Former Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Secretary Jack Montoucet faces up to five years in prison for participating in a kickback scheme. Federal prosecutors say the 78-year-old Montoucet used his position as secretary to steer a state contract to a company called DGL1 in exchange for one-third of the profit. FBI special agent in charge, Jonathan Tapp:
“Mr. Montoucet becomes the third such public servant caught up in a conspiracy to steal money from the people of this great state,” Tapp said.
Lafayette businessman Leonard Franques and Dusty Guidry of Youngsville are already serving time in federal prison. Prosecutors say Guidry was the mastermind behind the scheme and it was Montoucet who made sure Franques’ business received a contract to provide online hunting and boating courses. Assistant U.S. Attorney LaDonte Murphy says they stopped the illegal scheme in its early stages.
“If this matter had been allowed to continue, these individuals would have enriched themselves at the expense of the people’s trust in their government,” Murphy said.
Montoucet is also a former state representative and retired Lafayette fire chief. Governor John Bel Edwards appointed Montoucet as LDWF secretary in January 2017 and was set to retire in 2024 when he resigned abruptly in April 2023. Murphy says Montoucet was set to receive his portion of the kickback after he retired, and the money was hidden in a secret fund.
“These individuals obtained around $53,000 from this scheme. They were going to split that in thirds, and the secretary was to receive around $17,800 for his portion of that scheme,” Murphy explained.
Montoucet pleaded guilty to one felony public corruption count. He will be sentenced June 30th.
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