Mansfield logger accused of timber theft

A Mansfield logger is accused of timber theft, according to the Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry Enforcement Division.

Michael Whitaker was arrested March 26, 2024, following an investigation by LDAF that stemmed from a complaint in January. Investigators allege Whitaker harvested timber off of Horn Road in DeSoto Parish without the owners' permission while harvesting trees on nearby property.

"Agents found that while Whitaker was cutting on an adjacent property, he failed to mark the property lines, which resulted in 2.1 acres of the victim's property being cut," according to an LDAF press release. "As a result, 180.51 tons of timber were harvested. This timber had a delivered value of $10,363.07."

According to LDAF, the harvesting occurred between October and December 2023.

Agents arrested Whitaker one one count of theft of timber in violation of R.S. 14:67.2 and booked into the DeSoto Parish Jail and released on$15,000 bond the day of his arrest.

LDAF reminds everyone that anyone accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Any forestry-related crimes can be reported to LDA Office of Forestry by calling 225-925-4500 or by calling LDAF's 24-hour hotline at 1-855-452-5323.