|
FIVE MEN CITED FOR ALLIGATOR HUNTING VIOLATIONS
L.D.W.F. TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL
HUNTING AND FISHING DAY
TWO CITED FOR ILLEGAL OYSTER HARVEST ON CLOSED SEED GROUNDS IN
TERREBONNE PARISH
MULTIPLE AGENCIES JOIN FORCES IN OPERATION LILYPAD EXERCISE
FATHER AND SON CITED FOR TAKING OVER THE LEGAL LIMIT OF DOVES
IN MADISON PARISH
CHALMETTE SHRIMPER ARRESTED
FOR ILLEGAL TRAWLING IN ST. MARY PARISH
JANICE LANSING ASSUMES INTERIM LEADERSHIP OF THE LOUISIANA
DEPARTMENT OF
WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
WAYNE BRESCHER PROMOTED TO MAJOR WITHIN L.D.W.F. ENFORCEMENT
DIVISION
OUACHITA PARISH MAN RESISTS ARREST FOR BOATING WHILE
INTOXICATED
THREE FISHERMEN CITED ON MERMENTAU RIVER
BATON ROUGE MAN CITED FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE TO SHERBURNE
W.M.A.
ST. FRANCISVILLE RESTAURANT OWNER CHARGED WITH SEAFOOD
VIOLATIONS
LAFAYETTE RESTAURANTS CHARGED WITH SEAFOOD VIOLATIONS
ST. MARTINVILLE MEN SENTENCED FOR MIGRATORY BIRD
VIOLATIONS
TWO MEN CITED FOR RED DRUM VIOLATIONS IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH
FIVE MEN CITED FOR ALLIGATOR HUNTING VIOLATIONS
On Sept. 8, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division agents cited Daniel A. Edgar, 57, and Joey Edgar, 37, both of
Franklin on 20 counts each of allegedly taking alligators from unapproved
areas in St. Martin and Iberia Parishes. The Edgars were found hunting on
state lands without alligator tags authorizing them to harvest alligators on
the property. Twenty alligators are pending seizure in the case.
In a separate incident on the same day, Kenneth C. Moritz, 40, of Lena,
Ill., Travis Dardenne, 27, and Jeffery P. Brown, 25, both of Plaquemine were
all cited in Iberville Parish for taking an alligator in an unapproved area
without alligator tags authorizing them to harvest alligators from the
property. An 11.5 foot alligator was seized in the case in addition to all
alligator hunting licenses.
Taking alligators from an unapproved area carries a fine between $400 and
$750, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs on each count.
Agents participating in the cases were Lt. Ronald Hebert, Sgt. James Rhodes
and Sr. Agents Donnie Bozeman, Jerry Stassi and Jordan Bayham.
L.D.W.F. TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL HUNTING AND FISHING DAY
National Hunting and Fishing Day is Saturday, Sept. 23, and in Baton Rouge,
the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will mark the day with
its 22nd annual celebration. The department will also hold events in
Minden, Monroe and Woodworth.
Louisiana's National Hunting and Fishing Day celebrates outdoor recreation
in the Sportsman's Paradise. In the Baton Rouge metro area, activities are
scheduled at Waddill Refuge, 4142 Flannery Road, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. LDWF
personnel, other government resource agencies and hunting and fishing groups
will participate.
The Baton Rouge event offers hands-on activities including canoeing, skeet
shooting archery and a kids' fishing contest from 9-11 a.m. This year the
department will again have a catfish pool where very young anglers can catch
their first fish and get souvenir photos.
There will also be demonstrations featuring J. B. Salter's jigging poles,
falconer Steven Eskine, the Baton Rouge Fire Department Fire Safety House
and Keith Felder's Southern Essentials pirogues. Informational and
educational exhibits this year include LDWF enforcement, deer and waterfowl
management, forestry, and fisheries. Visitors can also enjoy displays from
the U.S. Coast Guard, Ducks Unlimited, the Louisiana Wildlife Federation and
many others.
As always, admission, activities, food and drink are absolutely free. Soft
drinks are provided by the Baton Rouge Coca-Cola Bottling Company, and
Associated Grocers and Flowers Baking Company will provide hot dogs. A
tasting booth will feature area chefs preparing and serving wild game and
fish dish samples to the public.
The event is sponsored in part by The Advocate and Progressive Insurance.
TWO CITED FOR ILLEGAL OYSTER HARVEST ON CLOSED SEED GROUNDS IN TERREBONNE
PARISH
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division
agents assigned to LDWF's Oyster Strike Force cited two men for alleged
oyster violations in Terrebonne Parish on Sept. 2.
Agents responded to complaints of illegal harvest on the closed seed grounds
located in Sister Lake. Agents spotted the vessel, Miss Joyce, as she
entered the public seed ground during the early morning hours and began
oyster-dredging operations. John S. Mejia, 41, Galliano, and Felipe Vazquez
Cruz, 22, Houma, were both cited for taking oysters during a closed season.
Agents seized and returned two sacks of oysters to the water.
The penalty for unlawfully taking oysters from state water bottoms is a fine
of up to $350, imprisonment for not more than 60 days, or both, plus courts
costs. In addition, any person convicted of any these violations, shall,
for one year after the date of such conviction, only harvest oysters from a
vessel that employs a vessel monitoring system. Access to the monitoring
system shall be granted to LDWF. For that year, the person convicted of
these violations shall notify the department as to which vessel he will be
using to harvest oysters.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Bryan Marie and Senior Agent Mike
Garrity.
MULTIPLE AGENCIES JOIN FORCES IN OPERATION LILYPAD EXERCISE
Several governmental agencies will partake in a search and rescue simulation
called Operation Lilypad in the New Orleans area on Sept. 20. Water rescue
exercises will take place in the southern parts of Lake Pontchartrain to
help replicate a flooded New Orleans.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement
Division Lt. Col Keith LaCaze will oversee Operation Lilypad. LDWF agents
will join in the exercise with the New Orleans Police and Fire Departments,
New Orleans Emergency Medical Services, Louisiana National Guard, U.S. Coast
Guard, Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, FEMA,
Louisiana Urban Search and Rescue, Governor's Office of Homeland Security
and Emergency Preparedness, Louisiana Department of Agriculture and
Forestry, and Louisiana State Police.
Operation Lilypad allows rescuers to practice search and rescue methods
developed as a result of experiences in a flooded New Orleans following
Hurricane Katrina. During that flood, there were many high ground spots in
the city in between flooded areas that created "lilypad" locations suitable
for search and rescue dropoff points.
At lilypad locations, rescuers can provide flood victims with security,
food, water and emergency medical attention while they wait for vehicle
transport to the New Orleans Convention Center. At the Convention Center,
the rescued would be processed and taken on buses out of the city.
During the operation, commanders will relay locations of boat launch sites,
a forward command post and lilypads to participants. The forward command
post will notify search and rescue teams of the locations of people and
animals in need of rescue. The "victims" of Operation Lilypad are role
players from participating agencies.
Once the rescues are underway, victims will be pulled from flooded areas by
boats and helicopters and taken to the lilypads. After victims are
collected at lilypads, trucks will be dispatched to take them to a nearby
location that will represent the New Orleans Convention Center.
"We want this exercise to be as close to the real thing as possible," LDWF
Enforcement Division Lt. Col. and Operation Lilypad Commander Keith LaCaze
said. "With this exercise, we will be able to practice working efficiently
with multiple organizations and make future search and rescue missions
better for both rescuers and victims."
FATHER AND SON CITED FOR TAKING OVER THE LEGAL LIMIT OF DOVES IN MADISON
PARISH
Agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement
Division cited two men for alleged violations of the Federal Migratory Bird
Treaty Act pertaining to the daily limit of doves. The case was made on
Sept. 2, the opening day of dove season, near Waverly, La.
Joe M. Senn, 53, of Rayville, and his son, Phillip Brad Senn, 31, of Bastrop
were each cited for taking and possessing over the daily limit of mourning
doves and failure to maintain field possession of mourning doves.
Agents watched the men hide an ice chest in an old duck blind near the field
they were hunting. The agents later discovered 60 freshly killed mourning
doves in the ice chest. Both men then returned to the field and each took
12 more doves, which gave them a total of 84 birds. The daily limit for
mourning doves is 12 per person.
Violations of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act are punishable by fines up to
$5,000, jail for up to six months, or both. The case will be prosecuted by
the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Agents participating in the case were Lt. Gene Wilson, Sgt. Larry May, and
Sr. Agents Brandon Miller and Joe Chandler Jr.
CHALMETTE SHRIMPER ARRESTED FOR ILLEGAL TRAWLING IN ST. MARY PARISH
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Agents cited two
men and arrested a third for allegedly using oversized shrimp trawls inside
state waters on Aug. 21.
Agents observed a 51-foot commercial shrimping vessel named "My Mistress"
trawling in Cote Blanche Bay. The agents then conducted a vessel stop to
check the fishermen's licenses and gear for compliance with state shrimping
regulations.
When the agents boarded the vessel, they discovered the two trawls being
used exceeded the 25-foot maximum size per trawl for the area. The agents
identified the captain of the vessel as Ricky Dejean, 48, of Chalmette.
During the course of the stop, Dejean became combative and had to be
physically restrained and placed under arrest. Two deckhands, Carlton
Dehart, 50, and Woodrow Doles Jr., 34, both of Houma, were issued citations
for the illegal nets, but were not arrested.
Dejean was transported to the St. Mary Parish jail where he was booked for
using oversized trawls, resisting an officer and intentional littering.
The two shrimp trawls and 2,400 pounds of shrimp were seized. The nets will
be held as evidence in this case, and the shrimp were sold to a local
seafood dock at fair market value. The proceeds from the sale will be held
pending disposition of the case.
The penalty for trawling inside waters with oversized trawls is a fine
between $400-$750, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs.
Resisting an officer carries a fine of not more than $500, or jail time up
to six months or both. The penalties for intentional littering are fines up
to $250 and eight hours of community service.
Agents participating in this case were Sgts. Winston Michel and Mitch Darby,
and Sr. Agents Jason Romero, Scott Dupre, Donnie Bozeman and David
Boudreaux.
JANICE LANSING ASSUMES INTERIM LEADERSHIP OF THE LOUISIANA DEPARTMENT OF
WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
Governor Kathleen Babineaux Blanco today announced that Janice Lansing will
assume interim leadership of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries while the search for a new Secretary continues.
Lansing will have authority over the department in her current role as
Undersecretary where she oversees the office of management and finance.
Lansing assumes this additional authority following the departure of
Secretary Dwight Landreneau yesterday.
As the Undersecretary and administrator of the office of management and
finance, Lansing has been responsible for accounting and budget management,
information processing systems, procurement, general administrative, and
public information services.
Lansing is a graduate of Southeastern Louisiana University where she earned
a bachelor of arts in criminal justice and Louisiana State University where
she holds a master's degree in public administration.
A permanent secretary for the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
is expected to be announced in October.
WAYNE BRESCHER PROMOTED TO MAJOR WITHIN L.D.W.F.
ENFORCEMENT DIVISION
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division
promoted Maj. Wayne Brescher on Aug. 21. Maj. Brescher was responsible for
supervising the Region 7 section of the Enforcement Division as a Captain,
but will now oversee Regions 1, 2, 3, 4 and 7.
"I realize this is a big challenge, but it is one I eagerly accept," said
Brescher. "I will continue to work hard to ensure that hunting and fishing
opportunities will be available for generations to come."
Brescher was born in Philadelphia, Pa., but grew up in Ponchatoula and
graduated from Ponchatoula High School in 1964. He then attended
Southeastern Louisiana University for two years and played professional
baseball for six years. Brescher graduated from Mississippi State
University in 1974 and was working on his masters when he was hired by LDWF
in 1978.
"I love the outdoors and was raised hunting and fishing. I felt a career in
conservation law enforcement would be an opportunity to continue my love and
appreciation of the outdoors as well as protecting our natural resources,"
Brescher said.
Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze said this promotion could not have happened to a more
deserving person. "Major Brescher lead search and rescue operations in
Tangipahoa and St. Tammany Parishes in the days following Hurricane Katrina,
demonstrating leadership ability and his strong commitment to this agency
and the people of Louisiana," LaCaze said.
OUACHITA PARISH MAN RESISTS ARREST FOR BOATING WHILE INTOXICATED
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
arrested a Monroe man on the evening of Aug. 13 for allegedly operating a
boat while intoxicated, resisting an officer and having an expired boat
registration certificate.
John E. Beckstrom, 52, Monroe, was arrested after agents had conducted a
boating safety check on Beckstrom's boat on the Ouachita River near Moon
Lake. During the stop, agents detected a strong odor that they suspected
was alcohol coming from Beckstrom. Agents arrested Beckstrom after he
failed several field sobriety tests at the boat dock facility at Moon Lake.
During the arrest, he reportedly resisted officers and had to be restrained.
Beckstrom was booked at the Ouachita Correctional Center and placed under a
$1,150 bond.
Penalties for operating a boat while intoxicated include a maximum fine of
$1,000, or jail up to six months, or both for first offenses. The penalty
for resisting an officer is a fine of up to $500, or jail time up to six
months or both. Operating a boat with expired boat registration is
punishable by a fine of $50, or 15 days in jail or both.
Agents participating in the case were Sgt. Lane Kincaid, and Sr. Agents
Scott Jeansonne and John Volentine.
THREE FISHERMEN CITED ON MERMENTAU RIVER
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited three men in Cameron Parish on Aug. 20 for alleged boating safety and
red drum violations.
As agents were checking fishermen under the Highway 82 bridge, a boat
operated by James Voltaire Hamilton, 41, of Lake Charles passed the location
slamming several boats into the concrete pilings. Upon stopping the vessel,
the agents discovered undersized red drum and too many red drum in excess of
27 inches.
Hamilton was cited for several boating safety violations including careless
operation, failure to comply with personal flotation device (PFD)
requirements and no fire extinguisher. He was also cited for possession of
undersized red drum and possession of too many red drum in excess of 27
inches.
Dwight Fitzgerald Martin, 42, and Brazil Coutee III, 36, both of Baton
Rouge, were also cited for possession of undersized red drum and possession
of too many red drum in excess of 27 inches.
Possession of undersized red drum and over the limit of red drum in excess
of 27 inches each carry a fine between $100 and $350, or imprisonment up to
60 days, or both plus court costs. The Judicial District Court may also
assess restitution for the value of the fish. The penalties for failure to
comply with PFD requirements and no fire extinguisher are fines of $50 for
each offense. The penalty for careless operation of a watercraft is a fine
up to $300, or jail time up to 30 days, or both plus court costs.
Anglers are allowed to possess one fish in excess of 27 inches as part of
their daily bag limit on red drum.
Agents participating in the case were Capt. Jubal Marceaux, Lt. Remy
Broussard and Agent Beau Robertson.
BATON ROUGE MAN CITED FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE TO SHERBURNE
W.M.A.
On Aug. 26, 2006, agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Enforcement Division cited Austin B. Patureau, 17, of Baton Rouge,
for criminal damage to state property after he allegedly vandalized the
Sherburne Wildlife Management Area (WMA) shooting range.
Agents were called to investigate reported vandalism on the pistol range at
Sherburne WMA located in Pointe Coupee Parish. Evidence suggested that a
shotgun was used to cause severe structural damage to the range. It was
determined that the damage had been done on Aug. 22 in the evening.
Significant evidence at the scene led to Patureau.
LDWF provides recreational shooting opportunities to the public at a minimal
cost through several shooting ranges located across the state. These ranges
provide a safe environment for those who wish to sharpen their shooting
skills or just enjoy the sport of recreational target shooting. It is
through the public's cooperation that these ranges are managed and anyone
witnessing acts of vandalism or unsafe conduct are encouraged to contact the
nearest LDWF office.
Criminal damage to state property carries a fine of up to $1,000, or
imprisonment with or without hard labor for up to two years or both.
Agents participating in the case were Sgts. Brad Garon and Cliff Ortis.
ST. FRANCISVILLE RESTAURANT OWNER CHARGED WITH
SEAFOOD VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
cited a St. Francisville restaurant owner with buying spotted sea trout,
buying fish from someone other than a wholesale or retail dealer and failure
to maintain records.
David Fleischbein, 40, of St. Francisville, was issued a citation for
purchasing speckled trout from an undercover agent posing as a recreational
fisherman. According to LDWF officials, the purchases took place at his St.
Francisville restaurant called Lola Blues.
The penalties for failure to maintain records and for a restaurant buying
fish from other than a wholesale or retail dealer each range between a $250
and $500 fine, or 90 days in jail, or both plus costs of court.
Buying spotted sea trout from an unpermitted fisherman carries fines of $900
to $950, or 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs.
Agents from Region 7 participating in the case were Senior Agents Chad
Menzina and Will Roberts and undercover agents from LDWF Headquarters.
LAFAYETTE RESTAURANTS CHARGED WITH SEAFOOD VIOLATIONS
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division
agents cited employees at four Lafayette restaurants that included
restaurant owners, managers and chefs. They were charged with purchasing
illegal game fish, buying commercial fish from unlicensed fishermen and
failing to maintain proper records. This action brings to close a year long
investigation conducted by LDWF undercover agents.
Zhou Zheng, 46, of Lafayette, was cited with purchasing game fish, failing
to maintain records and buying fish from other than a wholesale or retail
dealer. Zheng, the owner of Hot Wok in Lafayette, purchased 90 pounds of
red drum from an undercover agent.
Chung Ling Bih, 48, of Lafayette, was charged with three counts of buying
fish from an unlicensed fisherman, two counts of violating interstate
commerce regulations and three counts of failing to maintain records. Other
charges include buying spotted sea trout from an unpermitted fisherman, two
counts of failing to report commercial fisheries data and three counts of
buying fish from other than a wholesale or retail dealer. Bih is the
manager at Shangri-La in Lafayette. Over 55 pounds of red drum and 14
pounds of spotted sea trout were purchased by the restaurant from undercover
agents posing as recreational fisherman.
Jin Yun Ni, 38, of Lafayette, was issued citations for buying fish from an
unlicensed fisherman, buying spotted sea trout from an unpermitted
fisherman, failing to maintain records, failing to report commercial
fisheries data, and buying fish from other than a wholesale or retail
dealer. Ni is the manager of Jumbo Buffet in Lafayette. Undercover agents
sold 15 pounds of spotted sea trout and six pounds of grouper and vermillion
snapper were sold to Jumbo Buffet by.
Quyen Ton Lu, 41, of Lafayette, was cited with purchasing game fish, failing
to maintain records and buying fish from other than a wholesale or retail
dealer. Lu is a cook at the Royal Panda in Lafayette. The manager of the
restaurant, Hung T. Lu, 45, also of Lafayette, was charged with the same
violations. Undercover agents sold 49 pounds of red drum to the Royal
Panda.
The penalties for restaurants buying fish from other than a wholesale or
retail dealer, failing to report commercial fisheries and maintain records
are fines ranging between $250 and $500, or jail time for 90 days, or both
plus court costs.
If convicted for buying commercial fish from an unlicensed fisherman or for
purchasing game fish the fine is between $350 and $500 and 30 days in jail.
Buying spotted sea trout and violating interstate commerce regulations each
carry fines from $900 to $950, or 120 days in jail, or both plus cost of
court
Agents from Region 6 participating in the case were Lt. Donald Salpietra,
Sgts. Chris Carpenter, Brad Garon and Steven Huval and undercover agents
from LDWF Headquarters.
ST. MARTINVILLE MEN SENTENCED FOR MIGRATORY BIRD
VIOLATIONS
On Aug. 16, Corey
P. Barras, 42, Edward Barras, 40, and Cory J. Blanchard,
42, all of St. Martinville pled guilty and were sentenced in Lafayette in
Federal Magistrate Court by U.S. Magistrate Mildred Methvin for migratory
bird violations.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents
apprehended the three men on Sept. 19, 2004 while hunting teal on Attakapas
Wildlife Management Area (WMA). Agents initially cited them with one count
each of a WMA rules violation for failing to pick up their duck decoys on
the opening day of teal season.
A lengthy investigation took place after evidence was discovered that the
three men had also taken wood ducks and ibis illegally. The investigation
resulted in additional charges for possessing wood ducks during a closed
season, taking ibis for which there is no season and failing to tag
migratory birds.
Corey P. Barras pled guilty to possession of wood ducks during a closed
season, taking ibis and failing to tag migratory birds. Barras was fined a
total of $2,230 and placed on three years of unsupervised probation with the
provision of no hunting.
Edward Barras and Cory J. Blanchard each pled guilty to possession of wood
ducks during a closed season and taking ibis. Barras and Blanchard were
each fined a total of $1,620 and placed on two years of unsupervised
probation with the provision of no hunting.
Handling the case for the government was U.S. Assistant Attorney Janice
Hebert. Agents participating in this case were Sgt. Dusty Rhodes, Sgt.
Brian Theriot and Sr. Agent Justin Sonnier.
TWO MEN CITED FOR RED DRUM VIOLATIONS IN PLAQUEMINES PARISH
Louisiana
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division
agents cited two men for allegedly taking over the limit and undersized red
drum in Plaquemines Parish on Aug. 20.
David Howell, 25, and Edward Munoz, 22, of Marrero, were cited after agents
found them in possession of 42 red drum on the Mississippi River levee in
Venice. Agents witnessed both men recreationally fishing with rods and
reels. All of the red drum were also under the legal size limit of 16
inches. The daily limit on red drum is five fish per person. All 42 red
drum were seized as a result of the investigation and later donated to
charity.
The penalty for taking or possessing undersized red drum carries a fine of
up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both plus court costs. In
addition to the penalties, a fine of $25 per fish less than 16 inches and
revocation of any and all fishing licenses for one to three years may also
be assessed. The penalty for taking or possessing too many red drum is a
fine of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both plus court
costs, and in addition a fine of $25 per fish over the limit payable to the
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Agents participating in the case were Sr. Agents Adam Young, Villere Reggio,
and Agent Derek Sampey. |
