Ohio’s Operation “Snageye” Snags Illegal Anglers
OutdoorHub 10.05.12
Sixteen eastern Ohio residents were recently convicted of 35 charges relating to illegal fishing activities below the Seneca Lake spillway according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Wildlife.
The investigation ran from February to March 2012 after numerous violation reports were received concerning illegal snagging and over limit catches of saugeye. After suspects were identified, wildlife officers and investigators contacted and issued summonses to all of the suspects in June.
“We want to thank those concerned sportsmen who called the 1-800-POACHER hotline to report these violations,” said Tom Donnelly, Law Enforcement Supervisor for Southeast Ohio. “We will continue to monitor fishing activities at the spillway.”
All the charges were filed in Cambridge Municipal Court and included snagging of saugeye, over limit of saugeye, and stream litter. The defendants were sentenced to pay a total of $2,050 in fines, $1,625 in court costs and $1,420 in restitution. They were also levied 30 days in jail, with all but 10 days suspended. Loss of fishing privileges was also included in the sentencing with a total of 11 years and seven months.
In Ohio, a violation of fishing regulations can range from a fourth-degree misdemeanor to a fifth-degree felony. Most fishing violations are classified as a fourth-degree misdemeanor, with a maximum penalty up to $250 fine and 30 days in jail.
Anyone observing or suspecting that wildlife violations are occurring may report illegal activity by calling the Turn-In-A-Poacher (TIP) hotline toll free at 1-800-POACHER.
Defendants, charges, and sentences in the case are:
Reuben Clodfelter, 28, of Lore City – convicted of one count of snagging, sentenced to 10 days jail and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Robert Dailey, 38, of Kipling – convicted of four counts of over limit, ordered to pay court costs, $200 in fines, and $200 in restitution.
Shane Lappert, 32, of Cambridge – convicted of two counts of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines, $100 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Brian McBroom, 44, of Clinton – convicted of three counts of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines, $150 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Kevin Ehrnfield, 38, of Malta – convicted on five counts of snagging and one count of over limit, ordered to pay court costs, $350 in fines, $200 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Ronald Carroll, 42, of Zanesville – convicted on one count of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines, $50 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Stephen Stanger, 43, of Zanesville – convicted on one count of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines, $50 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Donnie Boney, 55, of Caldwell – convicted on one count of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines, $50 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Jeffrey Stephen, 51, of Barnesville – convicted on two counts of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines, $100 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Richard Ackley, 70, of Caldwell – convicted on one count of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines (suspended), $50 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Ronnie Boney, 55, of Caldwell – convicted on one count of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines, $50 in restitution and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Gary Frazier, 68, of Barnesville – convicted on two counts of snagging, ordered to pay court costs and $185 in fines.
Eugene Brown, 65, of St. Clairsville – convicted on one count of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in fines, and $20 in restitution.
Earl Delung, 52, of Senacaville – convicted on four counts of snagging and two counts of over limit, ordered to pay court costs, $350 in fines, $300 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for one year.
Rusty Warner, 24, of Dexter City – convicted on one count of stream litter, ordered to pay court costs and $70 in fines.
Justin Ehrnfield, 27, Chandlersville – convicted on two counts of snagging, ordered to pay court costs, $100 in restitution, and his fishing license is suspended for seven months.
