Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested two men for alleged drug and fishing violations on March 19 in Morehouse Parish.
Agents arrested John D. Lucero, 55, of Crossett, Ark., and Brian P. Griffis, 32, of Bastrop, for possession of methamphetamines and drug paraphernalia. Lucero was also arrested for taking over the limit of black bass, angling without a non-resident fishing license, violating license revocation, expired boat registration and failing to comply with personal flotation device (PFD) requirements.
Agents observed Lucero and Griffis fishing from a vessel in Bayou Bartholomew in Ouachita City. Agents made contact and conducted license compliance checks. Lucero did not have a valid fishing license, was under revocation in Louisiana from buying a fishing license, and is currently a resident of Arkansas. Lucero’s vessel also did not have any PFDs and had an expired boat registration.
Upon further investigation, agents determined that Lucero had taken 11 black bass putting him one over the daily limit.
Agents subsequently found both subjects to be in possession of suspected methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia.
Possession of methamphetamine carries up to a $5,000 fine and five years in jail. Possession of drug paraphernalia brings up to a $500 fine and six months in jail. Angling without a non-resident fishing license, violating license revocation and possessing over the limit of bass each brings a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail. Possessing expired boat registration and failing to comply with PFD requirements each carry up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.
Both subjects were booked into the Morehouse Parish Jail.
Agents participating in the case are Sgt. James Hagan, Senior Agent John Hattaway, and Senior Agent Ray Ellerbe.