Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents cited two Buras men for alleged gillnet violations in Plaquemines Parish on June 10.
Agents cited Jason Wilkerson, 27, and Freddy J. Creppel, 45, for illegal use/possession of a gillnet in a saltwater area and resisting an officer.
While on a boat patrol in the Empire area agents observed the two men actively fishing a gillnet in the marsh. Agents attempted to stop the subjects, however they ignored agent’s orders to stop and fled the area.
During the investigation, agents were able to identify the men in the vessel and the following day made contact with both men at their residences. When confronted with the evidence both subjects admitted to their crimes and were charged. Agents seized the illegal gillnet used in connection with the violation.
Use/possess gillnet in a saltwater area brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Resisting an officer carries up to a $500 fine and six months in jail.
Agents involved in the case are Senior Agent Travis Bartlett and Agent Tom Forehand.