Fraudulent boat sales lead to arrest of Shreveport man

DISCLAIMER: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

SHREVEPORT, La (KTAL/KMSS) – The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) has arrested a man from Shreveport, on multiple charges related to forgery and filing false public records in Caddo and East Baton Rouge parishes.

Tandy Lemay, a 52-year-old, was arrested on September 1, 2025, for 11 counts of forgery in Caddo Parish, nine counts of filing false public records, and one count of computer fraud in East Baton Rouge Parish.

The case came to light after LDWF agents received complaints regarding boats sold by Lemay, that were linked to false documentation.

In May 2024, agents conducted search warrants on Lemay’s businesses as part of the ongoing investigation. They determined that the documents used in these boat transactions had been forged and were used to register the boats with the LDWF.

Investigators also say that Lemay had allegedly accessed the online LDWF vessel registration system using altered data.

These violations could result in severe penalties.

Forgery could lead to a fine of up to $5,000 and a prison term of up to 10 years. Filing false public records may result in a fine of up to $5,000 and up to five years in jail.

Additionally, the charge of computer fraud carries a possible fine of up to $10,000 and five years in prison.

LDWF has issued warnings to the public about precautions to take when purchasing a boat or outboard motor.

They advise buyers to compare registration and title documents to ensure that hull identification or serial numbers match and are not altered.

Buyers should be wary if the price offered is significantly lower than the value, and do not purchase if the seller cannot provide ownership documentation, such as a registration certificate or title.

The investigation involved the efforts of LDWF agents Sgt. Joseph Melton and Sgt. Toby Meyers.