Three men were cited in Cameron Parish on the morning of Saturday, July 12, for shrimp violations. The cases were made after deputies from the Cameron Parish Sheriff's Office spotted suspicious activity in the Grand Chenier area, and called for assistance from Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents. 

Jessie Lee Dietz Jr. 28, of Evangeline, Jason Gene Leckelt, 22, of Eunice, and Michael Wayne Spears, 42, of Basile were cited for using shrimp nets in closed waters and for blocking passage of fish in Hog Bayou off of the Mermentau River. 

When the agents responded, they were met by Deputies Charles Smith and Anthony Swire. They began an early morning investigation which lead to the citations, as well as to the seizure of 711 pounds of shrimp, sold for $1,066.50, the return of approximately 200 pounds of by-catch marine life and shrimp to the water, and the seizure of two illegally placed shrimp trawls. The proceeds from the sale of the shrimp will be held in escrow until the disposition of the case. 

Both violations are punishable by fines of up $500, jail for not more than 90 days, or both, plus court costs. Agents participating in the case were Lt. Larry Breaux and Sgt. Remy Broussard.