Jonesville trio accused of running an illegal lead net in Catahoula Parish on April 9
Enforcement agents on Wednesday arrested three people for alleged game fish violations on Larto Lake, according to a press release from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
Agents allegedly observed the individuals running an illegal lead net, and when agents attempted to make contact, the operator of the vessel refused to stop, the release states.
After a brief chase, agents arrested David D. Paulk, 67, Adam L. Fields, 26, and Stephanie L. Carry, 20, all of Jonesville, and booked them into the Catahoula Parish Prison, the release states.
Paulk and Fields were cited for resisting officers by flight, using lead neats in other than an overflow area, taking game fish illegally and intentional concealment by disposing of fish as evidence, according to the release.
During the chase, agents allegedly witnessed the men offloading illegally taken fish from hoop nets into the water, the release states.
Paulk also was charged with reckless operation of a watercraft and no boat registration numbers, while Carry was cited for taking game fish illegally and using lead nets other than in an overflow area, according to the release.
Agents seized two hoop nets, a lead net, a 17-foot flat boat and a 50-horsepower motor in the investigation.
Resisting an officer by flight brings up to a $500 fine and up to six months in jail. Reckless operation of a watercraft carries up to a $200 fine and 90 days in jail. Using lead nets in other than an overflow area and taking game fish illegally both bring a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail for each charge. Intentional concealment by disposing of fish brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. No boat registration numbers carries up to a $50 fine and 15 days in jail, the release states.
