5 cited in Terrebonne Parish for oyster violations - FOX 8 WVUE New Orleans News, Weather, Sports

BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) - State wildlife and fisheries agents have cited five men for alleged oyster violations in Terrebonne Parish.

While on oyster-growing-area patrol in Four Isle Bayou, agents found a vessel being used to dredge oysters from a private lease without the lease owner's permission.

State regulators said Friday that agents cited 61-year-old Lawrence Verdin, of Bourg; 54-year-old Wesley Verdi, of Theriot; 29-year-old Shaft Jones, 29-year-old Walter Jones and 24-year-old Russell Trahan, all of Houma, for unlawfully taking oysters from a private lease and failure to have written permission.

If convicted, they face up to four months in jail on each charge, fines and court costs.

The oysters found on the vessel were seized and returned to the water. The boat and dredges were seized.

The alleged incident occurred July 31.

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