By MOLLY DRYMAN

Staff Reporter

DESTREHAN — Agents with Louisiana Department of Wildlife Enforcement Division arrested a Destrehan man on May 21 for reportedly operating a motorboat while intoxicated.

Kenneth J. Gravois, 47, was stopped around noon on the first day of National Safe Boating Week for a routine boating safety compliance check, when the agents noticed Gravois to appear intoxicated.

According to Lt. Col. Keith LaCaze of LDWF, a standardized field sobriety test was administered and was arrested and cited for operating a vessel while intoxicated and booked into the East Bank Lockup in Jefferson Parish on a $1,000 bond.

LaCaze reported that the maximum penalties for a first conviction of operating a motorboat while intoxicated are a fine of $1,000 and imprisonment for six months.

The second offense results in the same fine, but involves a mandatory 30 days jail time and the third offense in no more than a $2,000 fine and no more than five years imprisonment with or without hard labor, he said.

According to the East Bank Lockup in Jefferson Parish, Gravois posted his bond later that day.

“Gravois was not given a court date,” said LaCaze. “In Jefferson Parish, they will send Gravois a notification, telling him when to appear.”

LaCaze said the compliance checks are done all the time daily, especially during active days, such as the weekends.

“We do safety equipment compliance checks,” said LaCaze.

“Making sure there are fire extinguishers, life jackets and proper lighting on the boat. We also check for traffic violations on the water and look for signs of impaired operation.”

National Safe Boating Week was observed from May 21 through May 27 to encourage all boaters to exercise caution and follow safe practices.