Two men have found themselves on the wrong side of the law after a patrol in Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area (WMA) led to arrests for a series of illegal drug and firearm violations. According to Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, while following up on the sound of gunfire last Tuesday near the Boggy Bayou Boat Launch, agents encountered a suspicious truck with four occupants.
Upon making contact with the vehicle and its passengers, officers smelled marijuana, which sparked further investigation. Found in possession of marijuana and a 9mm pistol with the serial number removed, Bernard M. Rowe, 26, of Marksville, was arrested and faces charges including discharging a firearm from a public road. Alongside Rowe, Tyrik J. Ballard, 24, of Marksville, was arrested for carrying a firearm illegally and having enough marijuana on him indicative of intentions to distribute it.
During the search, agents seized two 9mm pistols and 86.77 grams of marijuana. The driver of the truck, Deallesio Frank, 24, of Moreuaville, received a citation for driving in a restricted area of the WMA. The consequences for these offenses are steep, with fines ranging up to $50,000 and potential jail time depending on the charge severity, like possession of marijuana with intent to distribute could land someone in jail for up to 20 years.
In addition to the primary offenders, one of the vehicle's occupants was just cited, Deallesio Frank, for a WMA access violation. The confiscation of firearms—one with an obliterated serial number—points to the seriousness of the offenses uncovered during this seemingly routine patrol. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents have been hailed for their work, which included Capt. John Volentine, Lt. Derek Ware, Sgt. Douglas Anderson Jr., Corporal Kenny Robertson, and Senior Agent Callie Pitre, as per the official department release. Both Rowe and Ballard were booked into the Avoyelles Parish Detention Center following the incident.
