Sep 15, 2014
Baton Rouge - Investigators within the Criminal Investigation Division of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality obtained a felony arrest warrant on Sept. 11, 2014, for a Lafourche Parish man for the illegal discharge of diesel fuel into state waterways.
Garrett Gilliam, 41, of Cutoff, was originally arrested by Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s deputies on Aug. 26, 2014, for stealing diesel fuel from the 1 of 12 pump station located off of La. 652 in Raceland sometime between the night of Aug. 23, 2014, and the morning of Aug. 24, 2014. After his arrest, Gilliam admitted to deputies that he stole diesel and intentionally discharged some of it near the pump station to make his stolen load light enough to transport. Gilliam was originally booked on three counts of felony theft and one count of felony criminal damage to property.
Following the arrest, Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s deputies contacted criminal investigators with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality about the incident. As the result of their ongoing investigation, DEQ investigators obtained a subsequent arrest warrant. While still incarcerated, Gilliam was booked by Lafourche Parish Sheriff’s deputies on the additional felony charge of knowingly discharging a pollutant to state waterways on Sept. 14, 2014.
“This is another example of local law enforcement working with DEQ to combat environmental crimes and protect the state’s natural resources,” said Jeff Nolan, Manager of DEQ’s Criminal Investigation Division. “We continue to encourage local law enforcement to contact our Criminal Investigation Division whenever they discover these types of crimes.”
If convicted of the crime of knowingly discharging pollutants to waters of the state, Gilliam faces possible imprisonment for not more than three years with or without hard labor, or a fine of not more than $50,000, or both.
The mission of the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality is to protect the environment and public health. Any persons with knowledge of any spills, releases, odors, fish kills, open burning, waste tires and any other types of environmental incidents may contact the department at 225-219-3640 or tollfree 1-888-763-5424.
An arrest does not constitute guilt in a criminal case. All evidence compiled during the investigation is presented to area prosecutors who determine if formal charges are warranted.