( KLFY )– An Erath man was cited for theft of crab traps and intentional concealment of fish on Fourth of July.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) enforcement agents 54-year-old Chad A. Leblanc for the alleged crabbing violations in Vermilion Parish. Patrol agents in Vermilion Bay saw a vessel pulling up several crab traps and removing the contents into the vessel. Agents engaged with Leblanc, who was operating the vessel.

As he was being questioned, Leblanc repeatedly said that he did not have anything onboard the, and he was out riding around. After agents checked the ice chests, which were empty, 12 crabs were in the bottom of a livewell full of water in the rear of the vessel.

Agents then asked the owner of the crab traps if Leblanc had permission to remove any crabs from the traps, and the owner said no. Agents seized the crabs and returned them to the water.

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Intentional concealment of illegal fish brings a $900 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail. Theft of crab traps carries a $400 to $950 fine and up to 120 days in jail.

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