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

Baton Rouge, LA (December 27, 2017) – A Caldwell Parish logger is accused of stealing timber following an investigation by Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry (LDAF) enforcement agents.

Forty-one year old Charles Mason Adkins of Grayson, La. was arrested Friday, December 22, 2017 for theft of timber. LDAF enforcement agents said Adkins failed to pay for timber valued at $18,222.54.

Adkins was booked into the Caldwell Parish Correctional facility with bond set at $10,000.

Investigators said that during the months of January and February of 2017, Adkins cut and hauled 17 loads of merchantable timber but did not pay the landowner for all the loads of timber hauled off the property.

“Timber is one of the largest industries in the state. Incidents of theft can often go undetected. Landowners must be vigilant in knowing with whom they are conducting business. We encourage anyone who is aware of theft or fraud to please contact our Office of Forestry at 225-925-4500,” said LDAF Commissioner Mike Strain, D.V.M.

Adkins could face up to ten years in prison and/or up to $10,000 in fines if convicted.