Pair took 523 eggs illegally, LDWF says
Two Grand Chenier men were sentenced on Jan. 24 in Vermilion Parish for their part in stealing more than 500 alligator eggs, according to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Paul A. Canik, 48, pleaded no contest to illegal possession of alligator eggs and criminal trespass. Christopher M. Trahan, 25, pleaded no contest to not abiding by rules and regulations, the release states.
Judge Edward Broussard ordered Canik to pay a $593 fine for illegal possession of alligator eggs and a $50 fine for criminal trespassing. Canik also was ordered to forfeit $1,740 from the sale of the illegally taken alligator eggs, as well as an 18-foot aluminum boat with motor and trailer. Canik’s egg collection privileges were also suspended for 18 months, and Trahan was ordered to pay a $293 fine, the release states.
Enforcement agents originally cited Canik and Trahan on July 21, 2015 for the illegal collection of 523 alligator eggs. Agents determined that Canik collected numerous alligator eggs on Grand Chenier property that he not have a required egg collection permit for, the release states.
Canik also trespassed on property he did not have permission to access during the illegal egg collection. Trahan assisted in transport of the illegally taken alligator eggs, according to the release.
