Five Louisiana Men Cited for Shrimping Violations on Rockefeller Refuge, 204 Pounds Donated to Charity

Louisiana – On October 3, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported that on September 27 and October 1, 2022, enforcement agents cited five men for alleged recreational shrimping offenses on Rockefeller Refuge.

On September 27, agents cited Zachary Breaux, 38, of St Martinville, Louisiana, for exceeding the shrimp limit.

Michael Leblanc, 70, of Jeanerette, Louisiana, Jody Fontenot, 53, of Abbeville, Louisiana, Darren Besson, 57, of Abbeville, Louisiana, and Daxeons Faulk, 50, of Kaplan, Louisiana, were cited on October 1 for exceeding the shrimp limit. Agents also cited Leblanc for failing to quickly return his bycatch to the water.

This week, agents increased patrols on the Rockefeller Refuge in Cameron and Vermilion parishes. On Rockefeller Refuge, the daily limit for shrimp is 25 pounds per vehicle/vessel per day.

While on the refuge, agents discovered these suspects in possession of more than 25 pounds of shrimp. Agents also discovered that several of the individuals visited the refuge multiple times in a single day. Agents seized 204 pounds of shrimp, which they donated to a local charity.

Violations of the Rockefeller Refuge’s rules and regulations might result in a $350 punishment. The men may also face civil restitution for the replacement of the shrimp taken beyond the limit.

Sgt. Justin Sonnier and Corporal Derek Logan are the agents involved in the case.

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.