Department of Agriculture and Forestry, State of Louisiana - Mike Strain DVM, Commissioner

NEWS

Beauregard Parish logger arrested on timber theft charges

November 1, 2016

Baton Rouge, La. (Nov. 1, 2016) – Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M., said LDAF enforcement agents arrested a Merryville, La. logger on charges of timber theft by fraud.

Donald Foster, 62, Merryville, La. was arrested on Oct. 28 when he turned himself in to the Beauregard Parish Sheriff’s office on an arrest warrant obtained by LDAF enforcement agents.

LDAF enforcement agents received a complaint from a landowner this Aug. regarding Foster. An investigation revealed that Foster provided the landowner with false scale tickets and pocketed a portion of the actual proceeds and profit from the sale of timber. The value of the timber owed to the landowner was $4,000.

Agents also said Foster allegedly misrepresented himself as a legal corporation organized under Louisiana state law. Then, agents said, he deceived the landowner into entering into a contract at a grossly undervalued price which resulted in a loss of over $17,000.

“Timber is a long-term investment. It is very important that landowners use caution and do their homework before contracting with someone to do any kind of work with their timber,” Strain said. “Get references, ask friends, neighbors and call our office to be sure you are dealing with a reputable outfit.”

Strain advises anyone who suspects timber theft to contact the Office of Forestry at 225-925-4500.