Two convicted felons arrested for spotlighting deer, LDWF says

Incident occurred Dec. 3 northwest of Franklinton in Washington Parish

Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries arrested two convicted felons in Washington Parish last weekend for allegedly spotlighting deer near Franklinton, according to a news release.

Teddie Williams, 26, and Catlin Williams, 21, both of Mount Herman, were cited Dec. 3 for possessing a stolen firearm, being convicted felons in possession of a firearm, hunting deer during illegal hours with artificial light, hunting deer from a public road and moving vehicle and hunting without basic season and big game hunting licenses and deer tags, the release states.

Acting on a tip about gunfire northwest of Franklinton, agents set up surveillance off of Jim Edwards Road and allegedly observed the men in a vehicle driving slowly while spotlighting fields and ditches, the release states.

Upon making contact, they admitted to illegal deer hunting, according to the release. Agents also discovered the men were convicted felons in possession of a stolen .270 rifle.

Illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon carries a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 10 to 20 years of jail.  Possession of a stolen firearm brings one to five years of jail, according to the release.

Hunting deer during illegal hours with artificial light brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.  Hunting deer from a public road and without deer tags each carries a $100 to $350 fine and up to 60 days in jail for each offense.  Hunting from a moving vehicle brings a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting deer without a basic season and big game hunting licenses each carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail.

The men were booked into the Washington Parish Jail, where additional charges could be pending, the release states.