Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested two St. Martinville men for multiple violations that occurred on Sept. 21 in St. Mary Parish.
Agents arrested Brian Bonin, 43, for operating or driving a vessel while impaired (DWI), violating frogging regulations, not abiding by wildlife management regulations (WMA) and failing to comply with hand tiller cutoff lanyard regulations. Agents also Antoine Bonin Jr., 45, for possession of methamphetamine, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, violating frogging regulations, not abiding by WMA regulations.
Agents were on vessel patrol at night in the Attakapas WMA when they observed the subjects operating a vessel while shining a spotlight from bank to bank. Agents made contact with the subjects and observed several frogs in the vessel.
During the compliance check, agents found the subjects in possession of a loaded .22 rifle. Agents also found Antoine Bonin Jr. in possession of methamphetamines and is a convicted felon. Agents also determined that Brian Bonin was impaired and was not wearing a cutoff switch lanyard while operating a vessel less than 26 feet in length with a hand tiller motor.
Agents booked the men into the St. Mary Parish Correctional Facility.
Possession of methamphetamine brings up to a $5,000 fine and two years in jail. Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 10 to 20 years of jail.
In Louisiana, a DWI can be issued to anyone operating a moving vessel or vehicle while impaired. First offense DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail.
Violating frogging regulations carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Not abiding by WMA regulations brings up to a $350 fine. Failing to comply with hand tiller cutoff lanyard regulations carries up to a $50 fine.
Agents participating in this case are Sgt. Jeremy Foret and Lt. Scott Dupre.
Agents Arrest Two Subjects for Multiple Violations in St. Mary Parish
October012024