Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana - Enforcement agents from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reportedly issued citations to two individuals for alleged violations related to shrimping in Terrebonne Parish on July 28.

Authorities have charged Ronald Verret Jr., 40, and Amy Palmer, 39, both residing in Houma, Louisiana with illegally harvesting shrimp during a period when shrimping is not allowed.

Patrol officers were stationed close to East Bay Junop where they noticed a shrimp boat actively collecting shrimp in a restricted area. The agents approached Verret Jr. and Palmer, who were onboard the boat, and discovered they had 1,560 pounds of shrimp in their possession.

The authorities confiscated the shrimp and auctioned them off to the highest bidder. Furthermore, they also seized the two skimmer nets.

Illegally fishing for shrimp during off-season can result in a penalty ranging from $400 to $950 and a possible jail term of up to 120 days. Alongside any other punishments, the court may also suspend or revoke the offender's licenses for trawl, skimmer, and butterfly gear for a full year from the date of the first conviction. The offender may only be allowed on a shrimp harvesting vessel during this suspension period if the boat uses a functional vessel monitoring system that LDWF can access. Furthermore, the court can mandate the offender to complete 40 hours of community service.

Sgt. Gerald Sander and Agent Joel Rubio are among the agents involved in the case.

All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.