Former Louisiana Wildlife Chief Pleads Guilty to Kickback Scheme

Montoucet conspired to steer state contracts in exchange for personal kickbacks

Mar. 31, 2026 at 9:49pm

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Jack Montoucet, the former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, pled guilty on Tuesday to conspiring to defraud the United States by soliciting and accepting kickbacks in return for influencing the awarding of state contracts. Montoucet faces up to five years in federal prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption and abuse of power by public officials entrusted to serve the public interest. Montoucet's guilty plea underscores the need for stronger oversight and accountability measures to prevent such misuse of taxpayer funds and resources.

The details

According to court documents, Montoucet agreed to steer a LDWF contract to a company called DGL1, LLC, in exchange for one-third of the profits. He then influenced the bidding process to ensure DGL1 won the contract to provide online hunter and boater education courses. Montoucet later met with his co-conspirators to discuss how to conceal the kickback payments.

  • On Jan. 27, 2021, Montoucet caused LDWF to award a no-bid contract to DGL1.
  • When the Louisiana Department of Administration raised concerns, LDWF put out a public bid that Montoucet influenced for DGL1 to win.
  • On Oct. 8, 2021, Montoucet signed the contract with DGL1 on behalf of LDWF, knowing he would receive kickbacks.

The players

Jack Montoucet

The former Secretary of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries who pled guilty to conspiring to defraud the United States by soliciting and accepting kickbacks.

Dusty Guidry

One of Montoucet's co-conspirators who helped divide the kickback profits from the DGL1 contract.

Leonard Franques

Another of Montoucet's co-conspirators who helped divide the kickback profits from the DGL1 contract.

DGL1, LLC

The company that was awarded the LDWF contract in exchange for kickbacks paid to Montoucet.

Zachary A. Keller

The United States Attorney who stated that public officials who abuse the public's trust will face justice.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Zachary A. Keller, United States Attorney

“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.”

— Jonathan Tapp, Special Agent in Charge, FBI New Orleans Field Office

“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 in concert with our partner organizations and the U.S. Attorney's Office to hold accountable those who exploit their official positions for personal profit.”

— Demetrius D. Hardeman, IRS Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office Special Agent in Charge

What’s next

Montoucet will be sentenced at a later date, where he faces up to five years in federal prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.

The takeaway

This case underscores the critical need for robust oversight and accountability measures to prevent public officials from abusing their positions of trust for personal financial gain. It serves as a stark reminder that the public deserves honesty and integrity from those entrusted with government contracts and resources.