Three accused of timber theft, other charges

Two Rapides Parish people are charged with timber theft and other charges following a joint investigation of the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Enforcement Division and Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, according to an LDAF press release. A third arrest, a Eunice woman, was made during the investigation, but she was not charged with timber theft.

Edward L. Randall, 67, and Regina G. Randall, 62, both of Lena, were charged with theft of timber greater than $5,000 but less than $25,000, criminal damage to property and criminal trespass. Regina Randall had additional charges of illegal carrying of firearm with drugs and possession of a controlled dangerous substance (less than 2 grams), according to Rapides Parish jail information. Also arrested during the investigation was Jessica D. Morehead, 40, of Eunice, who is charged with criminal damage to property less than $1,000, criminal trespass, illegal carrying of firearm with illegal drugs, possession of controlled dangerous substance (less than 2 grams) and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"The operation stemmed from an ongoing LDAF investigation into suspected timber theft and property damage involving the unauthorized cutting and removal of timber from private property," according to the press release. "Investigators also developed information concerning the processing and potential sale of the timber to a commercial purchaser."

LDAF and LDWF teamed up in surveillance of the perpetrators on Oct. 24, when investigators allege the three "engaged in nighttime hunting from a motor vehicle," the press release said. "A subsequent traffic stop resulted in the recovery of an antlerless deer and the seizure of six firearms.

A fourth arrest was made during the investigation. Shawn P. Bergeaux, 48, of LeCompte, was charged with possession of methamphetamines, possession of a firearm while being in possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, simple criminal damage to property, criminal trespassing, hunting without a basic hunting license, failing to comply with outlaw quadruped regulations, hunting from a moving vehicle and hungint from a public road.

The arrests were made on Oct. 25. According to jail records, bond was set at $26,000 for Edward Randall. Regina Randall's bond was set at $32,500, and bond for Morehead was set at $8,000. All were released Oct. 27. Bergeaux's bond was set at $7,000.