Louisiana Woman Cited for Gross Littering and Criminal Mischief After Allegedly Abandoning a Boat and Reporting it Stolen

Hammond, Louisiana - A Louisiana woman has been cited for gross littering and criminal mischief after allegedly abandoning a boat and reporting it stolen.

The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) announced on February 20, 2023, that on February 11, enforcement agents cited a Hammond, Louisiana woman for alleged gross littering and criminal mischief offenses in St. John Parish.

Deborah Muscarello, 60, was cited by agents for gross littering and criminal mischief.

On Jan. 28, LDWF agents located an abandoned vessel on Hwy. 51 near the Ruddock boat launch. Agents discovered Muscarello was the registered owner of the watercraft after conducting an investigation.

Muscarello was contacted by agents, and she claimed the watercraft was stolen, filing a stolen property report with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. Agents found video surveillance showing Muscarello abandoning the vessel at the boat launch after additional inquiry.

During a follow-up interrogation, Muscarello confirmed to investigators that she unlawfully disposed of the watercraft. She was cited for gross littering as well as criminal mischief for making a fraudulent police report.

Gross littering carries a $900 fine as well as 16 hours of community service in a litter abatement labor program. Criminal mischief carries a $500 fine and a six-month jail sentence.

Corporal Gary Levron and Agent Mason Castello are the agents involved in this investigation. The case will be referred to District Attorney Bridget Dinvaut's office for prosecution.

A person is presumed innocent until proven guilty.