GRETNA MAN CHARGED WITH FELONY VIOLATION OF THE LACEY ACT
BLAKE A. MITCHELL, age 49, a resident of Gretna, Louisiana was charged in a one-count Bill of Information with felony violation of the Lacey Act, announced United States Attorney Jim Letten.
According to the Bill of Information, from January 13, 2010, through on or about January 14, 2010, in the Eastern District of Louisiana and elsewhere, the defendant, BLAKE A. MITCHELL, did knowingly transport and sell fish, namely, red fish, in interstate commerce, by providing guiding services to others, from outside the state of Louisiana, knowing that the redfish had been taken in violation of and in a manner unlawful under the laws and regulations of the State of Louisiana.
If convicted, MITCHELL faces a maximum term of imprisonment of not more than five (5) years, followed by up to one (1) year of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
United States Attorney Letten reiterated that the Bill of Information is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The case was investigated by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jordan Ginsberg.
(Download Bill of Information 
)
