Tuesday, December 31, 2013

Troopers cite Juneau salmon gillnetter

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 12/30/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Zachary M. Worrell, 29, of Juneau, for operating a commercial gillnet in closed waters. The charge stems from a July 2013 commercial salmon fishery in District 15C north of Juneau in which Worrell was observed by state aircraft operating a gillnet within 500 yards of the mouth of Bessie Creek. Regulations prohibit commercial fishing with 500 yards of any salmon steam. The anadromous stream catalog published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game says Bessie Creek, located within Yankee Cove, supports chum, coho and pink salmon. Arraignment set for 2/19/14 in Juneau District Court.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Suspicious activity, Dec. 17 — Officer received information regarding several fraudulent sales of high-dollar items in the community. Under investigation.

Environmental, Dec. 18 — Caller reported high winds caused damage to three vehicles and a boat.

Animal, Dec. 18 — Caller reported an eagle trapped inside a local store. Officers responded and assisted Alaska State Troopers in removing the eagle after it caused about $387.37 of damage inside the store.

Assistance rendered, Dec. 20, 0158 hours — Officer contacted a drunk, exhausted by his walk from the bar to his boat, who was "resting" on his back on a sidewalk. The officer advised the drunk of the dangers inherent in sleeping so close to the roadway.

Criminal mischief, Dec. 20 — A man whose vehicle had been torched almost a year earlier reported that his new truck, parked in a similar location, had a shattered windshield. Under investigation.

Assault, Dec. 21 — Bar staff reported a patron, who had in months previous walked out on a hundred-or-so-dollar bar tab, had been rude, aggressive and threatening when told that he needed to show cash upfront prior to purchasing any drinks this night. The suspect advised police that staff had "disrespected" him. Charges pending.

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Dungeness crabber charged, pots seized

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed season
On 12/6/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers aboard the P/V Enforcer inspected commercial Dungeness crab gear in Ushk Bay. Investigation revealed Daniel Ellingsen, 65, of Sitka, permit holder on the F/V Summer Girl, was operating baited pots after the commercial season had closed on 11/30/13. On 12/13/13 Ellingsen was issued a citation charging him with operating commercial Dungeness gear during a closed season. Nineteen pots were seized. Arraignment set for Sitka District Court.

Sunday, December 8, 2013

Case against Seward fisherman dismissed

A misdemeanor charge against Andrew Mezirow, 49, of Seward, has been dropped.

Authorities in June accused Mezirow of unlawfully retaining big skate as bycatch after a cutoff date.

The Alaska Court System's online information system indicates the prosecutor dismissed the charge on 10/24/13. The case is now closed.

Mezirow told The Brig the charge stemmed from a cannery worker misidentifying a longnose skate as a big skate.

"I am pleased to be completely vindicated of any wrongdoing in the case," Mezirow said.

Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Four Chignik salmon seiners charged

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Chignik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On or about 11/14/13 Daniel C. Grunert, 26, of Chignik Lagoon, was served a summons to appear in Naknek District Court on a single count of commercial fishing for salmon in the closed waters above the Mensis line in Chignik Lagoon during the 2012 salmon season.

Location: Chignik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 11/6/13 Kurt E. Grunert, 31, of Seattle, was served a summons to appear in Naknek District Court on 20 counts of commercial fishing in the closed waters above the Mensis line in Chignik Lagoon during the 2012 salmon season.

Location: Chignik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 11/4/13 Billy S. Anderson, 56, of Soldotna, was served a summons to appear in Naknek District Court on a single charge of commercial fishing for salmon in the closed waters above the Mensis line in Chignik Lagoon during the 2012 salmon season.

Location: Chignik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 11/2/13 Frank K. Grunert, 55, of Wasilla, was served a summons to appear in Naknek District Court on six counts of commercial fishing for salmon in the closed waters above the Mensis line in Chignik Lagoon during the 2012 salmon season.

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Silver Bay Seafoods fined after guilty plea

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 11/15/13 Silver Bay Seafoods LLC pled guilty in Sitka District Court to one count of possessing undersized commercial Tanner crab. Silver Bay was fined $16,000 with $8,000 suspended, placed on probation for one year and ordered to pay $8,090 in restitution. The charge stemmed from a February investigation in which Tanner crab were measured on a company-contracted tender vessel. The vessel was found to have a high percentage of undersized crab, estimated at approximately 3,000 pounds, in one of several holding tanks onboard.

Friday, November 22, 2013

Troopers cite Petersburg king crabber

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Petersburg
Type: Unlawful operation of shellfish gear
On 11/22/13 Aaron Miller, 39, of Petersburg, permit holder aboard the F/V Outlook, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for operating personal use shellfish gear while holding a current registration for the golden king crab fishery. Miller also was cited for no personal use markings on his personal use shellfish gear. Arraignment set for 1/7/13 in Petersburg District Court.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assault, Nov. 14, 2125 hours — Officers and EMS personnel responded to the F/V Alaska Juris, moored in Captains Bay, after the captain reported one of his crew had been stabbed by another. One crewman was treated by EMS for multiple stab wounds. Wayland A. Smith, 47, was taken into custody and removed from the vessel. He was arrested on charges of assault and tampering with evidence after he was treated and released from the clinic.

Ambulance request, Nov. 14, 2126 hours — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a man with multiple stab wounds.

Disorderly conduct, Nov. 14, 2207 hours — Officers responding the F/V Alaska Juris found themselves surrounded by several crewmen, one wielding a pipe, who were extremely upset about a recent assault and who attempted to get past officers to a man who had just been taken into custody. Two men were later taken into custody for their roles in the disturbance. Taylor Pepe Toelupe and Meafou Tuala were charged with riot, assault and interfering with arrest.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Kodiak crewman arrested on warrant

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak harbor
Type: Warrant arrest
On 11/13/13 Kodiak Wildlife Troopers arrested Chad D. Carlson, 33, of Kodiak, on an outstanding warrant for multiple counts of failing to appear in court and petitions to revoke probation. Carlson was a crewmember onboard the F/V Provider at the time of arrest.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Ambulance request, Nov. 4 — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a burn patient from a foreign-flagged vessel.

Assistance rendered, Nov. 5, 2211 hours — Callers reported what sounded like the tsunami siren in the area of the small-boat harbor. Officers responded but heard neither the tsunami siren nor other similar noises. The sound heard was believed to have been the high-wind siren on the local cranes.

Public safety, Nov. 5, 2216 hours — High-wind warning, forecast for gusts to 80 mph.

Suspicious activity, Nov. 6, 2220 hours — Resident reported what he believed was a series of large-caliber semiautomatic gunshots, in the Haystack neighborhood. Officers checked the area and spoke to other persons in the neighborhood, but found no other evidence that shots were fired or heard.

Harassment, Nov. 7 — A man reported his former roommate had threatened to kill him, this conclusion having been drawn after the roommate slid a forefinger across his throat. Officers spoke to the roommate, who said the caller had poked fun at his droopy eye and refused to go outside to have a private conversation, choosing instead to air their disputes in front of others in the galley. Officers advised both men to avoid contact with one another.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Rockfish fisherman sentenced to probation

Details in this press release from the U.S. attorney's office.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Ambulance request, Oct. 25 — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a fisherman with a badly injured foot.

Welfare check, Oct. 26 — Drunken brother reported his equally intoxicated sibling had been puking for the last hour. Officers responded and found two drunks, one of whom professed to be fine and used his two middle fingers to express just how fine he really was.

Drunk disturbance, Oct. 29 — Officer contacted an intoxicated patron at a local bar who challenged first another patron and then the officer to a fight. The obnoxious inebriate was advised to go back to his vessel before shore leave was cancelled for all his comrades.

Drug law violation, Oct. 29 — A fisherman turned over to a store manager a baggie of what appeared to be marijuana, apparently found in a store aisle. An officer collected the marijuana for destruction.

Theft, Oct. 30 — A fisherman reported that his vehicle, which looked nearly identical to the one he had earlier parked next to, had been stolen. Attempts to locate the stolen vehicle were unsuccessful but hours later the stolen vehicle had been returned and the identical one moved. No charges were filed.

Criminal mischief, Oct. 30 — Housing manager reported that a man had ripped the wires from security cameras around a company housing complex. Under investigation.

Assist other agency, Nov. 1 — Officers assisted U.S. Coast Guard personnel with their investigation of a vessel grounding.

Ambulance request, Nov. 1 — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a fisherman with a back injury.

Found property, Nov. 1 — A bicycle, stolen three times and now recovered three times.

Impound, Nov. 1 — Several vehicles abandoned at different docks were slated for impoundment and destruction.

Monday, November 4, 2013

Troopers cite Cook Inlet drift gillnetter

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 10/29/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Feoktist A. Martushev, 58, of Homer, for fishing a drift gillnet on 7/6/13 in waters closed to commercial fishing. Arraignment set for 11/5/13 in Homer District Court.

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Drugs, cash seized after search of Ketchikan boats

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Drug investigation
On 10/30/13, at approximately 1220 hours, search warrants were executed on two commercial fishing vessels located at the Bar Harbor docks in Ketchikan. Authorities seized approximately 2 pounds of marijuana, 11 illegal pills and $8,800 in cash. Charges against three adults from Washington will be forwarded to the Ketchikan District Attorney's Office for review.

Sea cucumber diver, crew cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Freshwater Bay
Type: Multiple violations
On 10/28/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers observed the fishing vessel Julie Ann after the 3 p.m. closure of the commercial sea cucumber fishery. Investigation showed Roderick B. Taylor, 45, of Point Roberts, Wash., operated commercial dive gear during a closed period. In addition, vessel operator Mark G. Barnes, 53, of Juneau, failed to register his boat prior to participating in the fishery. Taylor and Barnes were cited, with arraignment set for 11/13/13 in Juneau District Court. Samantha R. Barnes, 23, of Juneau, was cited for failure to have a valid commercial crew license in possession.

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Three trollers cited over deliveries out of state

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Failure to report commercial catch
On 10/14/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, charged Evan E. Seager, 33, of Mukilteo, Wash., for failing to report commercially caught salmon prior to leaving Alaska. Investigation showed Seager power trolled in Alaska waters, as the permit holder on the F/V Mindalina, and delivered his catch to Bellingham, Wash., without first submitting a fish ticket to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Arraignment set for Sitka District Court.

Location: Sitka
Type: Failure to report commercial catch
On 10/14/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, charged Jeffrey A. Thomas, 33, of Ferndale, Wash., for failing to report commercially caught salmon prior to leaving Alaska. Investigation showed Thomas power trolled in Alaska waters, as the permit holder on the F/V Kathleen Jo, and delivered his catch to Bellingham, Wash., without first submitting a fish ticket to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Arraignment set for Sitka District Court.

Location: Sitka
Type: Failure to report commercial catch
On 10/14/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, charged Richard M. Oltman, 58, of Port Townsend, Wash., for failing to report commercially caught salmon prior to leaving Alaska. Investigation showed Oltman power trolled in Alaska waters, as the permit holder on the F/V Cape Cleare, and delivered his catch to Bellingham, Wash., without first submitting a fish ticket to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Arraignment set for Sitka District Court.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Sitka troller cited, two king salmon seized

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Unlawful retention
On 8/27/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Kent W. Barkhau, 56, of Sitka, during a commercial salmon offload. Investigation revealed Barkhau delivered two small king salmon to a local fish processor during a period in which king salmon retention was prohibited in the commercial troll fishery. Barkhau was issued a summons for Sitka District Court. The two illegally taken kings were seized.

Speeder arrested on commercial fishing warrant

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Homer
Type: Warrant arrest
Troopers on 10/16/13 contacted Eric Haughey, 36, of Homer, for speeding. A search in the Alaska Public Safety Information Network revealed Haughey had an active warrant for a commercial fishing violation. Troopers arrested Haughey on the warrant and transported him to the Homer jail where he was remanded on $600 bail.

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Three Cook Inlet fishermen charged

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 10/10/13 the Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Soldotna issued a summons to Ivan Lisov, 25, of Homer. Lisov was charged with fishing a drift gillnet on 7/6/13 in waters closed at the time to commercial fishing. He is to appear on 10/29/13 in Homer District Court.

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 10/10/13 the Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Soldotna issued a summons to Cristy J. Somers, 52, of Homer. Somers was charged with fishing a drift gillnet on 7/13/13 in waters closed at the time to commercial fishing. She is to appear on 10/29/13 in Homer District Court.

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 10/12/13 the Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Soldotna issued a summons to Jonah N. Yakunin, 23, of Nikolaevsk. Yakunin was charged with commercial fishing in closed waters from an incident which occurred on 7/6/13. He is to appear on 11/8/13 in Kenai District Court.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Theft, Oct. 3 — An extremely intoxicated woman told police that her bodyguard had stolen $380, then $480, from her pocket. The woman, who at one point passed out in the bunkhouse hallway as the officer was investigating, was extremely unhappy about her money not being found on her bodyguard or any of the other people with whom she had been partying this night and repeatedly attempted to instruct the officer on how best to perform his duties. The allegedly missing money was not located.

Suspicious activity, Oct. 4 — Local caller reported having paid kidnappers $1,200 to release his daughter (currently in another state), who had allegedly been nabbed after she threatened to call police about a traffic accident. Only after paying the demanded amount did the caller phone his daughter, to find that she was safe and had never been in a traffic accident. An officer advised the caller he was the victim of fraud and suggested he contact Western Union to stop payment on the funds.

Assault, Oct. 6 — Fisherman reported having been assaulted while at sea, several days earlier. An officer took a statement from the man and turned the investigation over to the Alaska State Troopers.

Assault, Oct. 6 — Officers responded to a report that a fight had just occurred in the parking lot of a hotel and spoke with several witnesses and participants. Two men had indeed been fighting in the parking lot over "fisherman stuff." One man had minor injuries and neither wished to pursue charges.

Welfare check, Oct. 6 — Caller asked officers to check on a man who might not be eating and might be shy. Officers found the man camped out in a parking lot. He assured them he was eating and was simply waiting for a job on a fishing boat.

Summons, Oct. 7 — Officer attempted to serve a summons for a commercial fishing violation on a man whose boat was no longer in port.

Drunk disturbance, Oct. 7, 1744 hours — Officer responded to a residence wherein a drunken tenant was having problems with her drunken landlord. An officer advised the landlord, who wanted his obstreperous tenant removed, that he needed to follow approved eviction procedures for that to happen.

Assault, Oct. 8, 0208 hours — Officers responded to the residence of the drunken landlord and his tenant, wherein the landlord claimed to have been awakened by his tenant pounding on his testicles. Officers determined the incident had not happened as described, and again encouraged the landlord to follow eviction procedures if he found his tenant too unruly.

Welfare check, Oct. 11 — Out-of-state caller requested help locating her father, for whom she had no phone number and whose place of employment was identified only as a fishing boat. An officer was able to find contact numbers that the father had used at some time in the past but was unable to find the father.

Monday, October 14, 2013

Metlakatla halibut fisherman charged

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: No permit, unlawful possession
On 10/10/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Ketchikan Post, cited Jimmie Lynch, 36, of Metlakatla, for operating longline gear in Alaska waters without a valid Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit, and illegally possessing commercially taken halibut. The charges require a mandatory appearance in Ketchikan District Court.

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Troller nets $1,500 fine for third conviction

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 9/26/13 Peter G. Krovina, 64, of Sitka, pled guilty in Sitka District Court to one count of retaining a commercial troll-caught king salmon during a closed period. Krovina was fined $5,000 with $3,500 suspended, forfeited the fish, and was placed on probation for one year. This is Krovina's third conviction for retaining undersized king salmon or taking king salmon during a closed period.

Peninsula seiner charged with unlawful fishing

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: King Cove
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 9/18/13 Robert Gould Jr., 31, of Anchorage, was cited by Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing the closed waters within 500 yards of a salmon stream. Gould was found to be beach seining with a purse seine within 500 yards of Ness Creek in Canoe Bay off of the F/V Four Winds on 8/21/13. Arraignment set for 10/9/13 in Homer District Court.

Friday, October 4, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Harassment, Sept. 23 — Caller reported feeling harassed because an Alaska state trooper had given him a ticket at his residence, and had then pulled him over and was standing next to the caller's car window. Caller then said he had other things to do and didn't have time to deal with this.

Public safety, Sept. 24 — High-wind advisory, with gusts to 80 mph expected.

Roads, Sept. 27 — Several callers reported boulders in the roadway near Westward Seafoods. Public Works was notified.

Environmental, Sept. 27 — Truck owner reported his vehicle had been vandalized, but upon closer inspection he and the responding officer determined that the damage to his truck was caused by high winds whipping the bed liner from his pickup and slamming numerous items against the windows and hood before depositing them in the parking lot and the harbor.

Motor vehicle accident, Sept. 27 — A woman backed into her neighbor's parked vehicle, sparking a violent confrontation between the two furious femmes. Damage to the two vehicles was negligible and the only injuries were those caused when the two irate women began pummeling one another.

Drug law violation, Sept. 28 — Christopher J. Cordell, 31, of Washington, was arrested on one count of misconduct involving a controlled substance. Cordell was one of a number of people arrested after a monthslong undercover investigation.

Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Oregon cod fisherman cited twice

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sand Point, Korovin Strait
Type: Unlawful groundfish gear
On 9/25/13 Blake Painter, 34, of Astoria, Ore., was cited by Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing for Pacific cod with unlawful gear. Painter, who was operating the F/V Tradition, was found to have a cod pot with a tunnel eye perimeter in excess of 36 inches due to missing excluders. Arraignment set for 10/9/13 in Homer District Court.

Location: Sand Point, Popof Island area
Type: Improper groundfish gear
On 9/25/13 Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers issued a summons to Blake Charles Painter, 34, of Astoria, Ore., for commercial fishing for Pacific cod with a groundfish pot that did not contain an 18-inch bio-escape mechanism within 6 inches of the bottom of the pot. Arraignment set for 10/9/13 in Homer District Court.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Two Sitka salmon seiners cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Deep Inlet
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 9/20/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, cited Jasper P. Allbrett, 33, of Sitka, for commercial salmon seining during a closed period. The F/V El Dorado was documented fishing on 8/29/13 in waters of District 13 not open to seining and outside of the line at the Deep Inlet terminal harvest area. Allbrett is the permit holder and operator onboard the F/V El Dorado. Arraignment set in Sitka District Court.

Location: Deep Inlet
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 9/20/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, cited Dale A. Bartelds, 46, of Sitka, for commercial salmon seining during a closed period. The F/V Hukilau was documented fishing on 8/29/13 in waters of District 13 not open to seining and outside of a line at the Deep Inlet terminal harvest area. Bartelds is the permit holder and operator onboard the F/V Hukilau. Arraignment set in Sitka District Court.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Drunk disturbance, Sept. 15 — Officers responded to a local dock and contacted two extremely inebriated fishermen, one of whom had recent cuts and scrapes and neither of whom was particularly forthcoming regarding how those scrapes came to be. After having been told numerous stories about being blindfolded and/or having been attacked by a gang of thugs of various ethnicities, officers determined the injured inebriate had likely simply fallen down.

Civil, Sept. 16 — Caller reported he had been fired from his job, kicked out of company housing, had nowhere to go and was likely to freeze to death this night. An officer advised the man that his complaint against his employer was best handled in civil court.

Environmental, Sept. 20, 1634 hours — High winds flipped an aluminum skiff docked near the small-boat harbor. The owner was notified.

Environmental, Sept. 20, 1704 hours — High winds continued to wreak havoc on unsecured items, this time blowing a Port-O-Let into the harbor near City Dock. Ports Department was notified.

Ambulance request, Sept. 21 — EMS personnel responded to the airport to receive four fishermen who were being brought in by U.S. Coast Guard helicopter.

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Metlakatla gillnetter charged with fishing illegally

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Nichols Passage
Type: Multiple violations
On 9/17/13 Ketchikan Wildlife Troopers filed formal charges against Richard H. Dundas, 48, of Metlakatla, for drift gillnetting for salmon with no Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit, fishing in a closed period, and unlawful possession of fish. Dundas was observed commercial fishing on 8/29/13 in Nichols Passage of District 1F. He has a mandatory appearance in Ketchikan District Court.

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Troopers cite Petersburg salmon seiner

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Hidden Falls
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 9/17/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Kevin M. Granberg, 46, of Petersburg, for commercial salmon seining onboard the F/V Aleshaley in an area not open to commercial seine gear. Investigation by Petersburg and Sitka Wildlife Troopers showed that Granberg was seining more than two miles from the nearest open area. The catch subsequently was reported in an open area and fish retained for personal use were not reported on a fish ticket. Arraignment set for 10/8/13 in Sitka District Court.

Criminal complaint lodged against processor Favco

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ugashik
Type: Fail to register before purchase of fish
On 8/27/13 King Salmon Wildlife Troopers learned that Favco, an Anchorage-based seafood processing company, may have purchased commercially caught fish without first reporting its intent to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Investigation confirmed this information, which resulted in a two-count criminal complaint being filed. On 9/13/13 William G. Buck, 53, of Anchorage, a manager at Favco, was issued a summons to appear in Naknek District Court. Arraignment set for 10/28/13.

Friday, September 20, 2013

Charter crewman charged with keeping halibut

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Clover Bay, Prince of Wales Island
Type: Fish and game violations
On 9/13/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Ketchikan Post, filed formal charges against Austin S. Duckworth, 20, of Ketchikan, for working as a crewmember on a sportfish charter vessel and illegally retaining sport-caught halibut. In addition, Duckworth was charged for feeding black bears intentionally. He has a mandatory court appearance on 9/30/13 in Craig District Court.

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Harassment, Sept. 8 — A woman reported being followed in the bar by another woman who, when confronted, brandished some bear spray in a challenging manner. Investigating officers found no witnesses to the event but were able to verify the existence of prior problems between the two women.

Noise disturbance, Sept. 8 — Anonymous caller reported loud music in a residential area. The responding officer patrolled the area and heard no music, only the rumbling of tugboats working at the dock.

Drunk disturbance, Sept. 8 — Officers responded to a bunkhouse, where an inebriate had passed out. After a lengthy, garbled conversation with the drunk, officers were able to determine the name of the man's boat. The drunk eventually was turned over to his captain.

Suspicious person, Sept. 8 — An inebriated man darted in front of a patrol car while waving and performing a jig, then sprinted away for a short distance before sitting on the curb and waiting for the officer. The inebriate was able to tell the officer only that he was having an off day and was eventually turned over to a group of sober friends who happened to pass by.

Theft, Sept. 9 — An officer responded to a factory trawler regarding a report that an iPhone and iPod had been stolen from a stateroom. Several people were identified as possible suspects but no evidence was uncovered to identify the culprit. The victim did not wish to press charges and was satisfied with her employer's offer to replace the stolen items.

Suspicious person, Sept. 10 — A man who two nights earlier had been dancing in front of a patrol car was reported to be shaving on the roof of a business. After conversing briefly with the man the responding officer requested an ambulance and a mental health evaluation.

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Two king salmon trollers fined

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Petersburg
Type: Sentencing
On 9/10/13 Harlan F. Freeman, 75, of Petersburg, pled guilty in Petersburg District Court to one count of retaining an undersized commercial troll-caught king salmon. Freeman was fined $500 and ordered to pay $150 restitution. The previously seized king salmon was forfeited.

Location: Sitka
Type: Sentencing
On 9/9/13 Denis R. Douglas, 62, of Soldotna, pled guilty to one count of possessing king salmon on a commercial troll vessel during a closed period. Douglas was fined $1,000 with $500 suspended and placed on probation for one year. Douglas was the permit holder onboard the F/V Splice.

Monday, September 9, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Public safety, Aug. 27 — Caller reported an intoxicated male at the Unalaska visitor center. Officers responded and contacted the subject who said he was trying to purchase an Alaska flag. Officer advised the subject to go home and return when he sobered up. Subject complied.

Environmental, Aug. 27 — Caller reported several individuals molesting salmon in Iliuliuk Creek. Officers responded and determined the subjects to be Chinese foreign nationals. The individuals were advised that they could not molest the salmon and a fishing license was needed to fish in Alaska. The individuals were not familiar with regulations concerning fishing in Alaska, apologized for their actions and vacated the area.

Trespass, Sept. 1, 0224 hours — Officer issued a trespass advisement, per UniSea security, to two people who were "out for an adventure" and found themselves on the roof of UniSea's G2 plant. The two left the area without incident.

Assault, Sept. 3, 0404 hours — Caller reported an altercation at a local seafood processing plant. Archie Sibayan Ochinang, 31, of Unalaska, was arrested for assault.

Assault, Sept. 3, 0656 hours — Caller reported a domestic disturbance at a local seafood processing plant. Donn M. Griffin, 58, of Unalaska, was arrested for domestic violence assault.

Suspicious activity, Sept. 3 — Caller reported finding a bloody sweatshirt in some bushes. Officers responded and observed the sweatshirt with a heavy presence of fish scales, slime and blood and determined the sweatshirt had been discarded after someone had used it to clean fish.

Suspicious activity, Sept. 5 — Caller reported receiving a threatening letter in his boot. Officers responded and determined the letter in the boot was meant for someone else. All parties agreed to be civil.

Animal, Sept. 5 — Caller reported a deceased eagle on the road. Alaska State Troopers notified and advised they would respond.

Fire response, Sept. 5 — Caller reported her sister was unable to descend from the top of Ballyhoo Mountain after hiking up. Fire personnel dispatched to assist. A friend of the hiker was able to assist in guiding her down the mountain.

Suspicious activity, Sept. 6 — Caller reported illegal gambling at a bunkhouse located at a local seafood processing plant. Officers responded to the location and did not observe any evidence of gambling.

Assistance rendered, Sept. 7, 0051 hours — Caller reported his "disgust" for his co-workers as they had not been reporting for work. Officers contacted the intoxicated subject and advised him to report his co-workers to management, not the police.

Sunday, September 8, 2013

Bristol Bay fisherman racks up sixth conviction

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Naknek
Type: Conviction
After a bench trial on 8/26/13 in Naknek District Court, Sergie A. Chukwak, 46, of Naknek, was found guilty of commercial fishing during a closed period. The state Office of Special Prosecutions handled the case. This is Chukwak's sixth commercial fishing conviction since 2005. Sentencing is set for a later date.

Seiners fined, lose $4K in fishing proceeds

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 8/2/13 Brian Tarabochia, 28, of Shoreline, Wash., and Oshiana Black, 29, of Bellingham, Wash., were cited by Cordova Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters aboard the F/V Five Brothers. Tarabochia was operating the purse seine vessel and Black was the permit holder. Approximately 5,000 pounds of pink salmon were seized. On 9/4/13 Tarabochia and Black pled no contest to commercial fishing in closed waters. Both individuals were fined $3,000 with $1,500 suspended. Black was ordered to pay $4,259.20 in restitution for the fish caught during the violation.

Two accused of tampering with Dungeness gear

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Tamper with crab gear
On 8/30/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, contacted Richard Richter, 42, and Albert Richter, 73, both of Sitka, after an investigation revealed that on 8/23/13 both men had pulled several Dungeness crab pots in Nakwasina Sound that did not belong to them. Troopers in Sitka receive numerous complaints every year from citizens about having their shellfish gear pulled without their permission. Both men were issued a summons to appear in Sitka District Court and answer to a charge of tampering with shellfish gear, a misdemeanor.

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

King salmon used as crab bait, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Personal use shellfish violations
On 8/31/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, inspected gear in the Peril Strait area. Investigation revealed that multiple pots being fished by Dan K. Coffey, 67, of Anchorage, did not comply with biodegradable escape mechanism requirements, and that Coffey was using edible portions of king salmon as crab bait. Coffey was cited for one count of no biodegradable escape mechanism, with bail set at $110. He also was issued a summons to appear in Sitka District Court on the charge of using sport-caught king salmon as bait.

Note: Coffey is a former chairman of the Alaska Board of Fisheries.

Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Suspicious person, Aug. 20 — Officers responded to faint cries for help at the Carl E. Moses dock. Upon arrival, officers observed an individual in the water, under the dock, sitting on a float. Officers were able to extricate the subject who was later determined to be inebriated. The subject said he wanted to go for a swim, jumped in and somehow ended up under the dock. Ambulance responded and subject signed a refusal form.

Protective custody, Aug. 22 — Harbor officer reported a man sitting outside of Public Safety who stated he wanted to kill someone. Officers contacted the subject who repeated that he wanted to kill somebody. Subject was detained and subsequently transported to Anchorage for mental evaluation.

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Salmon seiner cited at Ketchikan

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 8/25/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Ketchikan Post, cited Larry Verrall, 69, of Washington, for operating his commercial salmon seine net outside the waters opened by emergency order in District 1F. This charge carries a mandatory appearance in Ketchikan District Court.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Wanted man arrested at Ocean Beauty plant

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Excursion Inlet
Type: Fugitive from justice
On 8/20/13 at 1425 hours, Victor Lopez Jr., 27, of Stockton, Calif., was arrested at the Ocean Beauty Seafoods plant in Excursion Inlet on a fugitive from justice warrant issued by the state of Alaska. The Alaska warrant was based upon an outstanding warrant issued by the state of California on the charge of dangerous drugs with a bail of $610,000. Lopez was located by investigators from the state of California who passed the information to Alaska State Troopers. Lopez was transported to Juneau and lodged at the Lemon Creek Correctional Center on $10,000 bail.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

DUI, Aug. 6 — Juan I. Torres, 42, of Unalaska, was arrested for driving under the influence after an officer observed him utilizing the entire roadway for his driving endeavors. Torres told the arresting officer that he had simply gone out to get more beer.

Suspicious activity, Aug. 6 — Caller reported a suspicious-looking van parked in a parking lot. An officer responded and found a man employed by UAF, working on equipment designed to track tectonic plate movements.

Assault, Aug. 9 — Captain of a vessel reported a recently terminated employee had made verbal threats against him and was refusing to leave the vessel. The captain requested officers remove the subject from his vessel. Officers contacted the individual who reeked of consumed alcoholic beverages, advised him of the captain's request and told him to vacate the premises. The subject left without incident.

Welfare check, Aug. 10 — Officers responded to a report of someone jumping off the South Channel Bridge. Officers did not locate the individual but were able to ascertain, by wet trail marks, that the subject had climbed out along the embankment.

Trespass, Aug. 11 — Per the UniSea Harbor View bar doorman, a 72-hour trespass advisement was issued to a subject who insisted on challenging others to fight in the bar.

Traffic crime, Aug. 11 — Caller reported a vehicle speeding through Westward Seafoods. The vehicle was determined to belong to a local business. The owner of the business was contacted and advised to adhere to all posted speed limits.

Drug law violation, Aug. 11 — Officers responded to a report from the U.S. Coast Guard concerning alleged illegal drug activity aboard a fishing vessel. Officers conducted an investigation on the vessel which revealed no illegal drug activity.

Trespass, Aug. 14 — Caller requested two individuals be trespassed from his fishing vessel. Action pending contact with said individuals.

Traffic crime, Aug. 16 — Officer observed two vehicles racing on Henry Swanson Drive with one of the vehicles almost colliding head-on with the officer. When contacted the individuals stated they wanted to give their toddler son the sense of racing in the wind. Subject was summonsed for multiple charges.

Monday, August 19, 2013

Seiner nets $4K fine, forfeits 13,660-pound catch

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Sentencing
On 7/30/13 Izaak Esquiro, 37, of Warm Springs, Ore., pled no contest to one count of commercial seining in closed waters. He was fined $6,000 with $2,000 suspended, and his catch of 13,660 pounds of salmon was forfeited to the state of Alaska. He also was placed on probation for one year. An investigation by Alaska Wildlife Troopers had revealed that Esquiro, captain of the F/V Coral, had fished the closed waters of Nakwasina Sound.

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Money reported stolen from bunkhouse

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: Theft
On 8/15/13 Reinaldo Cajigal, 56, of Seward, reported he had been saving money and left it in the Polar Seafoods bunkhouse. Cajigal said it was stolen sometime the day before. While Cajigal was making his report, Bradley Davis, 58, of Seward, also reported he had money stolen from his room in the bunkhouse during the same time frame. The investigation continues.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Cordova fisherman nets $500 fine, probation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Sentencing
On 6/12/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, observed a skiff operating a set gillnet during a closed period. Investigation revealed the skiff was operated by Lyle A. Kritchen, 55, of Cordova. Kritchen appeared for arraignment on 8/1/13 in Cordova District Court and pled guilty to commercial fishing in a closed season. He was fined $3,000 with $2,500 suspended and placed on unsupervised probation for one year.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Ambulance request, July 25 — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a patient arriving by tugboat.

Fire safety, July 28 — Caller reported a bonfire near UniSea. Officers found one bonfire in an area far from UniSea, but did not observe the bonfire committing any criminal acts.

Trespass, July 29 — Officer issued a trespass advisement, per Westward Seafoods security, to a recently terminated employee who was no longer welcome on Westward property.

Liquor law violation, July 31 — Officer advised a drunken sailor that he was not allowed to enter or remain on any licensed premises for the rest of the night, due to his level of intoxication. The man left in the company of his shipmates, who agreed to see him safely to his hotel room.

Welfare check, July 31 — Girlfriend called requesting help locating her boyfriend, believed to be employed by a local processor. Officers were unable to establish his employment at that location, but later received word that the girlfriend finally had been able to reach him and no longer needed police assistance.

Assistance rendered, Aug. 1, 1248 hours — Caller reported a possibly suicidal crewmember on his vessel. Officers responded and found a man who had been unable to sleep, had had a headache for days and was generally unable to reconcile himself to the Aleutians' famed gloomy skies and dark oceans. There was no indication the man was suicidal but medical care was requested for his other issues.

Ambulance request, Aug. 1, 1302 hours — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a man with a headache and other medical issues.

Suspicious activity, Aug. 1 — Business manager reported that gasoline was being siphoned from company vehicles, and asked that officers increase patrols in the area where the vehicles are usually parked.

Disorderly conduct, Aug. 1 — Abdiaziz Hajinur, 25, of Colorado, was arrested for criminal mischief and disorderly conduct after he first blocked an airport access door to keep passengers from boarding an outbound flight and then refused to comply with officers' demands that he leave the area. Hajinur was unable to explain why he had behaved so, though he repeatedly assured officers that he did not wish to kill them.

Welfare check, Aug. 2, 1732 hours — Officer responded to a home wherein one dipsomaniac sibling reported that his brother was freaking out, wasn't eating, had been vomiting for four days and had threatened him. The officer found both inebriated brothers accusing the other of vomiting.

Ambulance request, Aug. 2, 1815 hours — EMS personnel provided care and transport for a man who was freaking out, wasn't eating and had been vomiting for four days.

Assistance rendered, Aug. 3 — A man who identified himself as God's Army Bear told police that he had been instructed by God to kill another man, if he was first attacked by the other, and requested assistance obtaining a protective order for both his and his intended victim's safety. The man was provided with appropriate paperwork from the court.

Assistance rendered, Aug. 3 — Officer helped a young boy who had climbed up a small rock face and was unable to get down. The boy had not injured himself and was safely returned to stable ground.

Noise disturbance, Aug. 3, 2312 hours — Complaint about noise from a music festival. The band in question ceased playing after being advised of the complaint.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Seiner cited again, 13,660 lbs of salmon seized

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial seine closed waters
On 7/24/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, received a report from the Sitka office of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game that they had just observed the F/V Coral setting in the closed waters of Nakwasina Sound. Troopers contacted the vessel and an investigation revealed the captain, Izaak Esquiro, 37, of Warm Springs, Ore., had fished the closed waters of Nakwasina Sound. Esquiro was issued a summons to appear in Sitka District Court, and his catch of 13,660 pounds of salmon was seized.

Southeast seiner fined $1,000, loses catch

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Plea
On 7/17/13 Izaak J. Esquiro, 37, of Warm Springs, Ore., pled no contest to one count of operating a commercial salmon seine in a closed area. He was fined $1,000 and ordered to forfeit just under 8,000 pounds of illegally taken salmon. Wildlife troopers had cited Esquiro on 7/11/13 for operating in a closed area during the Amalga Harbor seine fishery aboard the F/V Coral.

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Skipper jailed in Kodiak, accused of crew assault

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Assault, DWI
On 7/30/13 at approximately 0900 hours, Alaska State Troopers were notified of an assault aboard a commercial fishing vessel. An investigation revealed that on the evening of 7/29/13 the skipper of the F/V Oceana Kaylani, 56-year-old Michael A. Clemens of Nevada, assaulted two deckhands, both 22-year-old male residents of Pennsylvania. At the time of the assault, the vessel was commercial fishing in the waters off Cape Chiniak. Clemens reportedly was highly intoxicated. The two victims and a third crewmember escaped by taking the seine skiff to Kodiak. At approximately 1055 hours, troopers contacted Clemens at the St. Paul harbor in Kodiak where he was arrested for two counts of domestic violence assault in the fourth degree and boating under the influence. Clemens was remanded to the Kodiak city jail and held without bail pending an arraignment.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Norton Sound crabbers pinched for littering

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Golovin
Type: Littering
On 7/24/13 Nome Wildlife Troopers contacted and cited Jerry L. Katchatag, 27, and Charles A. Lewis Jr., 31, both of Golovin, on three counts each of littering. Katchatag and Lewis were commercial fishing for crab through the ice in Norton Sound and recovered all of their pots by 5/20/13 but left their foam insulation in the holes. Bail set at $50 for each count.

Location: Golovin
Type: Littering
On 7/26/13 Nome Wildlife Troopers contacted and cited Rodney W. Lewis, 45, of Nome, on three counts of littering. Lewis was commercial crabbing through the ice of Norton Sound and failed to recover his foam boards when he recovered all his pots. Bail set at $50 for each count.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Assault reported on Kodiak boat

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Assault
On 7/24/13 at approximately 0840 hours a 31-year-old male resident of Kodiak reported he had been assaulted by a commercial fishing boat captain. The assaulted reportedly occurred approximately 24 hours earlier while vessel was fishing in waters near the village of Old Harbor. The man was not seriously injured, and an investigation is ongoing.

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Troopers seize 22,820 pounds of chum salmon

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/18/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Matthew Giambrone, 39, of Minnesota, for commercial fishing in closed waters during the Amalga Harbor special harvest area seine fishery. Giambrone was cited after he was observed crossing over one of the boundary lines. The fish caught in the set, approximately 22,820 pounds of chum salmon, were seized. Giambrone was given a court appearance date of 7/31/13 in Juneau District Court.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assault, July 16 — Martin Nunez Chavez, 44, of Unalaska, was arrested on one count of assault after he approached a coworker in the UniSea galley, accused him of being homosexual and then pushed and punched him.

Trespass, July 17 — Officer issued permanent trespass advisements, per the Ports Department, to some men who had been involved in an altercation on one of the public docks.

Environmental, July 17 — Caller reported that U.S. Coast Guard personnel were attacked by a protective eagle at the Dutch Harbor post office, and mentioned that no signs warned of impending danger from the native wildlife. An officer responded to the area and picked up the blown-over signs that warned of said danger.

Suspicious person, July 17, 1949 hours — Officers were called to the Harbor View bar, where a man who claimed to be a federal fugitive recovery operative had been involved in either, depending on which version one listened to, starting or breaking up an altercation. The operative's actions did not rise to the level of impersonation and he was given a trespass advisement, per UniSea security, for all UniSea hospitality venues.

Trespass, July 17, 2232 hours — Officer issued another much more specific trespass advisement to the federal fugitive recovery operative, per UniSea security, after the 14-year Dutch Harbor veteran claimed not to know that the Grand Aleutian hotel was a UniSea facility.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Bristol Bay fisherman nets $7,000 fine, loses boat

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Togiak
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/12/13 an Alaska wildlife trooper in a patrol aircraft observed the F/V Sea Urchin commercial fishing with a 150-fathom drift gillnet 2.3 miles from the closest legal waters. The trooper landed the aircraft in the ocean near the vessel and identified the permit holder and skipper as Michael A. Poulsen, 20, of Togiak. On 7/15/13 Poulsen was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters and the F/V Sea Urchin was seized. He was arraigned on 7/16/13 in Dillingham District Court. After pleading guilty to the misdemeanor charge, Poulsen was sentenced as follows: $15,000 fine with $8,000 suspended; 30 days in jail with 30 days suspended; three years on probation; and forfeiture of the F/V Sea Urchin, a 26-foot fiberglass Modutech.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Suspicious person, July 7 — Homeowner reported that an unidentified man appeared to be living in a nearby concrete bunker. Officers determined this was likely the case, but were unable to locate or identify the man in question. He has not returned.

Animal, July 8 — Caller reported a dead cat in the roadway. An officer responded and found no dead feline, only a motley collection of bald eagles.

Assistance rendered, July 10 — Harbor and police officers responded to the airport regarding a drunken man found sleeping in the terminal. The man was advised to return to his vessel, and left shortly thereafter in a taxi.

Animal, July 12 — Juvenile eagle squawking in caller's yard after crash-landing into a pole. Caller reported the juvenile eagle's parents were on scene in the yard.

Trespass, July 12 — Officer issued a trespass advisement to several men involved in a scuffle at the Bobby Storrs Harbor.

Trespass, July 13 — Officer issued a trespass advisement, per Magone Marine management, to a drunken man who had been fired and was no longer wanted on company property.

DUI, July 13 — A man reported that his intoxicated girlfriend had left his residence and was driving to another location. The girlfriend meanwhile reported to the police station and demanded that she be given field sobriety tests to prove the boyfriend wrong. Officers found no indication of impairment and subsequently accompanied the woman to her boyfriend's home to recover some property.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Seiner charged after 'incident' at Hidden Falls

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Hidden Falls
Type: Interfere with commercial fishing gear
On 7/10/13 Ralph "Wade" Roberts, 49, of Port Hardy, British Columbia, was issued a summons by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for interfering with commercial fishing gear. Roberts is the permit holder on the fishing vessel Ocean Ripple. The summons is the result of an incident that happened on 6/27/13 during a Southeast seine opening near Hidden Falls terminal harvest area. Arraignment set for 8/6/13 in Sitka District Court.

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Seiner charged, nearly 8,000 lbs of salmon seized

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 7/11/13 Izaak J. Esquiro, 37, of Warm Springs, Ore., was cited for operating a purse seine in a closed area during the Amalga Harbor seine fishery. Esquiro, who was operating the F/V Coral, was given an arraignment date of 7/17/13 in Juneau District Court. Just under 8,000 pounds of fish were seized as well.

Gillnetters fined, forfeit salmon in Juneau court

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Sentencing
On 7/10/13 the following fishermen pled guilty or no contest in Juneau District Court to commercial gillnet violations in waters north of Juneau:

• Travis A. Bangs, 19, of Wrangell, was fined $1,000.

• Brian R. Vaughn, 50, of Juneau, was fined $1,000 and ordered to forfeit $245 worth of illegally taken salmon.

• Michael T. Wallace, 45, of Lynden, Wash., was fined $3,000 with $1,000 suspended and ordered to forfeit $181.20 worth of illegally taken salmon.

• David M. Williams, 43, of Juneau, was fined $1,000 and ordered to forfeit $1,200 worth of illegally taken salmon.

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Cordova gillnetter charged with illegal fishing

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound, Eshamy District
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/9/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers observed the F/V Ketch Em operating a drift gillnet in closed waters. Investigation revealed the vessel was operated by Andrew Eckley, 28, of Cordova. Arraignment set for 7/24/13 in Cordova District Court.

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assistance rendered, July 1 — Officer assisted in a civil standby for the termination of an employee off of a fishing vessel.

Welfare check, July 3 — Caller reported an orange raft was drifting away from shore with an intoxicated passenger inside. Ports was notified and was able to retrieve the person and raft.

Animal, July 3 — Chihuahua at large.

Assault, July 3 — Officers responded to a report of two large men fighting at the airport. The combatants were contacted and readily admitted to their pugilistic encounter. Neither was injured nor wished to pursue charges.

Trespass, July 3 — Two individuals were trespassed from a local eatery for engaging in behavior inconsistent with that normally associated with civilized food consumption, to wit, they got into a fight inside the restaurant.

Environmental, July 4 — Officers investigated a report of an unattended gillnet.

Other services, July 4, 2315 hours — EMS stood by for the city's pyrotechnical display.

Public safety, July 5, 0006 hours — Officers were made aware of several flares being shot into the air. No vessels were found to be in distress.

Suspicious activity, July 5 — Officer contacted two people he believed were acting suspiciously inside a parked truck. The two stated they were watching the ocean.

Noise disturbance, July 6, 0236 hours — Officers were advised of loud music coming from an adjoining apartment. The musical malefactors were advised their melodious lamentations were not being appreciated at this late hour.

Assault, July 6 — Officers investigated a report of an assault that occurred between two besotted individuals. The two had a disagreement concerning one of the sots consuming the alcohol of the other sot. Sot one, the owner of the alcohol, chased sot two, the consumer of the alcohol, down the hallway of the bunkhouse. None involved wished to pursue charges.

Monday, July 8, 2013

Four fishermen get court dates at Cordova

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/29/13 Anthony R. Barnes, 34, of Cordova, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters near the Eshamy District aboard the F/V Julie Marie. Arraignment set for 7/24/13 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Cordova
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/3/13 Steven T. Estes, 43, of Cordova, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters near Beartrap Bay aboard the F/V Lady Samantha. Arraignment set for 7/24/13 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Prince William Sound, Falls Bay
Type: Commercial fish too close to setnet
On 7/4/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, received a complaint on a vessel operating a drift gillnet too close to a set gillnet in Falls Bay. Investigation revealed the vessel was the F/V Faceoff, operated by Maxim Matveev, 20, of Homer. Matveev was summoned to appear for arraignment on 7/31/13 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Prince William Sound, Falls Bay
Type: Commercial fish too close to setnet
On 7/4/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, received a complaint on a vessel operating a drift gillnet too close to a set gillnet in Falls Bay. Investigation revealed the vessel was the F/V Delta Sound, operated by a juvenile, 17, of Anchorage. The operator was summoned to appear for arraignment on 7/31/13 in Cordova District Court.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Enforcement cases stack up in Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/23/13 Eric E. Whitaker, 39, of Woodinville, Wash., was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek section
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/24/13 Frederick R. Deveau, 33, of Naknek, was cited for commercial fishing in a closed period. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/13 Tyler R. Rasmussen, 32, of Reno, Nev., onboard the F/V Sluicebox, was issued three citations for commercial fishing in closed waters stemming from incidents that occurred during the 2012 Bristol Bay season. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/13 Daniel C. Blakey, 29, and Gregory T. Wilson, 21, both of Bainbridge Island, Wash., were cited for commercial fishing in closed waters aboard the F/V Curragh. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/13 David I. Myers, 64, of Holopuni, Hawaii, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters aboard the F/V Baked Alaska. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/13 Marc F. Watson, 54, of Naknek, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters aboard the F/V Meredith Charlene. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/13 Tam Van Tran, 53, of Vallejo, Calif., was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/13 Alan James Parks, 55, of Homer, was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/25/13 Michael Wayne Franks, 61, of Anchorage, was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing during a closed period. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/25/13 Michael James Franks, 34, of Juneau, was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing during a closed period. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/27/13 Taylor Charles Landrud, 27, of Algona, Wash., was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/27/13 Ritch Sterling Carr, 21, of Port Townsend, Wash., was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/27/13 Bruce Charles Whiting, 56, of Everett, Wash., was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek section
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/1/13 Justin Wilson, 23, of Granite Falls, Wash., was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek section
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/1/13 Robert Young, 48, of Soldotna, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/2/13 Lawrence Higgins, 57, and Dane Hulbert, 27, of Washington, were cited for commercial fishing in closed waters in the Egegik District onboard the F/V Jade. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/2/13 Joel Ludwig, 54, and Jessica Ludwig, 16, of Washington, were both cited for commercial fishing in closed waters in the Egegik District onboard the F/V Match Point. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/2/13 Filimon Evgeny Basargin, 33, of Homer, was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/3/13 Andrew Rosas, 29, of Montana, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters in the Egegik District onboard the F/V Deborah R. Arraignment set for 7/12/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek section
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/3/13 a juvenile, 17, of Oregon, was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/17/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/3/13 Lowell W. Stambaugh, 62, of Naselle, Wash., was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/9/13 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Naknek section
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/4/13 Michael Sather, 56, of Puyallup, Wash., was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek section
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/4/13 Axel Brostrom, 58, of Naknek, was cited for commercial fishing during a closed period. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Naknek section
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/4/13 Jeffery Quinn, 56, of Edmonds, Wash., was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/4/13 Dutch Harbor Wildlife Troopers issued five citations to Markel Z. Basargin, 26, of Fertile, Minn., for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Dillingham
Type: Failure to report lost driftnet
On 7/4/13 Dionisiy V. Basargin, 23, of Homer, was cited for failing to report his lost drift gillnet within 15 hours from the time of loss. Arraignment set for 7/16/13 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Dillingham
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/5/13 Sun Taguan Small, 36, of Dillingham, was cited for commercial drift gillnet fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/16/13 in Dillingham District Court.

Troopers deal citations around Southeast Alaska

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 6/24/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Juneau cited David Williams, 43, of Juneau, for operating a commercial drift gillnet in closed waters in District 11A. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Juneau District Court.

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 6/24/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Juneau Post, issued Jonathan T. Pavlik, 31, of Yakutat, a summons for commercial fishing in a closed area. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Juneau District Court.

Location: Hoonah
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 6/26/13 Brian R. Vaughn, 50, of Juneau, was served a summons charging him with commercial fishing during a closed season. Vaughn was commercial drift gillnet fishing onboard the F/V Kiksadi in the closed waters of District 11A. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Juneau District Court.

Location: Sitka
Type: Unlawful possession
On 6/28/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted David Castle, 46, of Sitka, captain of the F/V Eyak, a tender participating in the commercial troll fishery, after receiving a report that he had bought a king salmon under 28 inches in length from a troller. Investigation revealed that Castle had been in possession of an undersized king salmon. The salmon was seized and Castle was cited.

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Halibut permit
On 6/30/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Ketchikan Post, cited John Nelson, 34, of Metlakatla, for operating commercial halibut longline gear and possessing commercially caught halibut without a Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit. A mandatory court appearance was set for 7/25/13 in Ketchikan District Court.

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/3/13 Travis A. Bangs, 19, of Wrangell, was cited for operating a commercial gillnet during a closed period in District 15C north of Juneau. Troopers in a state aircraft observed the F/V Silver K deploying its gillnet prior to the commercial opening on June 30. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Juneau District Court.

Three more Prince William Sound fishermen cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound, Falls Bay
Type: Interfere with commercial fishing gear
On 6/24/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, received a complaint that a vessel was operating a drift gillnet too close to a set gillnet in Falls Bay. Investigation revealed that the vessel was the F/V Early Run operated by Melissa Craig, 42, of Anchorage. Craig was summoned to appear for arraignment on 7/10/13 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Prince William Sound, Eshamy District
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, observed the F/V Miss Margeaux operating a drift gillnet in waters closed to commercial fishing. Investigation revealed that the vessel was operated by John Bailey, 56, of Anchorage. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Port Valdez
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/3/13 Storm Harder, 22, of Washington, was issued a citation for commercial fishing in closed waters, near the hatchery, in Port Valdez. Arraignment set for 7/25/13 in Valdez District Court.

Prince William Sound drifter cited twice

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound, Eshamy District
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/24/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, observed the F/V Enigma operating a drift gillnet in waters closed to commercial fishing. Investigation revealed that the vessel was operated by Gregory Polushkin, 26, of Homer. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Girdwood
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/29/13 Gregory Polushkin, 26, of Homer, was cited by the Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Girdwood Post, for commercial fishing in closed waters in Prince William Sound. Arraignment set for 8/1/13 in Anchorage District Court.

Two Cook Inlet drift gillnetters charged

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/2/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Soldotna charged Andrew A. Umlauf, 37, of Clinton, Wash., with fishing a drift gillnet in waters closed at the time to commercial fishing. He was issued a summons to appear on 8/2/13 in Kenai District Court.

Location: Soldotna
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/3/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Soldotna charged Frank D. Newton, 63, of Kenai, with fishing a drift gillnet on 6/30/13 in waters closed at the time to commercial fishing. He was issued a summons to appear on 8/2/13 in Kenai District Court.

Two Yukon River fishermen cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Pilot Station
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 7/4/13 Kotzebue and Nome Wildlife Troopers contacted Crystal Minnie Fancyboy, 34, of Pilot Station, while she was commercial fishing on the Yukon River across from Pilot Station. Fancyboy was cited and ordered to appear in St. Marys District Court for commercial fishing in a closed area. Fancyboy was fishing in the closed section surrounding the Alaska Department of Fish and Game sonar station.

Location: Pilot Station
Type: Commercial fish closed area
On 7/4/13 Kotzebue and Nome Wildlife Troopers contacted David Askoak, 57, of Newhalen, while he was commercial fishing on the Yukon River across from Pilot Station. Askoak was cited and ordered to appear in St. Marys District Court for commercial fishing in a closed area. Askoak was fishing in the closed section surrounding the Alaska Department of Fish and Game sonar station.

Thursday, July 4, 2013

Troopers ticket nine fishermen in Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kvichak section
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/27/13 Gustie Tallekpalek, 52, of Levelock, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in a closed period within the Kvichak section of the Naknek-Kvichak District. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/30/13 Kiril Basargin, 34, of Homer, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Nushagak District
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/26/13 Christopher Mitchell, 26, of Bellingham, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/8/13 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Nushagak Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/26/13 Blunka R. Blunka, 46, of New Stuyahok, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in a closed period. Arraignment set for 7/8/13 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/28/13 Jason Grubbs, 35, of Hawaii, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters in the Egegik District onboard the F/V Kirra B. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/26/13 Nickolai Martushev, 48, of Stayton, Ore., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in a closed period in the Egegik District onboard the F/V Cruiser. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Nushagak District
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/25/13 John Mardesich, 53, of Naknek, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters. Arraignment set for 7/8/13 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Nushagak Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/28/13 Simone Nolan, 53, of Seattle, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters and failure to have photo ID as required. Arraignment set for 7/8/13 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/26/13 Luke Gardner, 40, of Naselle, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters while onboard the F/V Quantum Leap on 7/18/12 in the Egegik District of Bristol Bay. Arraignment set for 7/11/13 in Naknek District Court.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Animal, June 24 — Caller reported that someone was feeding the eagles causing a hazard as one of the eagles had flown into her truck. Officers investigated and discovered that the eagles were not being fed but were congregating, as eagles are known to do.

Noise disturbance, June 25 — Complainant reported a loud toy car was keeping her from sleeping. Officers contacted the owner of the offending plaything and advised him to keep the noise down after 10 p.m.

Civil, June 26 — Caller reported his sister was fired for no reason from a local seafood company. The individual was advised that the issue was not something the police could help him with.

Public safety, June 26 — Officer contacted two individuals who appeared to be preparing to jump off the South Channel Bridge into Captains Bay. The two were advised of the inherent dangers of this activity and decided against tempting fate.

Assistance rendered, June 28 — Officers assisted an overly drunken individual in returning to his vessel. The person was turned over to his captain.

Assistance rendered, June 29 — Officers discovered an individual sleeping on the sidewalk. The individual had become tired after a long night of imbibing and decided to take a nap. The inebriate was assisted to his abode.

Animal, June 29 — Caller reported a baby eagle that appeared to be in distress. Due to several adult eagles soaring, hovering and diving, officers were unable to get close enough to the eaglet to determine its condition.

Troopers cite three Sitka trollers

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/27/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, contacted Albert Duncan Sr., 72, of Sitka, after he was observed hand trolling in the Western Channel troll fishery area, which was closed. Investigation revealed Duncan was indeed commercial trolling. He was issued a summons to appear in Sitka District Court.

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/27/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, contacted Arthur Eells, 53, of Sitka, after he was observed commercial trolling in the Deep Inlet terminal harvest area, which was closed to trolling. Eells was issued a citation with a mandatory appearance in Sitka District Court.

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 6/27/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, cited Arthur Eells, 30, of Sitka for retaining a king salmon under 28 inches in length while participating in the spring troll fishery. Eells was cited as the result of an inspection of his catch during an offload at Sitka Sound Seafoods.

Sunday, June 30, 2013

Seiner charged, 51,870 pounds of salmon seized

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound, Beartrap Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/28/13 Michael A. Babic, 30, of Cordova, operator and permit holder on the F/V Beverly Ann, was charged by Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, for commercial fishing the closed waters of Beartrap Bay. Troopers seized 51,870 pounds of salmon valued at over $20,000. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Cordova District Court.

Three fishermen sentenced at Cordova

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Cordova
Type: Convictions
The following resulted from proceedings on 6/26/13 in Cordova District Court:

• Andrew T. Eckley, 29, of Cordova, was fined $3,000 with $2,500 suspended and placed on a year's probation for commercial fishing during a closed period.

• Konstantin E. Basargin, 38, of Homer, was fined $3,000 with $1,500 suspended and placed on a year's probation for commercial fishing in closed waters.

• Efim J. Ivanov, 23, of Wasilla, was fined $3,000 with $1,500 suspended and placed on a year's probation for commercial fishing in closed waters.

Thursday, June 27, 2013

Troopers ticket Southeast salmon gillnetter

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/26/13 Michael T. Wallace, 45, of Lynden, Wash., was cited for operating a commercial salmon gillnet during a closed period in District 15C north of Juneau. Wallace was observed during a patrol conducted by state aircraft operating the F/V Annie V south of the 15C boundary near Benjamin Island. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Juneau District Court.

Sound drifter accused of illegally anchoring net

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound, Esther Island
Type: Anchor drift gillnet
On 6/25/13 Daniel Kuzmin, 21, of Homer, was cited by the Valdez Wildlife Trooper for anchoring, or otherwise fixing, a drift gillnet off of Esther Rock. Arraignment set for 7/31/13 in Cordova District Court.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Roads, June 16 — A stranger to the island called to say that he was lost on a mountain somewhere and his car had broken down on some remote road whose name he did not know. Officers were able to determine the man's most likely location, and subsequently transported him back to his hotel so that he could make arrangements to retrieve his rental car.

Assistance rendered, June 17, 1522 hours — Drunken caller asked officers to remove a drunken friend from the caller's residence. By the time officers arrived, the caller had forgotten what he wanted.

Assistance rendered, June 17, 1628 hours — Drunken caller again asked officers to remove the same drunken friend from the caller's residence, then called back to say he no longer needed police assistance.

Assault, June 17, 1710 hours — The drunken caller's drunken brother reported that the drunken friend had assaulted his brother. An officer responded and found one drunken brother on the floor; the drunken friend was nowhere to be found. Neither brother was able to accurately describe what had happened.

Traffic crime, June 18 — Several vehicles crossed the end of the runway while a plane was landing on the airstrip. An officer met with personnel from the airport and the crew doing construction at the end of the airstrip to discuss ways to improve traffic flow and safety during air operations.

Domestic disturbance, June 20 — Officers responded to Westward Seafoods regarding an assault that had taken place two days earlier. A woman told police that her sister-in-law had injured her neck by yanking a scarf and pulling it tight around her neck. Charges pending.

Harassment, June 20 — An officer responded to a local restaurant, where a waitress was allegedly being cursed by a cook. The officer determined that the cook had been drinking and was upset because the waitress kept returning food orders as being improperly prepared and had made obscene gestures at her. No threats were made. A replacement cook came in to take over duties in the kitchen.

Animal, June 21 — Caller reported an eagle had been struck by a tractor-trailer. Alaska State Troopers notified.

Monday, June 24, 2013

Two Prince William Sound gillnetters cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound, Esther Passage
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/17/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, observed a vessel operating a drift gillnet during a closed commercial fishing period. Investigation revealed that the vessel was the F/V Tanada, operated by Jason Lee, 32, of Duluth, Minn. Lee was summoned to appear for arraignment on 7/10/13 in Cordova District Court.

Location: Prince William Sound, Eshamy District
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/18/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, observed the F/V Miss Layla operating a drift gillnet in waters closed to commercial fishing. Investigation revealed that the vessel was operated by Brice Phillips, 26, of Cordova. Phillips was summoned to appear for arraignment on 7/10/13 in Cordova District Court.

Sunday, June 23, 2013

More on the Mezirow case

We recently posted an item about an enforcement action against Andrew Mezirow, a member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Advisory Panel.

When contacted about the matter, Mezirow declined to comment for the record.

Here's the case file, which The Brig requested from the court clerk in Seward.

Dungeness crabber in pinch over early start

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau, Young Bay and Point Hilda
Type: Commercial fish closed season
On 6/15/13, during a patrol utilizing state aircraft, the F/V Gisli was observed operating commercial Dungeness crab gear prior to the official opening of the season. A patrol skiff was directed to the area and made contact with the vessel. The skipper, Shayar P. Valandro, 32, eventually was cited for operating commercial crab gear during a closed season, failing to register for the 2013 summer season and employing an unlicensed crewman. Marian P. Zemko, 57, was cited for fishing without a valid 2013 crewmember license. The skipper was instructed to retrieve and dump all of his gear and then have a hold inspection prior to returning to fishing.

Sea cucumber diver draws jail time, forfeits gear

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Sentencing
On 5/28/13 Benjamin Seeland, 32, of Sitka, pled guilty in Juneau District Court to one count of commercial fishing in closed waters and one count of filing false fish tickets. On 11/5/12 Alaska State Troopers onboard the P/V Enforcer contacted the commercial sea cucumber vessel Sandra L, and permit holder and diver Seeland, as they actively took sea cucumbers inside of Eliza Harbor on the south end of Admiralty Island. Eliza Harbor had not been opened to the commercial harvest of sea cucumbers in 2012. Investigation showed Seeland participated in the taking of sea cucumbers inside the closed waters of Eliza Harbor, then he filed false commercial fish tickets by listing those sea cucumbers as being caught in the Port Camden area on two separate occasions. Seeland's sentence included a $1,500 fine, nine days of jail, forfeiture of the commercial dive gear used in the violation, revocation of his Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission dive permit for one year, restitution of $3,486.02 and two years of probation.

Gillnetter accused at Kodiak of illegal fishing

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/13/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Kodiak Post, contacted Kent A. Evans II, 30, of Fairbanks. Investigation revealed Evans was commercial salmon fishing with a gillnet during a closed period. He was cited and has a court date of 7/19/13 in Kodiak District Court.

Southeast gillnetter was over line, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau, Little Island Light
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/16/13, during a patrol utilizing state aircraft, the F/V Irish Eyes was observed operating a commercial gillnet 1.097 nautical miles south of the southern 15C district boundary line. The skipper, Gilbert Gunderson, of Wrangell, was cited for operating a commercial gillnet during a closed period and has a mandatory court appearance on 6/27/13 in Juneau District Court.

Prince William Sound gillnetter cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound, Eshamy District
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/18/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Cordova Post, cited Timothy J. Smith, 24, of Menlo, Wash., operator and permit holder on the F/V Alaskona, for commercial fishing in closed waters outside the Eshamy District. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Cordova District Court.

Troopers ticket three salmon trollers

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Yakutat
Type: Commercial fish closed season
On 6/13/13, while conducting a patrol utilizing a state aircraft over Yakutat Bay for a spring commercial troll fishery, Alaska Wildlife Troopers observed a vessel actively trolling into an area not open to trolling. Troopers contacted the operator of the vessel upon its return to the Yakutat boat harbor. Stephan Vale, 59, of Yakutat, was issued a summons for a mandatory appearance in Yakutat District Court.

Location: Baranof Island, Patterson Bay
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 6/9/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Juneau Post, issued commercial troller Mark S. Roberts, 55, of Petersburg, a summons for retaining a commercially caught king salmon under 28 inches long. Arraignment set for 6/25/13 in Sitka District Court.

Location: Frederick Sound
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 6/6/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Harlan F. Freeman, 75, of Petersburg, commercial trolling in Frederick Sound. Investigation revealed Freeman was in possession of a king salmon under 28 inches long. The fish was seized for donation to a charity. Freeman was issued a summons to appear in Petersburg District Court.

Bristol Bay gillnetters accused of violations in 2012

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Bristol Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/15/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Boris Basargin, 30, of Homer, in response to commercial fishing violations that took place in the Bristol Bay salmon fishery during the 2012 season. Basargin was issued citations for two separate instances of drift gillnetting north of the Ugashik District north line in closed waters on the F/V Transporter. Arraignment set for 7/10/13 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Bristol Bay
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/13/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Peter Balch, 68, of Fairbanks, in response to commercial fishing violations that took place in the Bristol Bay salmon fishery during the 2012 season. Balch was issued citations for three separate instances of drift gillnetting north of the Ugashik District north line on the F/V Rainbow Chaser. Arraignment set for 7/17/13 in Naknek District Court.

Friday, June 21, 2013

Federal grand jury indicts rockfish fisherman

Steven Carr, fishing out of Kodiak, in 2008 caught 761,421 pounds of Pacific Ocean perch worth more than $120,000.

Trouble was, he lied about where he caught the fish, say federal authorities who today announced Carr's indictment.

Read more details here.

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Suspicious person, June 9 — Vehicle owner asked an officer to remove from her tailgate the drunken young man seated thereon. The man, who was indeed intoxicated and also belligerent, refused to cooperate and suggested the officer get help. He became quite compliant when the number of officers rapidly doubled, and agreed to leave the area.

Fire response, June 9 — Report of smoke from the UniSea/N C Machinery area. Responders stood down after an officer determined the smoke was coming from the UniSea power plant.

Traffic crime, June 10 — Mother reported her son had nearly been killed by a taxi the previous day. Only limited information regarding the identity of the vehicle or driver was available. The mother asked for more frequent patrols of the UniSea area.

Fire response, June 12, 0824 hours — Fire personnel responded to the Coastal Dock regarding a fiber fire inside the hold of the F/V Blue Pacific. The fire was extinguished after several hours. The U.S. Coast Guard is inspecting the vessel for structural damage caused by the intense heat.

Fire safety, June 13 — Fire officer inspected a commercial incineration operation and ordered it to be extinguished until all chemically contaminated debris had been removed.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Seward fisherman cited over skate bycatch

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: Retention of prohibited species
On 6/7/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Seward Post, issued a summons to Andrew David Mezirow, 49, of Seward, for retaining a prohibited species during a commercial groundfish fishery. Investigation revealed Mezirow retained big skates during a groundfish fishery in Cook Inlet on 5/21/13, when Cook Inlet waters were closed to the retention of big skates as bycatch. Arraignment set for 7/23/13 in Seward District Court.

Note: Mezirow is a member of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council's Advisory Panel.

Cordova setnetter accused of illegal fishing

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince William Sound, Eshamy District
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/12/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers observed a skiff operating a set gillnet during a closed period. Investigation revealed that Lyle A. Kritchen, 55, of Cordova, was operating the skiff. Arraignment set for 6/26/13 in Cordova District Court.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assist other agency, May 19 — Officers attempted to locate a fisherman to advise him of a family emergency. Family members were able to contact the fisherman before officers found him.

Assault, May 23 — Caller reported being struck several times in the face after he squirted a former coworker with a squirt gun. Under investigation.

Animal, June 3 — Mother reported her son had been attacked by a bald eagle, leaving him with a laceration on the right side of his head. The on-call physician was notified and asked to contact the mother.

Drunk disturbance, June 6, 1313 hours — Officers responded to a hotel regarding an intoxicated squatter who had not paid for his room. Officers determined that the drunk had been fired for fighting with his captain, had been given significant severance pay, and had run out of friends who were willing to deal with him. Officers found one last person who was willing to let him sleep in the front yard.

Drunk disturbance, June 6, 1658 hours — An intoxicated squatter was seen wandering about in the road and yelling. Officers responded and determined that the man's earlier camping arrangements were no longer suitable. The squatter was provided with contact information for a person who might be able to help him with his problems.

Guide cited in use of king salmon as bait

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Aid sportfish client in violation
On 6/9/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Ketchikan Post, issued a summons to Sean Falconer, 45, of El Sobrante, Calif., for aiding a sportfish client in illegally using the edible portions of a sport-caught king salmon as bait. Falconer is a registered sportfishing guide for Yes Bay Lodge. Falconer must appear on 6/26/13 in Ketchikan District Court.

Friday, June 7, 2013

Halibut fisherman lacked permit, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Halibut permit
On 6/1/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Ketchikan Post, cited James Caspersen, 57, of Metlakatla, for commercial fishing for halibut without a Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit, and for possessing approximately 800 pounds of halibut without having a permit. Caspersen was given a summons to appear on 6/18/13 in Ketchikan District Court.

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Two more draw prison time in Trident theft

Here's a press release from the U.S. attorney's office in Anchorage.

Monday, May 27, 2013

Three convictions reported at Sitka

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 5/21/13 Richard J. Davis, 54, of Juneau, pled guilty in Sitka District Court to one count of directed lingcod fishing during a closed season. Davis was fined $1,250 with $1,000 suspended. He forfeited $1,809 in proceeds from illegally taken fish, and was placed on probation for one year. Davis initially self-reported his violation of fishing one day before the season opened.

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 5/21/13 David Castle, 46, of Sitka, pled guilty to one count of unlawful possession of commercial fish in connection with purchasing undersized king salmon onboard the tender Eyak. Castle was fined $2,500 with $1,000 suspended. He was required to pay $450 in restitution to the state and was placed on probation for one year. A charge of misconduct involving a controlled substance in the sixth degree was dismissed.

Location: Sitka
Type: Conviction
On 5/21/13 Joseph Wroblewski, 59, of Sitka, pled guilty to one count of unlawful possession of commercial troll-caught king salmon. Wroblewski was fined $1,000 with $500 suspended. He was required to pay $150 in restitution to the state and was placed on probation for one year.

Thursday, May 23, 2013

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Silver Bay Seafoods cited over illegal crab

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized Tanner crab
On 5/20/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, charged Silver Bay Seafoods and Silver Bay employee Eric Anderson, 38, of Sitka, for possessing undersized Tanner crab. Investigation in February 2013 showed a significant amount of undersized crab being delivered from a Silver Bay-employed commercial tender vessel to the company dock in Sitka. Arraignment set in Sitka District Court.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Drunk disturbance, May 7 — Samuel Kulang, 32, of Tennessee, was arrested for criminal trespass and resisting arrest after he refused to leave the vessel on which he had been previously employed. Kulang struggled with officers and threatened to take their weapons while being handcuffed.

Noise disturbance, May 12 — Officers responded to a noise disturbance at a UniSea bunkhouse. The loud, drunken woman who made the complaint was unable to identify who had been disturbing her sleep.

Animal, May 16 — Beached sea lion. Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Alaska SeaLife Center were notified.

Assault, May 18 — Skipper I. Kouch, 44, of Hawaii, was arrested on one count of assault after he punched another man in the face several times. Kouch told officer the victim had made him cry.

Animal, May 18 — Another caller reported a dead sea lion on the beach.

Animal, May 18 — Two dead eagles.

Monday, May 20, 2013

Fisherman self-reports lingcod violation

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 5/17/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Sitka Post, received a report from Richard J. Davis, 54, of Juneau, that he had mistakenly fished a day early in the eastern Gulf of Alaska directed lingcod fishery. Davis subsequently was cited for taking lingcod in a closed period on 5/15/13 when commercial fishing opened on 5/16/13. Davis was charged with a violation-level offense rather than a misdemeanor, due in part to his self-report. Arraignment set in Sitka District Court.

Friday, May 17, 2013

Sitka tenderman cited for small kings, marijuana

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Possess undersized king salmon
On 5/14/13 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited David Castle, 46, of Sitka, for unlawful possession of fish and misconduct involving a controlled substance. The charges stem from an investigation on 5/10/13 which showed Castle, onboard the fish tender Eyak, bought and possessed undersized king salmon. During the investigation, Castle was found to be in possession of a small amount of marijuana. Three undersized king salmon, drug paraphernalia and the marijuana were seized. Arraignment set for 5/21/13 in Sitka District Court.