If you’ve ever ventured into the murky swamps of Louisiana, you know that the folks there are simply a different breed. Since 2010, “Swamp People” has introduced us to a very colorful cast of Cajun characters, from the eccentric old-timer Troy Landry to the resident heartthrob, Pickle Wheat. While “Swamp People” shows us the heroic victories and struggles of these unique folks, you might not know about the dark side of the cast. Some of the most beloved cast members have gone too far and ended up behind bars for their crimes. From hunting gators to hunting the most dangerous game – man – some of them cooked up schemes that were stranger than turtle soup. From horrific violence to scummy scams, you might not be able to look at these guys the same way, unless, of course, they’re being framed. Here is the dark side of the Bayou:
- J Paul Mire and RJ Mire Jr:
- J Paul and RJ Mire, part of the gator hunting family featured on “Swamp People,” faced assault and battery charges after a road rage incident in 2013.
- J Paul, an MMA fighter, and RJ, a four-time World Arm Wrestling Champion, were allegedly involved in a physical altercation, beating a 24-year-old with a beer bottle.
- Both claimed innocence, stating they were the victims of a mutual dispute, leaving the truth of the incident in question.
- Roger Rivers:
- Roger Rivers, a former cast member, faced charges of scamming, drug offenses, and the illegal selling of swamp meat.
- Accused of running a small business empire illegally selling swamp meat, including fish, deer, turtle, and assorted reptiles.
- In 2022, Roger was charged, booked, and jailed on fraud charges related to a construction contracting company.
- Joe Lafont (Trapper Joe):
- Joe Lafont, a significant figure in the early seasons of “Swamp People,” faced multiple domestic violence charges.
- Arrested for punching his girlfriend and burning her with a lit cigarette during a bitter argument in a Florida hotel lobby.
- Arrested in 2013 and 2015 for domestic violence charges, allegedly breaking his girlfriend’s ribs in the latter incident.
- Nicholas Payne:
- Nicholas Payne, a brief cast member, faced criminal charges for attacking a police officer in 2011.
- Payne attacked a cop and fled into the woods after police responded to a noise complaint at his house.
- No longer on “Swamp People,” his whereabouts are unclear, having avoided arrest in the ensuing years.
- Chase Landry:
- Chase Landry, a knowledgeable gator hunter featured on “Swamp People,” was charged with opening fire on another boat in 2017.
- Landry claimed to have shot at a shrimp boat that refused to slow down during a gator hunt, almost hitting passengers.
- When the trial came, Landry was nowhere to be found, leading to a warrant for his arrest and his mysterious disappearance, with speculation that the show’s producers may have intervened.
