A Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agent arrested a St. Bernard man for alleged criminal and commercial fishing violations on Feb. 6 in St. Bernard Parish.
Agent arrested Michael L. Diaz III, 23, for resisting an officer, taking commercial fish without commercial fishing and vessel licenses, using crab traps without required markings, violating crab trap ring requirements, and intentional littering.
The agent was on patrol in Bayou La Loutre when he observed Diaz III actively fishing crab traps. The agent approached Diaz III to conduct a commercial license compliance check and commercial fish inspection.
During the inspection, Diaz III was unable to present commercial fishing and vessel licenses. Diaz III also possessed multiple untagged crab traps, which he admitted to fishing prior to placing into his vessel. The untagged crab traps were also absent of a third escape ring required during commercial fishing.
When told he would need to release his crabs back into the water, Diaz III threw the crabs and basket into the bayou. During the Agents encounter with Diaz III, He ignored Agents lawful commands to exit his vessel and became non-compliant.
The agent with assistance from St. Bernard Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies were then able to detain and arrest Diaz III and book him into the St. Bernard Parish Jail.
Taking commercial fish without commercial fishing and vessel licenses each carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Violating crab trap escape ring requirements and using crab traps without required markings each carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.
Littering carries up to a $500 fine and serving eight hours in a litter abatement work program. Resisting an officer brings up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.