Incident occurred in the Empire area in Plaquemines Parish on June 10, LDWF says
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries cited two Buras men on Saturday for alleged gillnet violations in Plaquemines Parish near Empire, according to a news release.
Jason Wilkerson, 27, and Freddy J. Creppel, 45, were cited for illegal use and possession of a gillnet in a saltwater area and resisting an officer, the release states.
Agents on patrol allegedly observed the men actively fishing a gillnet in the marsh and attempted to stop them, but the men ignored the agents’ request and fled, according to the release.
During the investigation, agents were able to identify the men in the vessel and made contact with them the next day at their residences. When confronted with the evidence, the release states both subjects admitted to the incident and were charged. Agents seized the illegal gillnet used in connection with the violation, according to the release.
Using and possessing a gillnet in a saltwater area brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail, while resisting an officer carries up to a $500 fine and six months in jail, the release states.