Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents arrested a subject for alleged wildlife violations on Aug. 21 in Caldwell Parish.
Agents arrested Taryn J. Varnell, 18, of Grayson, for aggravated cruelty to animals and taking a spotted fawn and booked him into the Caldwell Correctional Center.
Agents started the investigation of Varnell on July 9 when they came across a video showing Varnell choking a spotted fawn to death.
Agents were able to identify Varnell and made contact with him on Aug. 21 at his residence. Varnell admitted to agents that he was the person on the video seen choking the deer to death.
Aggravated cruelty to animals brings a $5,000 to $25,000 fine and one to 10 years in jail. Taking a spotted fawn carries a $500 to $750 fine and 15 to 30 days in jail.
Varnell may also face civil restitution totaling $1,624 for the replacement value of the illegally taken deer.
Agents participating in the case are Corporal Dustin Nash, Senior Agent Micheal Thacker and Agent Earnest Thompson.
Grayson Resident Arrested on Aggravated Cruelty to Animals
August302024