Four Men Cited by Louisiana Wildlife Agents for Commercial Oyster Fishing Violations, 12 Sacks Returned to the Water
Four Men Cited by Louisiana Wildlife Agents for Commercial Oyster Fishing Violations, 12 Sacks Returned to the Water
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported on September 27, 2022, that on September 24, enforcement agents cited four persons for alleged oyster fishing infractions in Terrebonne Parish.
Agents cited Jason Verdin, 27, Justin Verdin, 21, Scottie Hendon, 32, and Michael Smith, 32, with taking oysters during illegal hours. Agents also charged Jason Verdin with failing to complete his logbook, failing to cull oysters in proper location, failing to possess a commercial fishing license, and taking commercial fish without a commercial gear license.
Agents learned that an oyster boat was gathering oysters after sunset. Around 9:30 p.m., agents established contact with the captain of the oyster boat, Jason Verdin, and his crewmates near Montegut, Louisiana.
During the inspection, officials discovered that Jason Verdin had not filled out his logbook properly and did not have a commercial fishing license or a commercial gear license. Agents also discovered the subjects in possession of unsacked oysters on the vessel’s deck.
Agents seized and returned to the water the equivalent of 12 sacks of oysters.
Taking oysters during illegal hours brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Failing to cull oysters in a proper location, failing to possess a commercial fishing license, and failing to possess a commercial gear license carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense. Failing to fill out the logbook penalty will be set by the local district court.
Corporal Jonathan Boudreaux and Sgt. Stephen Rhodes are the agents 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.
Vinton I-10 Westbound Emergency Lane Closure Announced by DOTD
Vinton, Louisiana - A lane closure on I-10 Westbound has been put in place by the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development (DOTD) due to emergency roadway maintenance. The right lane of the interstate between Mile Marker 9 and Mile Marker 10, near the...
Westlake’s Christmas at City Hall Celebration Returns with Community Support
Westlake, Louisiana - The City of Westlake is gearing up to host its second annual Christmas at City Hall celebration, scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This festive event promises to be an entertaining day out for the entire...
Westlake Police Department’s Christmas Toy Drive Underway
Westlake, Louisiana - The Westlake Police Department is spearheading a Christmas Toy Drive, aimed at spreading holiday cheer to children and families in need within the community. The toy drive, which kicked off on December 1st, will run through December 20th, with a...