Former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, Jack Montoucet, pled guilty on March 31 to conspiring to defraud the United States by soliciting and accepting illegal kickbacks in exchange for influencing state contracts. Montoucet faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $250,000.
The case underscores concerns about public trust in government contracting. Prosecutors say the actions undermine confidence in public officials and their stewardship of state resources.
“The citizens of Louisiana deserve and demand honesty and integrity from those entrusted with public office, including when they contract for services on behalf of our Louisiana communities,” said United States Attorney Zachary A. Keller. “Officeholders like Mr. Montoucet who abuse that trust undermine confidence in government and the public contracting process, and our Office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to prosecute these abuses and see that offenders face justice.”
Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Tapp of the FBI New Orleans Field Office said: “Mr. Montoucet helped a co-conspirator get a lucrative state contract to provide online courses for kickbacks. Thankfully, there are still good people out there who reached out to the FBI and local law enforcement to report this illegal activity. The FBI and our partners will continue to ensure public officials honor the public’s trust.” IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office Special Agent in Charge Demetrius D. Hardeman added: “Public officials are entrusted with serving the people – not enriching themselves. Today’s guilty plea makes clear that the defendant abused that trust by engaging in a scheme to manipulate the contract process and steer contracts for personal gain… We will continue to work…to hold accountable those who exploit their official positions for personal profit.”
According to court documents, while serving as Secretary at LDWF, Montoucet agreed with two conspirators—Dusty Guidry and Leonard Franques—to steer a department contract toward DGL1 LLC in exchange for one-third of its profits going directly back as kickbacks after he left office under cover as consulting fees.
U.S. Attorney Keller announced that federal authorities—including Assistant U.S Attorneys Myers P. Namie, Lauren L Nickel, LaDonte A Murphy; Trial Attorney Alex Dempsey; Legal Assistant Christy Angelle—and agencies such as FBI New Orleans Field Office along with IRS Criminal Investigation handled prosecution efforts.
Broader implications may include increased scrutiny over how state contracts are awarded within Louisiana departments moving forward.
