A New Llano man was arrested June 11 following an investigation into a social media video that allegedly showed a raccoon being unlawfully killed.
The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division arrested Justin D. Ford, 37, of New Llano, on charges of aggravated cruelty to animals, hunting without a basic hunting license, taking wild quadrupeds using illegal methods and unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity.
LDWF’s Pineville Office received multiple complaints May 28 about a video reportedly posted May 24. The video allegedly showed an individual striking a raccoon with a large rock while the animal was in a creek at night. The video was later removed from the social media platform.
Agents identified Ford as the individual shown in the video and obtained an arrest warrant through the 30th Judicial District Court, according to LDWF.
During a June 11 traffic stop conducted by the Vernon Parish Sheriff’s Office, Ford was contacted by LDWF agents and allegedly admitted to throwing the rock at the raccoon. He was arrested and booked into the Vernon Parish Detention Center.
Aggravated cruelty to animals carries a fine of $5,000 to $25,000 and one to 10 years in jail. Taking wild quadrupeds using illegal methods carries a fine of $250 to $500 and up to 90 days in jail. Hunting without a basic hunting license carries a fine of up to $350, while unlawful posting of criminal activity for notoriety and publicity carries a fine of up to $500 and up to six months in jail.