The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) recently conducted a routine inspection of a shrimping vessel in Cote Blanche Bay, culminating in the arrest of one individual on multiple charges related to drug and firearm violations.

During a patrol, LDWF officers observed a commercial shrimping vessel actively engaged in shrimping activities. After boarding the vessel, they encountered Peter Nguyen, 39, the captain, and Rendal D. Jennies Jr., 42, a deckhand. Upon further investigation, the officers identified several illegal practices that warranted immediate attention.

The agents discovered that the skimmer nets being utilized were oversized and violated the necessary turtle excluder device (TED) regulations. Consequently, the LDWF seized these illegal nets, along with 1,813 pounds of shrimp allegedly in the possession of the individuals aboard.

Moreover, they found Jennies Jr. in possession of cocaine and marijuana, as well as drug paraphernalia. His criminal history as a convicted felon also led to additional charges, including possession or dealing in unregistered or illegally transferred firearms and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Notably, he was also charged with possessing a firearm in close proximity to a schedule II controlled dangerous substance.

Nguyen, in addition to the charges related to the illegal nets and undersized stone crab claws, now faces potential fines ranging from $250 to $500 and the prospect of up to 90 days behind bars for each fishing violation.

In contrast, Jennies Jr. remains in custody at the Iberia Parish Jail and faces substantial penalties, including fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 solely for the firearm possession charge as a convicted felon, with the risk of imprisonment lasting between five and 20 years. He may also incur additional fines of up to $10,000 and face five to 10 years for possessing a firearm while in the presence of a controlled substance.

Conclusion

This incident underscores the ongoing efforts of the LDWF to uphold fishing regulations and maintain public safety in Louisiana’s waters. As the investigation continues, both individuals face serious legal repercussions for their actions on the shrimping vessel.

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