Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents on June 14 cited three subjects for alleged illegal possession of an alligator in Orleans Parish.

Agents cited Ediberto Sanchez, 48, Matthew Erwin, 45, and Elgein Konesheck, 48, all from Sealy, Texas, for possession of a live alligator without a permit.

Agents received information on May 30 around 10 p.m. about three people possessing a live alligator on the sidewalk of Esplanade Ave. in New Orleans. LDWF agents with assistance from New Orleans Police Department officers responded to the location to investigate, but the three people with the alligator were not found.

Through a thorough investigation of video and multiple photos, LDWF agents positively identified the three individuals. Agents made contact with the three subjects and they admitted to finding the alligator near a park in Lafitte and then possessing it in New Orleans before releasing it into a nearby bayou unharmed on the night of May 30.

Possession of a live alligator without a permit brings up to a $250 to $500 fine.

Agents participating in the case are Agent Jimmie Daniel, Senior Agent Mason Castello, Corporal Sal Mangano, Lt. Jason Russo and Capt. Tim Fox.