New Iberia Man Caught Illegally Crabbing
A New Iberia man is behind bars after allegedly stealing crabs and an outboard motor among other charges.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents have arrested Patrick Bourgeois for removing the traps from the Vermilion Bay, not having a commercial license, taking commercial fish with the proper gear license or boat, and having over 20% of undersized crabs.
He was caught after other fisherman were complaining about a man stealing traps and crabs from the bay. When caught he had 198 lbs of crabs that didn’t belong to him.
Commercial fisherman are allowed to keep 10% or less of undersized crab, which means they are less than five inches.
Bourgeois was arrested and taken to the Iberia Parish jail for the charges. He faces up to five years in jail and as much as a $2000 fine.
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