Rapides Parish, LA – 47-year-old Tony Jake Hicks from Echo, Louisiana, was arrested after being accused of stealing up to 500 pounds of crawfish from a local farmer. Hicks faces multiple charges, including theft, criminal trespassing, unauthorized use of a vehicle, felon in possession of a firearm, and contempt of court.
The investigation began on April 26 when the farmer reported that several of his crawfish traps had been emptied, with evidence suggesting the use of the farmer’s boat in the theft. On April 30, the farmer called again, stating that approximately 100 more traps had been emptied overnight.
On May 10, during an operation led by the Rapides Parish Sheriff’s Office, Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, and other local units, deputies spotted a man at the pond. A traffic stop was made, and Hicks was identified as the primary suspect.
The thefts are believed to have totaled 400-500 pounds of crawfish, leading to Hicks’ arrest. He was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center on a $61,700 bond.
The case is ongoing, with investigators continuing to explore any possible links to additional thefts in the area.
