Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents arrested a Plaquemines Parish man for alleged commercial fishing violations and battery of a police officer on Aug. 15.
Agents arrested Timothy P. Cheramie, 52, of Buras, for using skimmers during a closed season, resisting an officer and battery of a police officer.
Agents were on patrol in Bastian Bay when they found Cheramie actively shrimping with skimmers during a closed season. The shrimp season is not set to open until Aug. 18, at 6 a.m.
When agents boarded the vessel, Cheramie began resisting the agents by not allowing them to seize his nets. After numerous attempts to seize the nets and dealing with interference from Cheramie, agents told Cheramie he was under arrest.
When agents attempted to place him in handcuffs he became combative and began fighting with agents as they attempted to handcuff him. After a brief scuffle, agents were able to handcuff and arrest Cheramie.
Using skimmers during a closed season carries up to a $950 fine and 120 days in jail plus forfeiture of anything seized. In addition, for the first conviction of shrimping during the closed season, the court may revoke or suspend the violator's trawl, skimmer, or butterfly gear licenses for one year from the date of the conviction. During such revocation or suspension, the violator may be present on a vessel harvesting or possessing shrimp or possessing a trawl, skimmer, or butterfly net only if the vessel is equipped with and employs an operating vessel monitoring system which is accessible to LDWF. The violator may also have to perform 40 hours of community service.
Resisting an officer carries up to a $500 fine and six months in jail. Battery of a police brings up to a $500 fine and between 15 days and six months in jail.
Case agents are Senior Agent Travis Bartlett and Agent Richard Heinold. Assisting agents were Lt. Adam Young and Sgt. Villere Reggio.