Multiple cases in St. Mary and St. Martin parishes
Enforcement agents with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries were busy with alleged crabbing violators late last month.
According to a press release, agents arrested Ephie Dupre, 53, of Morgan City, for theft of crabs and using crab traps without required markings on Aug. 22 in St. Mary Parish. Agents seized 94 blue crabs and returned them to the water, and Dupre was booked into the St. Mary Parish Jail, the release states.
On Aug. 23, agents arrested Gerald Brecheen, 63, of Morgan City, for theft of crab traps, theft of crabs, and using crab traps without required markings in St. Mary Parish. Agents seized six crab traps and about six dozen blue crabs, which were returned to the water. Agents also booked Brecheen into the St. Mary Parish Jail, according to the release.
In St. Martin Parish on Aug. 24, agents cited Matthew Giroir, 41, of Morgan City, for theft of crab traps and seized one crab trap, the release states.
And on Aug. 29 in St. Mary Parish, agents cited John McCloy Jr., 73, of Patterson, for theft of crabs, selling to consumers without a fresh products license, failing to maintain records and failing to complete trip ticket information, according to the release.
Using crab traps without the required markings, theft of crab traps and theft of crabs each brings a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each offense. Selling to consumers without a fresh products license, failing to complete trip tickets and failing to maintain records each carries a $250 to $500 fine and up to 90 days in jail for each offense.