A routine patrol by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries agents led to substantial criminal charges for two men after their commercial shrimping vessel was inspected off the coast of Iberia Parish. According to the department's news release, Rendal D. Jennies Jr. was arrested on multiple drug and firearm charges, and Peter Nguyen was cited for several shrimping violations last Friday.
The incident occurred when agents came upon the vessel engaged in shrimping operations in Cote Blanche Bay. After boarding the boat, agents discovered not only a series of violations pertaining to the usage of oversized skimmer nets, but they also apprehended Jennies Jr., found in possession of cocaine and marijuana, a sawed-off shotgun, and other drug paraphernalia. Seized during the operation, the drugs and the illegal firearm by the agents.
While Nguyen, the captain of the vessel, was responsible for using nets that did not meet legal size regulations and failed to comply with turtle excluder device requirements, he also was found with three undersized stone crab claws. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries reported that 1,813 pounds of shrimp were confiscated from the duo's net and then sold at the dock to the highest bidder along with the seizure of the two illegal skimmer nets.
Jennies Jr. faces serious legal consequences following his arrest for possession of cocaine, marijuana, and drug paraphernalia, as well as involvement with unregistered and illegally transferred firearms. As per report by the department, the drug and weapons charges, including possession of a sawed-off 12-gauge shotgun, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and possession of a controlled substance while armed, carry the potential for multiple years of imprisonment and significant fines. The investigation was conducted by Lt. Lance Devillier, Sgt. Lucas Hidalgo, Agent Gaven Bazer, and Agent Lane Devillier. Additionally, Nguyen received citations for using oversized skimmer nets and violating turtle excluder device regulations, which could also result in fines and possible jail time.
