Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited a St. Francisville restaurant owner with buying spotted sea trout, buying fish from someone other than a wholesale or retail dealer and failure to maintain records.
David Fleischbein, 40, of St. Francisville, was issued a citation for purchasing speckled trout from an undercover agent posing as a recreational fisherman. According to LDWF officials, the purchases took place at his St. Francisville restaurant called Lola Blues.
The penalties for failure to maintain records and for a restaurant buying fish from other than a wholesale or retail dealer each range between a $250 and $500 fine, or 90 days in jail, or both plus costs of court.
Buying spotted sea trout from an unpermitted fisherman carries fines of $900 to $950, or 120 days in jail, or both plus court costs.
Agents from Region 7 participating in the case were Senior Agents Chad Menzina and Will Roberts and undercover agents from LDWF Headquarters.
For more information, contact Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze at 225-765-3548 or klacaze@wlf.louisiana.gov [3].
2006-264