By Paige Gurgainers

Former Fire Chief of the North Bienville Fire Department has found himself behind bars once again.  

Reportedly on April 7, Gary Hathorn of Benton, was captured on a game camera on the property of K.P.R. Hunting Club in Bryceland, La. A complaint was filed by the president of the club and evidence was turned over to the Bienville Parish Sheriff’s Office (BPSO). 

“He was seen to be in possession of a firearm at the time and had no permission to be on the premises – hunting or otherwise,” said Bienville Parish Sheriff John Ballance.  

According to Ballance, a warrant was issued for Hathorn’s arrest for criminal trespass. He turned himself into the Bienville Parish jail at 10:36 a.m. on May 9. He was booked and posted a $5,000 cash bond.  

Hathorn was arrested in 2019 on the same charges while turkey hunting on private property in Claiborne Parish. He pleaded no contest and was sentenced to pay $100 plus court costs or face 20 days in jail. In August of last year, Hathron was terminated from his position as NBFD Fire Chief due to several complaints and “inconsistencies.” 

This information has been provided by a law enforcement agency as public information. Persons named as suspects in a criminal investigation, or arrested and charged with a crime, have not been convicted of any criminal offense and are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.