Boaters ticketed for drinking & driving

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division agents cited six boat operators on Lake Fausse Point, Teche Lake Canal and Bird Island Chute in Iberia Parish for operating vessels while intoxicated.

Agents cited David W. Broussard II, 20, Damon J. Theriot, 31, Blake E. Bourgois, 23, and Chris A. Peltier, 39, all of New Iberia, Rusty M. Latiolais, 28, of St. Martinville, and Matthew Brown, 30, of Baton Rouge, for operating their vessels while intoxicated on March 1.

Theriot, Latiolais and Peltier were also cited for improper running lights. Broussard was charged with possession of alcohol under the age of 21.

The penalty for first offense of operating a vessel while intoxicated is a fine between $300 and $1,000, and imprisonment between 10 days and six months. The penalty for possession of alcohol by a person under the age of 21 is a fine up to $100, or jail time up to six months or both. The penalty for improper running lights is a $50 fine, or jail time up to 15 days or both.

Agents participating in the cases were Lt. Donald Salpietra, Sgts. Mitch Darby, Cliff Ortis and Travis Huval, Senior Agents Jerry Stassi, Donnie Bozeman, Jason Romero and Agent Thomas Ashley Jr.