penalty for hunting from a moving vehicle is a fine from $250-to-$500,
and jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. The penalty for
hunting from a public road is a fine between $100 and $350, or jail time up
to 60 days, or both plus court costs.
Agents involved in the case were Sgts. Jimmy Vining and Mike Murray.
L.D.W.F. AGENTS CITE THREE MEN IN ACADIA PARISH FOR
MULTIPLE MIGRATORY BIRD VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited three men in Acadia Parish for allegedly violating the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act on Jan. 18. The agents seized a total of 25 wood ducks and three
mallards.
Agents cited Joshua Celestine, 27, of Elton and Scott Leger, 31, and Gene
Leckelt, 24, both from Eunice for hunting ducks from a moving motorboat,
taking or possessing over the limit of ducks, violating non-toxic shot
requirements, failing to maintain custody of ducks in the field, and flight
from an officer. In addition, Leger and Leckelt were cited for hunting
ducks or geese without a state migratory hunting license and federal
migratory stamp. Leckelt was also cited for hunting ducks or geese without
a state basic hunting license.
Agents were responding to a complaint of three men hunting ducks from a
motorboat on Bayou Des Cannes when they encountered the three subjects.
When the agents tried to make contact, the three men sped off in the boat.
Leger and Celestine were soon apprehended, and agents found a sack
containing 26 ducks and two other ducks in the mens' possession. Leckelt
later surrendered to agents. The three admitted to killing and discarding
the ducks.
The penalty for each violation of the Migratory Treaty Act is a fine up to
$15,000, up to six months in jail or both. Flight from an officer carries a
fine of $150 to $500 or jail time up to six months or both.
Agents participating in this case were Lt. Robert Buatt, Sgt. Kane Thomas
and Agent Donald Murray.
LONGVILLE MAN LITTERS NATURAL SCENIC RIVER
On Jan. 23, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents cited a Longville man for allegedly littering on Barnes
Creek, which is listed as one of Louisiana's Natural Scenic Rivers.
Brandon Harris, 18, was cited for gross littering and for littering a
natural scenic river by allegedly dumping 14 bags of trash into Barnes Creek
in Beauregard Parish.
Police Juryman Vance Whittington notified agents that he had discovered the
trash on the river banks at the Barnes Creek Park in Longville. Agents
conducted an investigation through which the trash was linked back to
Harris.
Harris admitted to dumping the trash at the park. Because Barnes Creek is
designated by the state legislature as a Natural Scenic River, it is
protected by special laws dedicated to the preservation of these waterways.
The penalty for gross littering is a fine up to $5,000, up to 100 hours of
community service, jail for up to 30 days, possible driver's license
suspension for up to one year plus court costs. Littering a Natural Scenic
River carries a fine of up to $500, or up to 90 days in jail, or both plus
court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. David Liles, Sgt. Keith Aucoin
and Lt. Jesse Savoie.
GOOSE HUNT LEADS TO CITATIONS AND ARREST
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited two men in Vermilion Parish for violations of the Migratory Bird
Treaty Act on Jan. 18.
Agents cited Glennward Smith Jr., 23, and James Thomas Bruton, 34, both from
Kaplan, for allegedly hunting geese with the aid of a vehicle and with
unplugged shotguns and for hunting migratory game birds without a basic
hunting license, state duck stamp and federal duck stamp. Bruton was also
cited for using lead shot.
While investigating a complaint of persons shooting geese with the use of a
vehicle, agents encountered Smith and Bruton after they shot into a flock of
geese near Chestnut Road, west of Kaplan. The investigation revealed that
the men had used a vehicle to approach a flock of geese and that neither had
the licenses or stamps required to hunt geese. One blue goose was seized
and donated to charity.
In addition, agents arrested Bruton for possession of a firearm by a
convicted felon. He was booked into the Vermilion Parish jail and bond was
set at $5,000.
The penalty for each violation of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act is a fine up
to $15,000, or jail for up to six months or both. The penalty for
possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is imprisonment with hard labor
between 10 and 15 years without the benefit of probation, parole or
suspension of sentence and also a fine between $1,000 and $5,000.
Agents participating in the investigation were Lt. Robert Buatt, Senior
Agents Lonnie Campbell and Layne Picard, and Agent Justin Sonnier.
L.D.W.F. AGENTS CITE LASALLE PARISH MAN FOR POSSESSION OF OVER LIMIT OF DEER
Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division cited an Olla man for allegedly taking two antlered deer on Jan.
21.
Agents cited Jeffrey Jerome Kirkham, 44, after receiving information that
Kirkham had taken an 8-point buck earlier that day and was hunting again.
After finding the first buck, agents were able to locate Kirkham and found
him to be in possession of a second 8-point buck he had taken that
afternoon.
Kirkham was hunting near the Mississippi River when he took the two bucks.
The daily limit for deer is one antlered and one antlerless deer per day.
Both deer were seized and donated to charity. Taking or possessing over the
limit of deer is punishable by a fine up to $500, jail time up to 90 days,
or both plus court costs.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Larry May and Sr. Agent Joe
Chandler Jr. |
