Vernon Parish, LA – According to the statement, the 48-year-old suspect, later identified as James Johnson, was booked into the Vernon Parish Detention Center on timber theft and other timber-related charges on August 9, 2022.
He posted the bond of $15,000 on August 11, 2022.
Later that day, he was arrested in Rapides Parish on additional timber theft charges.
On August 9, the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry’s Enforcement agents arrested the 48-year-old man for one count of timber theft less than $25,000 and three counts of making false statements regarding rightful ownership of forest products.
In weeks prior, LDAF Forestry Enforcement agents received a complaint from the owner of a 20-acre tract of timberland in Vernon Parish.
The landowner reported that Johnson was hired to log this tract of land.
The timber owner informed LDAF agents he believed he was not paid for all the timber harvested off his property.
Following an investigation, LDAF enforcement agents say Johnson failed to pay for loads of timber valued at $1,860.74.
Johnson was booked into the Vernon Parish Jail on one count of theft of timber less than $25,000. The bond was set at $15,000, which he posted on August 11, 2022.
