August 12, 2003
Vicksburg Men Arrested For Illegal Fishing
JACKSON - Last Wednesday, state wildlife conservation officers arrested two Warren County men for illegal fishing, according to the Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks.
Mst.
Sgt. Mike Piazza and Lt. Ricky Long arrested Charles L. Smith and Edward
Greg Holmes, both of Vicksburg, on the Big Black River for using a telephone
to illegally take fish.
"We were about five or six miles above the Big Black River bridge and encountered two men in a boat telephoning fish," Lt. Long said.
"My partner and I watched the men for a minute or two before they recognized who we were. Then then began to run upstream from us."
Long said he and his partner stopped the pair about 150 yards above the encounter point.
The men were arrested and taken to the Claiborne County jail. Charges included taking fish with an electronic device, failure to comply with a lawful order, and possession of illegal fish. Officers confiscated the battery and wire hookups, 13 fish, a dip net, a 14-foot boat, a 25-horsepower motor, trailer, and other assorted items.
Using a telephone to take fish is a Class 1 violation. If convicted, the men face a fine up to $5,000 and the loss of hunting and fishing privileges for a year.
-30-
1505 Eastover Drive
Jackson, MS 39211-6374
Phone: 601-432-2400
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