|
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited Vincent Lester, 56, John Price, 40, Dean Adams, 44, Aubin Landry, 50, all of Morgan City, and Robert Lester, 48 of Meta Mora, Illinois, for alleged alligator violations on Aug. 30, 2007.
On August 29, agents received a complaint of baited alligator lines in the Atchafalaya Basin in St. Martin Parish. The season for alligators in this area was not scheduled to open until Sept. 5. Upon investigation of the complaint, agents discovered several baited alligator lines.
Agents then set up surveillance of the lines and allegedly observed Vincent Lester and Dean Adams approach a caught alligator and shoot it on Aug. 30. After further investigation, agents also found out that Vincent Lester had John Price, Aubin Landry and Robert Lester assisting him on the hunt in another vessel in the same area. All five men were cited for taking and possessing alligators during a closed season.
Agents seized a total of 12 alligators. Three bids were obtained and the alligators were sold to the highest bidder for a total of $2912.55. Agents also seized 28 unused alligator tags, two aluminum boats with outboards and three rifles.
If convicted for taking and possessing alligators during a closed season, the subjects could face fines of $400 to $950, or jail time up to 120 days, or both plus court costs and forfeiture of anything seized.
Agents participating in this case were Sgt. Winston Michel and Senior Agent Scott Dupre.
For more information, contact Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze at 225-765-2988 or klacaze@wlf.louisiana.gov
|
