Two Louisiana Men Arrested for Alleged Harassment of Fishermen and Damaging a Vessel

Louisiana - On November 1, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) stated that on October 26, two men were arrested for suspected harassment of anglers in Plaquemines Parish.

After reportedly receiving complaints from shrimpers in Plaquemines Parish's False River area, agents arrested Casey Russell, 38, of Slidell, Louisiana, and Daniel Russell, 38, of New Orleans, Louisiana.

When LDWF agents and Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office deputies arrived on the scene, they were shown footage and statements of both Russells hurling glass bottles at fishermen who were fishing in the same area. There was also footage of the Russell's cutting in front of boats and dropping shrimp frames in front of them. The Russels purposefully entangle the frame of another boat at one point in the film, inflicting damage to the shrimper's frame.

In addition, the Russells were charged with criminal mischief and criminal damage. They were booked into the Plaquemines Parish Jail by agents and deputies.

This is Casey Russell's third offense for harassment of persons lawfully fishing, and Daniel Russell's second offense for harassment of persons lawfully fishing.

Casey Russell risks a $1,000 punishment and forfeiture of any property seized in connection with the offense. Daniel Russell risks an $800 fine and forfeiture of any property seized in connection with the offense. Criminal mischief is punishable by a $500 fine and up to six months in prison. Criminal damage can result in a $1,000 fine and six months in prison.

In addition to any other penalty, a second or subsequent violation of the same provision of law may result in the revocation of the permit or license under which the violation occurred for the period for which it was issued, as well as the imposition of a prohibition on the issuance of another permit or license for the same period.

The case will be prosecuted by District Attorney Charles Ballay. Sgt. Villere Reggio and Senior Agent Shea Schexnaydre of the LDWF are working on the investigation. Sgt. David Morgan and Sgt. Bo Serigne are PPSO deputies involved in the investigation.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. A person is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.