|
Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program investigation results in more convictions An investigation by the province�s Inland Fisheries Enforcement team into a commercial salmon poaching operation this past summer near the west coast community of St. Fintan�s has lead to several convictions recently at provincial court. A three-week investigation conducted by conservation officers with the Inland Fisheries Enforcement Program of the Department of Natural Resources resulted in nine male individuals, seven from this province and two from Ontario, being charged for a variety of offences related to the poaching activity. In addition, some of the individuals were investigated for violations related to the Highway Traffic Act. Judge Catherine Allen-Westby convicted five of the nine individuals, who referred to themselves as "The Untouchables" for their involvement in the poaching operation at provincial court in Stephenville on December 7. Ryan King and William Gilbert of St. Fintan�s were convicted for possession of untagged Atlantic salmon and selling Atlantic salmon, while Junior Hodge of Jeffrey�s, Anthony Curtis of Stephenville and Gregory King of St. Fintan �s were each convicted for possession of a net near inland waters. The individuals are scheduled to return to provincial court on January 13, 2005, for a sentencing hearing. Melvin Brian King of St. Fintan�s had previously pled guilty to possession of untagged salmon and selling of Atlantic salmon on October 18 at provincial court in Stephenville. He will be sentenced on January 13, 2005, at the same time as the others. Two other individuals charged in this case were already convicted and sentenced in September and October. Randy MacIssac and Jason MacIssac of Cambridge, Ontario were convicted for illegal possession of salmon and ordered to pay fines totalling $800. In addition, they were placed on probation, ordered to perform community service and had their automobile forfeited to the Crown. One other individual, a young offender, is also facing charges related to the incident. The trial has been scheduled for January 13, 2005 in provincial court at Stephenville. Media contact: 2004 12 20 3:05 p.m. |
||
|
