Louisiana Man Facing 10 Years in Prison for Lying About Where He Caught Fish

LEESVILLE, La. - A 40-year-old Louisiana man is currently sitting behind bars and is facing thousands of dollars in fines as well as 10 years in prison for lying to the Toledo Bend Lake Association about where he caught a 12-pound bass.

We've all lied about fish, right? Who knew it could get you prison time?

How A Trophy Fish Led To Criminal Charges

Although Jody Kyle Jeane was arrested on April 1 for lying about where he caught his amazing 12-pound bass, it's no joke, and authorities aren't joking either.

According to the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Jeane caught the bass in Vernon Lake, actually offering to show agents the fish who were there at the time the catch was his personal best.

OK, so if agents actually saw him catch the fish, what did he lie about and why could he go to prison for it?

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How A Trophy Fish Led To Criminal Charges

According to wildlife officials, Jody Kyle Jeane is accused of entering a fishing program under false pretenses after catching a large bass in the wrong location.

Investigators say the man caught the fish in Vernon Lake but later claimed it was caught in Toledo Bend Lake, an important detail tied to eligibility for a special fishing program called The Lunker Bass Program run by the Toledo Bend Lake Association.

The program rewards anglers who catch and release largemouth bass weighing at least 10 pounds by offering a free fiberglass replica of their catch.

How Did He Get Caught? 

Remember earlier when we said Wildlife agents reportedly first encountered the man at a boat launch, where he proudly showed off a 12-pound bass, calling it his personal best?

Authorities say they later spotted a social media post featuring the same fish submitted to the Toledo Bend Lunker Bass Program. Wildlife agents quickly recognized the fish due to its unique markings, and even said the man appeared to be wearing the same clothes in the pictures.

Charges Could Bring Serious Penalties

After digging deeper, agents allege Jeane signed official paperwork falsely claiming the fish was caught in Toledo Bend Lake, eventually admitting the fish actually came from Vernon Lake, making it officially ineligible for The Lunker Bass Program.

Jeane now faces multiple charges, including forgery and attempted theft. If convicted, those charges could carry serious penalties, including thousands in fines and up to 10 years in prison for forgery alone.

Read more at WAFB.com.