Morris accused of selling speckled trout and redfish to undercover agents from his Jefferson Parish residence, LDWF says
A 30-year-old Marrero man was arrested for alleged commercial fishing violations after undercover agents allegedly purchased speckled trout and redfish from his Jefferson Parish residence, according to a release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Joseph Morris III also is accused of selling the fish to undercover agents in Plaquemines Parish, where he allegedly took agents on chartered fishing trips without the required charter boat license, the release states.
Morris, who had six outstanding warrants for his arrest in Jefferson and Plaquemines Parish, faces a total of $8,329.68 in civil restitution for the illegally taken and possessed fish.
In addition, agents seized two vessels and one vehicle used in the alleged offenses, which are now property of the State of Louisiana until the case is adjudicated in Plaquemines and Jefferson parishes, according to the release.
Commercial fisherman selling without a fresh products license, failing to maintain records and taking commercial fish without a vessel license each carries a maximum penalty of $500 and up to 90 days in jail plus court costs for each count.
Selling game fish illegally and possessing red drum commercially carries a maximum penalty of up to $500 and jail up to 30 days, license revocation and forfeiture of anything seized for each count.
Failing to comply with charter boat regulation and selling spotted sea trout without a permit, selling spotted sea trout without a rod and reel license and taking or selling undersized spotted sea trout carries a max penalty of up to $950, or up to 120 days in jail or both plus court cost and forfeiture of anything seized for each offense, according to the release.
