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A Houma man was cited Monday (April 25) for alleged alligator violations in Terrebonne Parish, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement reported.
Louis J. Verrett, 38, was cited for allegedly taking an alligator without a license and during a closed season.
Agents came into contact with Verrett on the side of Falgoust Canal Road and noticed blood in the dirt near his vehicle. Agents then discovered a 5-foot alligator in the weeds next to the road.
Agents noted that the alligator appeared to have been struck in the head several times by a hard object. Agents searched Verrett’s vehicle and found an aluminum baseball bat and some black line with a treble hook tied to the end.
Upon inspection, agents found similar line tied to a hook snagged in the alligator.
When questioned about the alligator, Verrett admitted to snagging the alligator and striking it in the head several times with the baseball bat.
Agents also discovered that Verrett was issued a citation in August of 1992 for angling without a license and angling without a saltwater license. Verrett had an outstanding balance of $150 for those violations, which he never paid.
Agents then issued Verrett a citation for failing to comply with payment requirements.
Taking an alligator without a license carries a $250 to $500 fine and/or up to 90 days in jail. Taking an alligator during a closed season carries a $400 to $950 fine and/or jail time of up to 120 days. Failing to comply with payment requirements carries a $250 to $500 fine and/or up to 90 days.
Verrett also faces a $175 civil restitution citation for the alligator.
