§67.2. Theft of timber

            A. Theft of timber is the misappropriation or taking of timber belonging to another, or proceeds derived from the sale of such timber, either taken without the consent of the owner, or by means of fraudulent conduct, practices, or representations, with the intent to deprive the owner permanently of the timber or proceeds derived therefrom.

            B.(1) Whoever commits the crime of theft of timber when the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of twenty-five thousand dollars or more shall be fined not more than ten thousand dollars and imprisoned at hard labor for not more than ten years.

            (2) When the misappropriation or taking amounts to a value of less than twenty-five thousand dollars, the offender shall be imprisoned, with or without hard labor, for not more than five years, fined not more than five thousand dollars, or both.

            C. The enforcement division of the office of forestry within the Department of Agriculture and Forestry shall have primary responsibility for collection, preparation, and central registry of information relating to theft of timber and shall assist all law enforcement agencies in investigations of violations of the provisions of this Section.

            Acts 2018, No. 68, §1.