Council Advisor thief..
Posted: February 26th, 2004, 8:09 am
2003-329 GULF OF MEXICO FISHERY MANAGEMENT COUNCIL ADVISOR CHARGED WITH VIOLATING RED SNAPPER REGULATIONS
Commercial representative for the red snapper advisory panel for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC), Russell G. Underwood, 49, of Florida was charged November 2 with violating commission rules and regulations for taking undersize commercial red snapper and violating prohibitions of interstate commerce regulations.
The Special Investigative Unit of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division charged Underwood, captain of the fishing vessel Norman B, homeport of Lynn Haven, Florida, for the violations in Vermillion Parish. The offenses allege that Underwood caught, possessed and was attempting to sell in interstate commerce approximately 96 undersized red snapper.
The penalty for commercially taking and possessing undersized red snapper caries a fine of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both. The penalty for attempting to sell undersized red snapper in interstate commerce carries a penalty of up to $950 in jail, jail for not more than 120 days, or both. Underwood may also be required to pay restitution for the undersized red snapper.
Underwood has represented the commercial industry on the GMFMC Red Snapper Advisory Panel for several years.
Agents participating in the case were Sr. Agent Billy Gomillion and Cadet Joel Cromp.
Commercial representative for the red snapper advisory panel for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council (GMFMC), Russell G. Underwood, 49, of Florida was charged November 2 with violating commission rules and regulations for taking undersize commercial red snapper and violating prohibitions of interstate commerce regulations.
The Special Investigative Unit of the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Enforcement Division charged Underwood, captain of the fishing vessel Norman B, homeport of Lynn Haven, Florida, for the violations in Vermillion Parish. The offenses allege that Underwood caught, possessed and was attempting to sell in interstate commerce approximately 96 undersized red snapper.
The penalty for commercially taking and possessing undersized red snapper caries a fine of up to $350, jail for not more than 60 days, or both. The penalty for attempting to sell undersized red snapper in interstate commerce carries a penalty of up to $950 in jail, jail for not more than 120 days, or both. Underwood may also be required to pay restitution for the undersized red snapper.
Underwood has represented the commercial industry on the GMFMC Red Snapper Advisory Panel for several years.
Agents participating in the case were Sr. Agent Billy Gomillion and Cadet Joel Cromp.
