Louisiana Woman Arrested by Forestry Agents for Alleged Arson in Southwest Louisiana

Louisiana – On October 17, 2022, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) reported that on October 11, agents with the Office of Forestry arrested 39-year-old Tabitha Verdine for setting several fires on Jim Drake Road in Starks, Louisiana.

LDAF Forestry Enforcement Investigators discovered that Verdine set fire to the roadside, which traveled into the woods and resulted in a seven-acre blaze that damaged private property. It was eventually put out by the LDAF Fire Eradication Units and the Ward 5 Starks Fire Department.

Investigators gathered enough evidence and probable cause to arrest Verdine for Simple Arson. Verdine was found at the Calcasieu Parish Detention Center, where she was being jailed on unrelated charges from the day before. Verdine was arrested and her bond was set at $100,000.

“Arson is a very serious crime. Unintentionally starting a fire or worse, deliberately setting a fire, during a drought like much of South Louisiana is experiencing could have wide and catastrophic repercussions,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M. “LDAF enforcement agents take agriculture and forestry-related crimes seriously, and they will seek justice when individuals break the law.”

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.

The Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry said that the general public is encouraged to report any forestry-related offenses to the LDAF Office of Forestry at 225-925-4500 or the LDAF 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323.