Bass Angler Who Lied About Where He Caught a 12-Pounder Now Facing 10 Years in Jail
Louisiana angler Jody Kyle Jeane, 40, faces up to 10 years in prison for forgery and attempted theft after lying about catching a 12-pound bass in Toledo Bend Lake to secure a free $700–$1,000 replica from the Toledo Bend Lake Association. Agents identified the fish from a previous day's photo at a different lake.
Key Details of the Case:
The Fraud: Jeane falsely claimed he caught the 12-pounder at Toledo Bend Lake to qualify for their Lunker Bass Program, which requires the fish to be caught within that specific lake.
The Evidence: LDWF agents recognized the bass due to a unique, distinct bloody marking on its tail, seeing it in a social media post after stopping him at a different location (Vernon Lake) the day before.
The Charges: According to the WKRCTV Facebook page, Jeane is charged with falsifying documents to the program and attempting to obtain a free, high-end replica through fraudulent means.
Legal Penalties: While attempted theft carries a lesser penalty, forgery is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, according to a Fox Baltimore report.
Jeane later admitted to authorities that he caught the fish in Vernon Lake rather than the stipulated Toledo Bend Reservoir.