DEC: Ulster County Bass Poachers Plead Guilty

On Dec. 3, three Brooklyn men pled guilty in the Town of Hurley Court to charges including the taking of black bass out of season and illegal commercialization of protected wildlife.

On April 26, ECOs Jason Smith and Lucas Palmateer charged the men at the Ashokan Reservoir after finding them with 35 Smallmouth Bass affixed to a stringer and hidden on the shoreline.

Two of the defendants' vehicles were fitted with "live tanks" to transport the fish, with one vehicle registered to a retail fish market in New York City. All three men were also charged with failing to wear personal flotation devices and trespassing; one of the individuals was charged with fishing without a license.

The men paid $2,425 in total fines and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection revoked access passes and boat permits for all three individuals.

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