A Hessmer man was found guilty on March 2 in 12th Judicial District Court in Avoyelles Parish for his part in the cutting down of trees on the Spring Bayou Wildlife Management Area (WMA).
Judge William Bennett found Keith Savoy, 49, guilty of simple criminal damage to property with the value of damage being between $500 and $50,000. Savoy cut over 100 trees in the northeast corner of Spring Bayou WMA to block navigable access to an area known as the “fields” where he regularly hunted.
Avoyelles District Attorney Charles Riddle and Assistant D.A. Tony Salario prosecuted the case. Savoy will be sentenced on April 11.
Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries enforcement agents arrested Savoy on March 6, 2014 at his residence for criminal damage to state property after a four month investigation.
The trees Savoy cut down ranged from 10 inches to 30 inches in diameter and up to 50 foot tall including cypress, oak and willow trees.
Agents involved in the case are Lt. John Volentine, Sgts. Gabe Guidry, Chad Watts and Bear Fletcher, and Senior Agents Doug Anderson Jr., Jay Callegari, Heath Wood, Kurt Hatten, Dale Wheat, Kenny Robertson and John Hattaway. Avoyelles Parish Sheriff’s Office Deputy Matthew Smith and Detective Jeremiah Honea also assisted in the case.
For more information, contact Adam Einck at 225-765-2465 or aeinck@wlf.la.gov.