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TEXAS FISHERMAN CITED FOR RED SNAPPER LIMIT AND SIZE VIOLATIONS
WILDLIFE AGENTS RESCUE FISHERMAN ON TOLEDO BEND
AGENTS HAVE BUSY WEEKEND WITH LITTER-BUGS
RECREATIONAL LICENSES TO EXPIRE
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR BAYOU PIERRE
WMA LOTTERY DOVE HUNT
AGENTS CITE EARLY FROGGERS
GALLIANO COUPLE CITED FOR BLOCKING PASSAGE OF FISH
AGENT RESCUES THREE VERMILLION PARISH MEN FROM THE GULF OF
MEXICO
WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT AGENT HONORED AS OUTSTANDING
OFFICER
RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN ORDERED TO PAY FINES OVER $20,000
UNDERCOVER LDWF AGENTS NAB THREE MEN
RECREATIONAL FISHERMAN ARRESTED IN ORLEANS PARISH
GONZALES MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF STOLEN CRAB TRAPS
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES MEDIA ADVISORY
GUILTY VERDICT IN JEFFERSON PARISH OYSTER CASE
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK BEGINS WITH DWI ARREST IN
JEFFERSON PARISH
THEFT OF CRABS SENDS THREE TO
JAIL
TEXAS FISHERMAN CITED FOR RED SNAPPER LIMIT AND SIZE VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division
agents cited a Beaumont, Texas, man for allegedly violating federal fishery
regulations for possession of undersized red snapper and for being over the
legal limit on June 15.
Charles Huckaby, 62, was seen fishing approximately 16 miles southeast of
Sabine Pass in the Gulf of Mexico, and was found in possession of 18 red
snapper under the minimum recreational size limit of 16 inches. The legal
limit for red snapper is four per person per day.
The agents were working in federal waters under a Joint Enforcement
Agreement between the National Marine Fisheries Service and the LDWF
Enforcement Division. The violations will be filed through the National
Marine Fisheries Service, and the fish are being held for evidence.
Agents participating in this case were Sgt. David Sanford, and Agents Aaron
Herpin and Jason Stagg.
WILDLIFE AGENTS RESCUE FISHERMAN ON TOLEDO BEND
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
rescued a 70-year-old man after his boat capsized in rough water on Toledo
Bend Lake on June 12.
Robert E. Wright, of Woodworth, was baiting his trotlines around 8:15 p.m.
when his motor became entangled in one of his lines. As he worked to free
the line from his motor, the wind picked up and 4-to-5 foot waves began
filling his boat with water. It capsized within moments.
Wright was wearing a lifejacket and he tried to hang on to the capsized
boat, but the waves prevented him from holding on. He then grabbed a boat
cushion and a piece of rope, and swam about 75 yards to the nearest stump.
He tied himself to the stump and waited to be rescued.
Wright's neighbors became concerned that he had not returned by 9:30 p.m.
They attempted to search for him, but the rough water sent them back to
shore. They contacted Senior Agent Joe Dewil, who along with Senior Agent
Ronnie Robertson arrived to search for Wright.
Jasper Crochet, a friend and fishing companion of Wright, went out with the
agents to show them where Wright's trotlines were located. At about 10:45
p.m., the men heard Wright shouting for help and found him tied to the
stump.
Despite the rough water, Dewil and Robertson were able to untie Wright and
help him into their boat within 15 minutes. Wright was cold and tired, but
did not require any medical aid.
Law Enforcement Division Administrator, Col. Winton Vidrine, explained how a
simple safeguard saved Mr. Wright. "This is a good example of the
importance of a float plan when boating. Having someone on shore who knows
where you will be and when you should return could save your life," he said.
AGENTS HAVE BUSY WEEKEND WITH LITTER-BUGS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
conducted surveillance in remote areas in Allen and Evangeline parishes and
cited seven individuals for allegedly littering as a result on June 11 and
12.
The surveillance is an effort to curtail littering problems occurring mainly
on weekends. The penalty for littering is a fine between $500 and $1,000
and eight hours of community service in a litter abatement work program as
approved by the court. The judge may also require convicted individuals to
remove litter from state highways, public right of ways, public playgrounds,
public parks or other appropriate locations.
In Allen Parish, Timothy Scaife, 20, of Many, Coy Thompson, 23, of Florien,
Joseph Theunissen, 22, of Crowley, Rolanda Hooks, 33, of Newton, Texas, and
Crystal Kelly, 25, of Buna, Texas, were all cited for intentional littering.
In Evangeline Parish, Ryan Fontenot, 22, of St. Landry was cited for gross
littering and Robert Spears, 71, of Mamou was cited for intentional
littering.
Agents participating in the cases were Lt. Jesse Savoie, Senior Agents Scott
Fontenot, Keith Aucoin and Steve Vidrine, and Agent Wendel Vaughn.
RECREATIONAL LICENSES TO EXPIRE
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries would like to remind
the state's recreational hunters and anglers that their 2004-2005 licenses
will expire on June 30. Licenses for the 2005-2006 seasons became
available for purchase beginning June 1 and will be valid until June 30,
2006.
Sportsmen now have several different ways to purchase or renew their
licenses. They may be purchased with a Visa or MasterCard credit card
either by visiting
www.wlf.state.la.us and clicking on "Online Hunting
and Fishing License Sales," or calling 1-888-765-2602. Local license
vendors also offer recreational hunting and fishing licenses. Accepted
forms of payment may vary according to the location. Licenses are also
available at the LDWF Headquarters building in Baton Rouge, at the LDWF
office in New Orleans, and at LDWF field offices in Opelousas and Monroe.
"Hunting or fishing without a valid license carries a $50 minimum fine,"
said LDWF License Director Janis Landry. "Allowing licenses to lapse is
just not a good idea."
APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED FOR BAYOU PIERRE
WMA LOTTERY DOVE HUNT
Applications are now being accepted for an opening day lottery dove hunt on
the Bayou Pierre Wildlife Management Area (WMA) scheduled for the first
Saturday of the September 2005 dove season.
The opening day hunt will be limited to 75 hunters who will be selected by
random drawing. Dove hunters wanting to apply for the drawing can obtain an
application from any regional office of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife
and Fisheries or the department Web site at
www.wlf.louisiana.gov.
Hunters may apply individually or as a group with no more than five
applications per group. Group applications should be stapled together.
Grouped applications will be drawn as a group and successful applicants will
be notified by mail.
A $5 administrative fee will be charged for each applicant, regardless of
age. Applications must be accompanied by a check or money order made
payable to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The
administrative fee is non-refundable. The deadline for returning the
applications to the address listed on the application is July 8, 2005.
Winners will be notified by mail.
Region I Wildlife Division Biologist Manager, Steve Hebert, said, "During
the lottery hunt held last year 69 of the 75 hunters selected by lottery
harvested 488 doves. The most satisfying part of last year's hunt was that
it provided a quality hunting experience. There were several youth hunters
accompanied by family members who got to enjoy dove hunting for the first
time. I hope this year's hunt matches or exceeds last year's. The wheat
fields are ripening and the sunflowers are flowering. If the weather
continues to cooperate, the fields should be in excellent shape come opening
day."
Bayou Pierre WMA is located in Red River and Desoto Parishes approximately
20 miles south of Shreveport. The WMA encompasses 2,212 acres with
approximately 100 acres managed for doves. On-line applications for
printing can be obtained by going to
www.wlf.louisiana.gov, under Hunting,
Fishing & Boating click on Hunting Information, on the next page in the
left-hand column click on Seasons & Regulations, on the next page in the
left-hand column at the very bottom click on Lottery Hunt Applications, then
on the next page near the bottom of the page click on Bayou Pierre Morning
Dove Lottery Application 2005.
AGENTS CITE EARLY FROGGERS
Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division cited 10 Louisiana residents after witnessing them allegedly
hunting frogs during a closed season in four separate incidents on the night
of May 31.
According to state law, all of Louisiana is closed to frog hunting during
the months of April and May. The season opened at 12:01 a.m. on June 1.
Agents stopped Joey P. Morvant, 47, of Vacherie and Coy G. Gomez, 59, of
Donaldsonville with 20 frogs in their possession at approximately 9:35 p.m.
in the St. James Canal located in St. James Parish.
Then at approximately 10 p.m. Jordie Perilloux, 20, of Gramercy and
Christopher Bourgeois, 24, of Paulina were caught with 23 frogs in their
possession in the St. James Canal.
Agents then stopped Brent J. Gravois, 34, of Thibodaux, Rene F. Reulet, 38,
of Vacherie, and Brian A. Ordoyne, 27, of Convent with 13 frogs in their
possession at approximately 10:20 p.m. in the Pull Boat Canal in St. James
Parish.
Lastly, agents apprehended Charles Landry, 73, of Napoleonville, Danny M.
Porrier, 36, of Vacherie, and David C. Landry, 46, of Donaldsonville with 20
frogs in their possession at approximately 11 p.m.
Taking frogs during a closed season is punishable by a fine of $250 to $500,
or jail time up to 90 days, or both plus court costs. All frogs were seized
and released alive.
Agents participating in these cases were Sgt. Davis Madere and Agent William
Boyd.
GALLIANO COUPLE CITED FOR BLOCKING PASSAGE OF FISH
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division (LDWF)
agents caught a Galliano couple for allegedly taking shrimp illegally on May
25.
Agents cited Elizabeth Griffin, 33, and arrested Cecil Griffin, 58, after
the two were seen using a butterfly net and sheets of plywood to block a
bayou intersecting Bayou Lafourche near Golden Meadow in southern Lafourche
Parish.
The plywood was used to funnel the water flow into their 22-foot butterfly
net, which is illegal because it blocks the free passage of fish or shrimp
with fishing gear. State law requires a minimum five-foot wide channel to
remain open in the deepest portion of the channel, and shrimp nets may not
be used in conjunction with such devices.
LDWF records show that this is the fifth time Griffin has been cited for
this violation and he was subsequently booked into the Lafourche Parish
Jail.
Blocking free passage of fish or shrimp carries a fine of $250 to $500 or
jail time up to 90 days or both plus court costs for the first offense. The
fine for this violation increases on the third and subsequent offenses to
$750 to $1000 and jail time between 90 and 120 days. Any items seized in
connection to this case are subject to forfeiture to LDWF.
Agents participating in this case were Sgt. Chad Hebert and Senior Agent
Thomas DeWitt.
AGENT RESCUES THREE VERMILLION PARISH MEN FROM THE GULF
OF MEXICO
A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agent
rescued three Abbeville men in the Gulf of Mexico on June 3.
Senior Agent Keith Delahoussaye found Joey Comeaux, 34, Jason Herpin, 34,
and Clay Courtier, 36, nine miles south of Southwest Pass in Vermilion
Parish after their boat nearly sank.
Their outboard motor broke off the transom of their 21-foot recreational
fishing boat in rough seas, and they remained afloat by bailing water with
buckets for nearly three hours.
Deputies from the Vermilion Parish Sheriff's Department Marine Division
towed the disabled boat to safe harbor. No one was injured in the incident.
WILDLIFE ENFORCEMENT AGENT HONORED AS OUTSTANDING
OFFICER
A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division
agent received a Public Service Award during the Sunrise Rotary Club's
annual awards banquet in Baton Rouge on June 2.
Sgt. James B. Gomillion was acknowledged for excellence in community service
for East Baton Rouge Parish. LDWF Law Enforcement Division Administrator,
Colonel Winton Vidrine, commended Sgt. Gomillion on receiving the award.
"It is an honor to have one of our officers recognized by a community
organization such as the Sunrise Rotary Club. Agent Gomillion is an asset
to the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries," he said.
Gomillion joined the LDWF Enforcement Division in November 1999 and was
promoted to the rank of Sergeant in May 2005. He is a first responder
instructor, certified as a hunting and boating education instructor,
instructs cadets at the Enforcement Academy and serves as a field training
officer for new cadets. He is assigned to the Special Investigations Unit
of the Enforcement Division.
Each year the Sunrise Rotary Club recognizes an officer from each public
safety agency serving East Baton Rouge Parish. Other agencies represented
were Louisiana State Police, East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriffs Office, Baton
Rouge City Police Department, East Baton Rouge Parish Constables Office,
Baton Rouge Fire Department and the East Baton Rouge Parish Emergency
Medical Service.
RECREATIONAL FISHERMEN ORDERED TO PAY FINES OVER $20,000
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Office (NOAA) of the
General Counsel issued Notices of Violation and Assessment (NOVA) to four
recreational fishermen for their involvement in illegally selling fish to a
Baton Rouge seafood dealer on May 24 in violation of the Magnuson-Stevens
Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
John A. Langlois, 40, of Baton Rouge, John Tabor Jr., 22, of Thibodaux and
John P. Hagmann, 44, of Prairieville, were each issued NOVAs in the amount
of $5,000, and George H. Donaldson Jr., 38, of St. Amant was issued a NOVA
in the amount of $5,500.
Alan P. Porche, 43, of Baton Rouge, previous manager of Gulf Island Shrimp
and Seafood LLC and owner of Big River Seafood Inc., was sentenced on
November 4, 2004, to three felony counts of obstruction of justice, theft,
and filing false public records for his part in the fish transactions.
Porche remains on probationary status wherein a probation violation would
result in a 20-year prison sentence.
The sentences resulted from fraudulent financial transactions from illegally
purchased red snapper, cobia, reef fish and other state and federally
managed fish that were caught and sold by the recreational fishermen.
Proceeds in the scheme came from committing forgery and false records
designed to generate money, conceal and disguise the nature and source of
the purchases, and avoid reporting requirements.
Agents participating in the case were Lt. Jay Diez, Sgt. Billy Gomillion,
Senior Agents Buck Hampton and Joel Cromp, and NOAA Enforcement Special
Agent Steve Campbell.
UNDERCOVER LDWF AGENTS NAB THREE MEN
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested three men for allegedly selling deer and buying game fish from
undercover agents last week.
Darnell Carter Warner, 47, of Vidalia was arrested and booked into the
Concordia Parish jail on June 3 on a warrant for two counts of purchasing
game fish in 2003 and for eight counts of selling deer. Warner sold over 30
deer to an undercover agent over a two-year span. He was also charged for
violating interstate commerce regulations since two of the transactions took
place in Mississippi.
James E. Baker, 56, of Independence turned himself into the St. Helena
Parish jail on June 3 on a warrant for seven counts of buying game fish from
an undercover agent. The purchases were for over 600 pounds of crappie.
James E. Thompson, 58, of Las Vegas, Nevada was arrested in Baton Rouge on
June 2 on a warrant stemming from a two-year undercover operation. Thompson
was allegedly purchasing game fish in Louisiana and transporting them to
sell in Las Vegas. Thompson purchased nearly 1200 pounds of crappie from
undercover agents. He was also charged with violating interstate commerce
regulations, failing to maintain records and buying fish without a wholesale
retail license.
The maximum penalties for purchasing game fish and selling deer are fines of
$750 or jail time for 120 days, or both for each count, plus court costs.
RECREATIONAL FISHERMAN ARRESTED IN ORLEANS PARISH
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF)
Enforcement Division arrested an Orleans Parish man for alleged recreational
fishing violations on May 27.
Wildlife enforcement agents observed Gary M. Spiess, 25, of New Orleans
fishing in Lake Pontchartrain near the Industrial Canal. The agents then
stopped Spiess to do a license compliance check in which Spiess allegedly
told them he left his license at home.
The LDWF dispatch office confirmed Spiess was on the current license
revocation list. He was arrested and cited for fishing while under license
revocation, fishing without a basic license, fishing without a saltwater
license and operating a vessel with improper running lights. In addition to
the criminal charges, Spiess was also issued another civil citation for the
value of the fish he possessed without proper licenses. All fish were
seized and donated to a charity, and Speiss was booked into the Orleans
Parish Prison.
In July of 1997, Enforcement Agents cited Spiess for fishing without a basic
and saltwater license. In addition to the license violations, Spiess was
also issued a civil citation totaling $216.69 for the value of the illegally
taken fish. Spiess failed to pay the entire civil penalty and in September
of 1999 after several attempts to collect the unpaid civil penalty, the
department revoked Spiess' recreational privileges.
Fishing while under license revocation carries a fine up to $500 or jail
time up to 90 days, or both, plus court costs. Fishing without a basic and
saltwater license each carry a $50 fine plus court costs. Improper running
lights carry a maximum fine of $50. The civil penalty for the value of the
fish totals $169.
Senior Agents Eddie Skena and Jason Russo participated in the investigation.
GONZALES MAN ARRESTED FOR POSSESSION OF STOLEN CRAB TRAPS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested a Gonzales man for possessing stolen crab traps from Lake Maurepas
on June 4.
Agents collected 31 crab traps from Lake Maurepas, which Randal P. Lambert,
44, claimed were his. It was determined that 28 of the traps were the
property of five other commercial fishermen from the area. Lambert was
cited for possession of stolen property with a value of over $500, use crab
traps without required markings and contributing to the delinquency of a
juvenile.
Lambert faces a fine of $400 to $750 or jail time up to 120 days, or both
for using crab traps without required markings. Possession of stolen
property with a value over $500 carries penalties of jail time up to 10
years with or without hard labor, and a fine up to $3000, or both.
Contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile is punishable by a fine up to
$500 or jail time up to six months.
A 19-foot boat and three remaining crab traps were seized. The 28 traps
were returned to the owners and 69 crabs were returned to the water.
Agents participating in the case are Senior Agent Benji Morgan and Sgt.
Grady Brecheen.
LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES MEDIA ADVISORY
EVENT: Rod and Reel Donation
WHEN: Tuesday, May 31, 2005 - 3 p.m.
WHERE: Louisiana Youth & Recreation Center
**5197 Highway 115, Bunkie, LA
BACKGROUND: Enforcement agents from the Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries will donate fishing equipment for the youth attending Camp
Sunshine this summer. The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Southeast
Louisiana coordinates the camp session. Children 6 and older are provided
outdoor recreational opportunities for a full week of activities.
DIRECTIONS: Take Hwy 71 to Bunkie. Turn east on Hwy 115, drive past Bunkie
Hospital and Bunkie High School, traveling 2.2 miles and then north on Hwy
115 when the road turns left near the Detention Center. Continue on Hwy 115
for another five miles. The Louisiana Youth & Recreation Center will be on
the right, just past the Bay Hills Country Club.
GUILTY VERDICT IN JEFFERSON PARISH OYSTER CASE
Two Plaquemines
Parish men were found guilty of illegally taking oysters
from unleased state water bottoms in Jefferson Parish on May 23.
Terrence Shelley, 53, and Roger Ancar, 62, both of Belle Chasse were each
ordered to pay a fine of $400 plus court costs by Judge Roy M. Cascio of 2nd
Parish Court. A third defendant, Timothy S. Kirk, 39, of Harvey, missed the
trial date and Cascio issued a bench warrant of attachment for his arrest.
The investigation began in December of 2002 when Louisiana Department of
Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents apprehended
Shelley and two deckhands taking oysters from unleased state water bottoms
near Bayou Dos Gris. Shelley claimed he held a legal lease on the water
bottoms. Technicians from the LDWF Oyster Lease Survey Section plotted GPS
coordinates that determined these water bottoms were owned by the State of
Louisiana.
Raymond Impastato from the LDWF Oyster Lease Survey Section and John Evans
from the Office of State Lands both testified as expert witnesses that the
area of the violation was owned by Louisiana and not under lease.
Sgts. James Gregoire and Rachel Zechenelly, and Senior Agent Eddie Skena
participated in the investigation.
Assistant District Attorney Jeremy LaFleur with assistance from Assistant
District Attorneys Loren MaGee and Evette Ungar from the office of Paul
Connick, District Attorney for the 24th Judicial District in Jefferson
Parish, tried the case.
NATIONAL SAFE BOATING WEEK BEGINS WITH DWI ARREST IN JEFFERSON PARISH
Agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife (LDWF) Enforcement Division
arrested a Destrehan man for allegedly operating a motorboat while
intoxicated on the first day of Safe Boating Week.
LDWF agents stopped Kenneth J. Gravois, 47, to perform a boating safety
compliance check. During the inspection, agents noticed that Gravois
appeared to be intoxicated. Following a standardized field sobriety test he
was arrested and cited for operating a vessel while intoxicated and booked
into the East Bank Lockup in Jefferson Parish.
The maximum penalties for a first conviction of operating a motorboat while
intoxicated are a fine of $1,000 and imprisonment for six months.
Safe Boating Week was observed from May 21 to May 27 to encourage all
boaters to exercise caution and follow safe practices.
Lt. Allen Adam, Sgt. Rachel Zechenelly, and Senior Agents Kris Bourgeois and
Eddie Skena participated in the arrest.
THEFT OF CRABS SENDS THREE TO JAIL
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested three men in Cameron Parish for allegedly removing crabs illegally
from traps without consent of the owner on May 9.
Brandon C. Butler, 22, Chad J. Babineaux, 21, both of DeQuincy, and Michael
P. Carrier, 18, of Sulfur were booked into the Cameron Parish jail after
agents obtained written statements from eyewitnesses who saw them empty
contents of 12 crab traps. Evidence found in the suspect's boat supported
these statements. The three men were also cited for angling without a basic
and saltwater license.
The maximum penalties for illegally removing crab trap contents are a fine
of $750 or jail time for 120 days, or both, plus court costs. The penalties
for angling without a basic fishing and saltwater license are $50 or jail
time up to 15 days or both for each offense.
Agents participating in the cases were Lt. Remy Broussard and Senior Agent
Aaron Herpin.
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