Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested a Goldonna man for alleged illegal drugs and weapon charges in Natchitoches Parish on Jan 17.
Agents arrested James Garner, 52, for driving while intoxicated (DWI), possession of marijuana, possession of methamphetamines, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, illegal carrying of a weapon while in possession of illegal drugs and possession of an open alcoholic beverage in a motor vehicle.
Agents received a call from U.S. Forestry Officers working a checkpoint on the Kisatchie National Forest about a vehicle they stopped with the driver appearing to be intoxicated. U.S. Forestry Officer’s also located suspected meth in Garner’s pocket, a half smoked marijuana joint in the vehicle, open container of alcohol in the vehicle and a loaded .223 rifle.
After failing the standardized field sobriety test conducted by LDWF agents, Garner was placed under arrest and booked into the Natchitoches Parish Detention Center.
Possession of a firearm by a convicted felon is a felony and carries a $1,000 to $5,000 fine and 10 to 20 years in jail. Possession of a firearm while in possession of illegal drugs carries up to a $10,000 fine and between five and 10 years of prison. Possession of methamphetamine carries up to a $5,000 fine and five years in jail.
A DWI carries a $300 to $1,000 fine and up to six months in jail. Possession of marijuana brings up to a $500 fine and six months in jail. Open container of alcohol in a vehicle brings a $100 fine.
Agents participating in the case are Sgt. Joseph Melton and Agent Devin Bryant along with U.S. Forestry Officer Jason La Mons and Officer Edward Jones.