Baton Rouge, LA (4/14/2023) – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries leader turned in his resignation Friday after reports tied him to an ongoing federal investigation involving bribery.
Gov. John Bel Edwards’ office confirmed that Jack Montoucet will step down as LDWF secretary. He had held the post since his appointment in 2017. Deputy Secretary Robert Shadoin has been elevated as Montoucet’s replacement, according to the governor.
On Thursday, The Times-Picayune | The Advocate identified Montoucet, 75, as the high-ranking LDWF official accused of accepting a bribe, according to federal court documents for a plea bargain.
The plea deal for Dusty Guidry of Youngsville was made public Tuesday, admitting he and another official accepted bribes from a contractor that provides online courses for hunting and boating licenses and the classes for people who the LDWF tickets for minor infractions to have their records cleared.
According to court records, the LDWF official was to receive the payoff once retired as well as an all-terrain vehicle valued at $14,000.
Montoucet could not be reached immediately for comment.
Read the complete story on the bribery allegations from The Times-Picayune | The Advocate.
Source: Louisiana Illuminator, Author
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