Former festival chairman charged with stealing over $12K
The Des Allemands man accused of stealing more than $12,000 from the 2014 Louisiana Catfish Festival and fleeing police has been arrested and charged with theft and writing worthless checks.
Wayne Guillot Jr., 42, of 182 Autin Lane, has been charged with one count of worthless checks valued at $100 to $499, one count of theft valued at $5,000 to about $25,000, and one count of theft valued under $500, according to the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office.
Guillot, who was serving as festival chairman at the time, had a longstanding history with the Catfish Festival.
The Sheriff’s Office had placed him on CrimeStoppers in October as a fugitive accused of filing $12,351 in fraudulent invoices paying himself the money from the St. Gertrude Catholic Church in Des Allemands, which holds the festival.
Guillot claimed they were for purchases for the festival.
St. Gertrude’s Father Ray Hymel, who also serves as festival president, said Guillot’s prior arrest with similar charges in Lafayette raised concerns that he had also taken money from the Catfish Festival. When a search of church records revealed Guillot’s alleged fraudulent invoices last year, Hymel said they contacted the Diocese and were advised to press charges.
The church was insured for the loss. Hymel added the church had taken more precautions with festival finances.
Guillot was being held on $50,000 bond as of Thursday (Feb. 4). His arraignment is March 4.
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