Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) Enforcement Division agents arrested Michael R. Gaspard, 18, on May 21.
He was cited forl second offense taking or possessing an alligator during a closed season, operating an unregistered motor vehicle without insurance and booked him into the Allen Parish Jail.
Senior Agent Wendel Vaughn allegedly observed Gaspard load a 5-foot alligator, which he caught on the Calcasieu River, into the extended cab portion of a small white truck.
When Vaughn approached the vehicle he found the alligator behind the front seat with a hook and line still in its mouth. Gaspard and a 15-year-old juvenile admitted to catching the alligator.
Vaughn then determined that Gaspard was issued citations by LDWF Agents on Jan. 26, 2012 for the possession of alligators during a closed season.
The juvenile was issued a citation for taking or possessing an alligator during a closed season and released to a family member.
Gaspard and the juvenile each face fines ranging from $400 to $950 and up to 120 days in jail for possessing an alligator during a closed season.
Operating a motor vehicle without a registration brings a fine up to $100 and up to 30 days in jail.
Operating a vehicle without insurance carries a $50 fine. Gaspard was also charged civil restitution value of the alligator totaling $375.80.
Alligator season in Allen Parish runs 30 days beginning the first Wednesday in September.
Gaspard’s trial date for his first offense of possessing an alligator during a closed season has been set for July

