Rapides Parish law‑enforcement officials announced Thursday that a multi‑agency investigation into suspected timber theft uncovered a separate nighttime hunting operation, a cache of suspected methamphetamine and six firearms. The operation began as a Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry inquiry into alleged timber theft and property damage, and wildlife agents were added to address possible illegal hunting.
Surveillance leads to traffic stop
According to a Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries news release, agents were conducting surveillance in the Lena area on Oct. 24 when they observed individuals hunting from a moving vehicle after dark. The agents followed the vehicle and performed a traffic stop. Inside the truck bed they found an antlerless deer, two bags of material suspected to be methamphetamine and six firearms.
Four individuals arrested
Edward L. Randall, 67, and Regina G. Randall, 62, both residents of Lena, were arrested on charges of timber theft, property damage, trespassing and multiple hunting violations. The violations include hunting during prohibited hours, hunting from a moving vehicle and hunting without the required licenses and tags. Regina Randall also faces charges for possessing methamphetamine and for possessing a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance.
Jessica D. Morehead, 40, and Shawn P. Bergeaux, 48, both of Eunice, were arrested on charges of possessing methamphetamine, possessing a firearm while in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possessing drug paraphernalia, trespassing and hunting violations. Morehead also faces a property‑damage allegation.
Seized items and ongoing investigation
Authorities seized the dead deer, the six firearms, two bags of suspected methamphetamine and associated drug paraphernalia. The release did not identify the landowners whose property may have been affected, nor did it provide an estimate of the value of the timber allegedly stolen or the cost of any property damage.
Both the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry and the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries emphasized that the investigations remain ongoing and that additional charges could be filed as the case develops.
Community impact
Residents of Rapides Parish expressed concern about the combination of illegal timber harvesting, drug activity and unsafe hunting practices. Local officials reiterated their commitment to protecting natural resources, public safety and the rule of law in the parish.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
