Texas men cited for allegedly possessing alligator near French Quarter

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO ) — Three Texas men received citations from the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for allegedly being in possession of a live alligator near the French Quarter in May.

On May 30, the New Orleans Police Department reported it was working with the LDWF to find an alligator and a person of interest spotted at the corner of Esplanade Avenue and Dauphine Street.

LDWF officials said agents and officers responded to the scene and could not find the alligator or the man.

Later, on June 14, LDWF officials said agents cited 48-year-old Ediberto Sanchez, 45-year-old Matthew Erwin and 48-year-old Elgein Konesheck for possessing a live alligator without a permit.

According to the LDWF, the men “admitted to finding the alligator near a park in Lafitte and then possessing it in New Orleans before releasing it into a nearby bayou unharmed on the night of May 30.”

LDWF officials said having a live alligator without a permit can lead to a $250 to $500 fine.

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