Louisiana wildlife secretary opts to resign immediately, says reforms sabotaged

Louisiana's wildlife and fisheries secretary says people in his office have been sabotaging financial cleanup, and he's resigning immediately rather than in February.

Charlie Melancon made the statements Wednesday in a resignation letter to Gov. John Bel Edwards, a copy of which he texted to The Associated Press. A November audit report raised questions about missing property and millions of dollars in agency spending. For instance, according to the audit, Gulf oil spill recovery money intended for fish testing was used for unnecessary iPads, cameras, boats and now-missing fishing equipment.

"I accepted your appointment in the spirit of public service without the knowledge that I would be responsible for turning around a troubled state agency," Melancon wrote. "However, many of the department's previous problems persist, driven largely by ... (a recreational fishing group) and individuals within the department."

He said last week that officials in Edwards' administration had asked him to leave office in mid-February, and he had agreed. He said continuing until then is a strain on his family.

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