Kodiak man accused of interfering with gear

From the Alaska State Troopers and state court records:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Interference with fishing gear
On 11/15/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Robert Nelson Sr., 42, of Kodiak, at his residence. An ongoing investigation found Nelson had operated the F/V Katherine earlier this year and interfered with and retained commercial groundfish pots belonging to another commercial vessel. Nelson has been charged with three counts of interfering with fishing gear, a misdemeanor.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assault, Sept. 25 — Caller reported an assault that occurred aboard a vessel at sea. The Alaska State Troopers were advised.

Welfare check, Oct. 4 — A concerned mother called because she had not heard from her son who came to work at a processing plant in Unalaska/Dutch Harbor. She was able to provide enough information so that a local contact number could be provided.

Assist other agency, Oct. 6 — Officer assisted a National Marine Fisheries Service investigator in conducting interviews and imaging a cell phone.

Criminal mischief, Oct. 8, 1407 hours — Caller reported damage to a vessel. The caller suspected a disgruntled former employee. The former employee denied the allegations. The responsible person for the vessel did not wish to pursue charges.

Trespass, Oct. 8, 1428 hours — Officers assisted in issuing a trespass order to a disgruntled former employee who was suspected of vandalizing a vessel.

Environmental, Oct. 10 — Caller reported that several eagles were rifling through trash bags in the back of a pickup truck, making quite the mess. The truck's owner was contacted and advised.

Assist other agency, Oct. 18 — Officers assisted several IRS agents in serving a search warrant after receiving a call from the suspect the warrant was being served upon. The suspect did not believe the IRS agents were actually federal agents and wanted the police to make them go away. It was explained to the suspect that the agents were actual agents and that the warrant was valid.

Animal, Oct. 19, 1051 hours — Caller reported two eagles arguing over a seagull carcass. The caller stated the stench from the carrion was wafting through the open bay doors. The eagles were persuaded to move their brunch to a location farther from the building.

Suspicious activity, Oct. 22 — Caller reported a possible mutiny aboard a fishing vessel as the crew was not listening to the captain and refused to get out of bed. The caller called back and reported that everything was fine now and the crew was working. An officer responded and confirmed that there were no mutinous scurvy dogs upon the vessel.

Sitka salmon troller hit with multiple charges

The Alaska State Troopers today released the following:

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 8/30/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers responded to a report of undersized king salmon on a commercial power troll vessel, the F/V Seanna, at a local processor. Investigation revealed permit holder and operator Cleveland Eells, 26, of Sitka, had taken five undersized king salmon, which an Alaska Department of Fish and Game representative identified during an offload as undersized. Eells removed the fish from the ADF&G representative's possession before any biological samples (heads) could be retained and dumped the fish, causing them to be wasted. Troopers later contacted Eells and additional undersized king salmon were located onboard which had been concealed at the end of a separate offload. Eells was charged by Alaska Wildlife Troopers and the Sitka District Attorney's Office with two counts of possessing undersized king salmon, failing to relinquish heads of marked king salmon, waste of salmon and unlawful possession. He was arraigned on 9/20/16 on the misdemeanor charges. Investigation continues into further charges.

Troopers cite sea cucumber divers

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 10/4/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Darren Swedberg, 45, of Craig, for commercial diving for sea cucumbers in closed waters. Swedberg was observed diving aboard the F/V Pengertre in a closed area of Tongass Narrows. Investigation revealed Swedberg was in possession of 947 pounds of sea cucumbers at the time of the violation. The state has seized proceeds of $3,788 from the sea cucumbers found aboard the vessel.

Location: Juneau
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 10/3/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers onboard the P/V Sentry contacted Paul Weltzin, 53, of Juneau, permit holder and diver aboard the F/V Lite Weight, as he was commercial fishing for sea cucumbers near Point Couverden. Investigation revealed Weltzin was still diving after the fishery had closed. Further investigation revealed that a deckhand failed to possess his crewmember license as required. Weltzin was cited for commercial sea cucumber fishing during a closed period.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Drunk disturbance, Aug. 21 — The captain from a fishing vessel requested assistance with a drunk and unruly crewman. The crewman refused to stay in his stateroom and was making a general nuisance of himself. Although he was annoying, he had not as yet violated any criminal statutes. Prior to officer's arrival, the individual fled the area. Officers were unsuccessful in finding him. The captain advised he would call if he needed further assistance.

Welfare check, Aug. 26 — Caller reported seeing a flare in the area of Hog Island. A check of vessels in the area did not disclose any in need of emergency assistance. It was later discovered that the flare had been set off by individuals on the beach. The individuals were contacted and reminded that emergency flares were for emergencies only.

Alcohol, Sept. 6 — Officers responded to a report of an individual who was practicing his kung fu in the middle of the roadway. Officers found him wallowing in the mud on the side of the roadway. The individual was taken into protective custody and released to a sober adult.

Death investigation, Sept. 12 — Officer initiated a death investigation into the events surrounding the discovery of a body in a creek.

Civil, Sept. 13 — Caller wanted to pursue charges against her boyfriend for getting fired before he could repay the money he owed her. The caller was advised the matter was not criminal in nature.

Assault, Sept. 16 — Dipsomaniacal caller reported being assaulted. The caller provided numerous accounts of an alleged assault. Each account stretched the bounds of believability. None of the accounts were supported by physical, testimonial or empirical evidence.

Outreach, Sept. 17 — Fire officer assisted in creating a mud pit for a local "Mud Run."

Theft, Sept. 18 — A taxi driver requested assistance with a fare who was unable to pay his fare. The officer was able to negotiate a fair fare for the fare which was paid for by the fare's friend.

Fire response, Sept. 19 — Fire officers responded to an explosion at a local fish processing plant.

Suspicious activity, Sept. 21 — Caller reported that his employee found a human jaw bone while beachcombing. The bone appeared to be archaeological in nature. It was packaged and sent to the state crime lab for confirmation.

Suspicious person, Sept. 22 — Complainant wanted to advise police that the individual he had just fired was a "Bad Man."

Suspicious person, Sept. 23 — Officers contacted an individual under the South Channel Bridge. The individual was found to be fishing for Dungeness crab from shore, without success.

Petersburg crabber nets $1,500 in fines

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Petersburg
Type: Conviction
On 9/6/16 Paul Korchak, 67, of Petersburg, pled no contest to two commercial Dungeness crab violations. Korchak is the owner and permit holder onboard the F/V Amber Lynn. An Alaska Wildlife Troopers investigation showed that Korchak retained commercially caught Dungeness crab aboard his vessel for more than 24 hours after the closure of the commercial season in Registration Area A (Southeast Alaska). Inspection of the crab aboard his vessel revealed that Korchak also retained undersized crab. Korchak was ordered to pay a total amount of $3,000 with $1,500 suspended and placed on probation for one year.

Sitka gillnetter cited

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 9/2/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers observed the F/V Resource with a commercial gillnet deployed west of the Deep Inlet terminal harvest area boundary near Long Island. Permit holder Noah Mayo, 37, of Sitka, was cited on 9/3/16 for fishing in closed waters.

Man jailed in Kodiak over reported crew assault

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Assault
On 8/26/16 Alaska State Troopers received a report of an altercation that occurred on the F/V Miss Destinee in Kodiak waters. Subsequent investigation revealed Kyle Mead, 39, of Anchorage, had repeatedly assaulted a crewmember during the 2016 salmon seine season. Mead was arrested and transported to the Kodiak city jail where he was remanded on one count of assault in the second degree, two counts of assault in the third degree and two counts of assault in the fourth degree. Mead was held without bail pending arraignment. All counts were charged as domestic violence related.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assistance rendered, Aug. 5 — Caller reported being attacked by swooping eagles. She was afraid to move for fear of injury. Officers responded to assist. As the officers arrived, the sun set. The eagles seemed to lose interest in the caller once it was dark. She was able to continue walking down the hill unmolested by her feathered attackers.

Roads, Aug. 13 — Officer noticed crab pots precariously perched above the roadway. The pots were moved by the owner.

Suspicious activity, Aug. 14 — A taxi driver brought a fare to the Department of Public Safety because he was trying to solicit sex from her. Christian Berry, 25, was arrested for soliciting prostitution.

Assistance rendered, Aug. 20 — Caller reported that a boat had burned. The M/V Rebecca, which was tied up to an old barge at the head of Captains Bay, had burned to the waterline. Investigation continues.

Assistance rendered, Aug. 20 — Caller wanted officers to check his company housing for "unauthorized partying." Officers responded and did not find anyone partying, authorized or otherwise.

Sitka seiner fished in closed waters, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 8/28/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers received a report of a seine vessel fishing in the closed waters of Sandy Cove in the Deep Inlet terminal harvest area. Investigation revealed Michael W. Svenson, 57, of Sitka, operated a commercial salmon seine from the F/V Partisan inside Sandy Cove, which was closed by emergency order.

Troopers investigate Neptune Bay setnet

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Neptune Bay
Type: Wildlife violation
On 8/28/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers received a report of a setnet in Neptune Bay. The setnet had a dead river otter in it as well as approximately 79 dead fish that couldn't be salvaged. It is believed the net was placed sometime between the 18th and the 27th. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Anchor Point at (907) 235-3010.

Troopers investigate deaths at Seward, Akutan

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Seward
Type: Death investigation
On 8/22/16 the Seward Police Department responded to a report of a deceased male near the Polar Seafoods processing plant. Initial investigation revealed James Woods, 58, of Wasilla, was deceased inside a vehicle registered to him. Notification subsequently was made to family members. Seward police requested assistance from the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation, which took over case responsibility on 8/24/16. Troopers are continuing the investigation and are asking anyone with information regarding the death to contact the Alaska State Troopers, Alaska Bureau of Investigation in Soldotna at (907) 262-4453. Reports can also be made to Crime Stoppers anonymously at 283-TIPS (8477).

Location: Akutan
Type: Suicide
On 8/23/16 at about 0920 hours, the Akutan village public safety officer was notified of a suicide that occurred at the Trident Seafoods plant in Akutan. A Dutch Harbor-based Alaska wildlife trooper responded to investigate along with the VPSO. Investigation revealed a 36-year-old male was found deceased as a result of a suicidal act. No foul play is suspected. The remains have been sent to Anchorage for autopsy. The decedent's name is being withheld at this time pending notification of next of kin.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assistance rendered, July 23 — A vessel reported that they were in Seattle and found that one of their crewmembers had an Alaska-issued warrant for his arrest. Officers explained that no action could be taken but they could notify their local police.

Ambulance request, July 24 — EMS responders assisted with a patient who had been hit by a forklift.

Animal, July 27 — A man stopped an officer to express concerns about the local ground squirrel population. The man requested that the animal control officer be advised that a feral cat with kittens was possibly killing said population.

Gun-pointing incident reported at Juneau

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Assault
On 8/4/16 at 1243 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report of a crewmember onboard a vessel who had pointed a firearm at the captain. No injuries were reported. Incident is under investigation.

Setnet nearly spanned Yakutat river, troopers say

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Yakutat
Type: Unlawful methods
On 7/23/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, with assistance by the National Park Service, cited Mark Pellett, 61, of Maine, for commercial fishing a set gillnet that was more than two-thirds across the East Alsek River. Pellett was cited after being observed by troopers flying on 7/12/16 over the East Alsek River.

Fishing vessel seized at Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: King Salmon
Type: Vessel seizure
On 7/22/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers in Bristol Bay located the commercial fishing vessel Sokol with a net deployed over 4 miles from legal fishing waters, up the Kvichak River. Pursuant to a search and seizure warrant, the vessel was seized and pulled out of the water. The operator of the vessel was identified as David F. Martushev, 22, of Homer. Investigation is ongoing and charges are pending.

Three king salmon trollers cited at Sitka

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 7/3/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Douglas M. Sutton, 56, of Sitka, during a commercial salmon troll offload. Investigation showed Sutton possessed four king salmon less than 28 inches in length onboard the F/V Lady Jillian. Sutton was cited for retaining undersized king salmon.

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 7/3/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Richard C. Urias, 33, of Sitka, during a commercial salmon troll offload. Investigation showed Urias possessed two king salmon less than 28 inches in length onboard the F/V Valid. Urias was cited for retaining undersized king salmon.

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 7/3/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Matthew J. Konoske, 51, of Sitka, during a commercial salmon troll offload. Investigation showed Konoske possessed a king salmon less than 28 inches in length onboard the F/V Infinity. Konoske was cited for retaining an undersized king salmon.

Slew of fishermen charged at Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/3/16 Eric J. Marxmiller, 37, of San Francisco, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/28/16 Martin San-Martin, 51, of Shoreline, Wash., was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters 400 feet west of the western boundary of the Egegik District.

Location: Naknek-Kvichak
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/1/16 John Harvath, 54, of Anchorage, was cited for negligently commercial fishing from the vessel Callie Ann 28 minutes and 37 seconds after the closure of the fishing period.

Location: Ugashik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 7/1/16 Lowell Stambaugh, 67, of Naselle, Wash., was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters 120 feet west of the west boundary line of the Ugashik District.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/30/16 Forest Newell, 29, of Bellingham, Wash., was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/27/16 Timothy Jenkins, 59, of Manokotak, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period.

Location: Togiak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/29/16 Joey Samuel Pavian, 26, of Togiak, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period.

Location: Ekuk
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 7/1/16 James E. Miner II, 30, of Anchorage, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/30/16 Mariah G. Lopez, 24, of Dillingham, was cited by Bristol Bay Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing during a closed period.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/23/16 Isidro Moreno, 38, of Grants Pass, Ore., was cited for commercial fishing in closed waters.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/27/16 Martin Mulholland, 63, of Blaine, Wash., and Kyle Ridley, 22, of Edmonds, Wash., were cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for commercial fishing in closed waters.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Theft, May 17 — Officers received a theft report from a local container company that 14 boxes of crab turned up missing when a container arrived in Seattle.

Found property, May 22 — Walk-in explained that he had found a stash of whale bones in a very unusual place. Subject was directed to speak with Alaska Wildlife Troopers and National Marine Fisheries Service law enforcement officers.

Welfare check, May 29 — Caller was concerned for her little brother who had been fired from a local processing plant. The officer was able to alleviate her fears.

Two trollers cited at Sitka

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/26/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Thomas D. Young, 45, of Sitka, hand trolling in the Redoubt Bay spring troll area, near Cape Burunof, while the area was closed to commercial fishing. Young was cited for commercial trolling in a closed period.

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/26/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Jorge J. Goryn, 30, of Haines, power trolling in the Redoubt Bay spring troll area, near Peisar Island, while the area was closed to commercial fishing. Goryn was cited for commercial trolling in a closed period.

Two accused of fishing illegally in Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Nushagak
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/27/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Brian T. Garmon, 56, of Corvallis, Ore., and Matthew W. Pawuk, 39, of Petersburg, for commercial fishing aboard the F/V N11 during a closed period.

Bristol Bay drifters cited over unmarked buoys

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Nushagak
Type: Failure to mark buoy
On 6/24/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Harold Samuelsen Jr., 65, and a 17-year-old juvenile, both from Dillingham and both permit holders aboard the F/V Robyn Darleen, for failing to mark their driftnet buoy with the required Alaska Department of Fish and Game number. Arraignment set for 7/11/16 in Dillingham District Court.

Location: Nushagak
Type: Failure to mark buoy
On 6/23/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Alexander R. Smith, 25, of Dillingham, for failing to mark his driftnet buoy with his Alaska Department of Fish and Game number as required. Arraignment set for 7/11/16 in Dillingham District Court.

Troopers cite Yukon River gillnetter

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: District 1, Lower Yukon River
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/26/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers issued a citation to Jeffrey Agathluk, 20, of Emmonak, for commercial fishing during a closed period. Agathluk and his crewmember were observed by a patrolling wildlife trooper operating a salmon gillnet after the period closed. Agathluk was issued a summons to appear in Emmonak District Court and the salmon ticket for the fish caught after the period closed was seized.

Three charged with illegal fishing in Bristol Bay

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Naknek
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 6/23/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Bradley Chase, 51, of Chugiak, for commercial fishing with a set gillnet 25 minutes after a closure. Arraignment set for 7/13/16 in Naknek District Court.

Location: Egegik
Type: Commercial fish closed waters
On 6/24/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers boarded the F/V Pinnacle. Investigation revealed the Pinnacle was commercial fishing south of the south boundary line of the Egegik District in waters closed to salmon fishing. Permit holders Erik Maudslien, of Seattle, and Samuel Bisbey, of Mt. Vernon, Wash., were cited into Naknek District Court on 7/13/16.

Two Dungeness crabbers cited at Juneau

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Dungeness crab violations
On 6/21/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Brian Sterba, 47, of Langley, Wash., and Joseph Sterba, 25, of Everett, Wash., both permit holders on the F/V Sea Dawg. Investigation revealed they had retained undersized Dungeness crab while participating in the commercial fishery. Further investigation revealed they were fishing with pots that had escape rings under the minimum size. Both men were cited and must appear in Juneau District Court.

Man charged with falsely claiming Alaska residency

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Egegik
Type: Residency investigation
On 5/25/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted 58-year-old Peter Most from Seattle following a residency investigation. The investigation revealed Most claimed Alaska residency on multiple Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission applications when he did not meet the requirements of Alaska residency. He also provided a false Alaska address on several Division of Motor Vehicles forms and applications. Most was charged with 10 counts of unsworn falsification. Arraignment set for 6/15/16 in Naknek.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assault, April 17 — An officer intervened between two individuals who were in the genesis of a pugilistic encounter. The involved ruffians were separated and sent on their way.

Assault, April 18 — Officers responded and investigated a report of an assault. Edward McClure, 32, from Prosser, Wash., was arrested for assault for punching another in regards to a gambling debt.

Animal, April 23 — Officer contacted an individual feeding dozens of eagles so as to amuse the tourists off a visiting cruise ship. He was contacted and advised of the illegal nature of his actions.

Assistance rendered, April 24 — Harbor officer reported that a vessel was in danger of sinking. Dispatch notified the vessel owner of the concern.

Civil, April 26 — Officers stood by as a vessel captain ordered a fisherman off his vessel.

Public safety, May 4 — Unexploded ordnance was located on the beach. U.S. military EOD personnel responded and detonated the ordnance.

Suspicious activity, May 14 — A drone, equipped with a camera, was reported to being flying overhead, creating concerns. No criminal activity was observed.

Crewmen, skipper cited at Togiak

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Togiak Bay
Type: Unlicensed crew
On 4/27/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers patrolling the Togiak herring fishery boarded the F/V Seafreeze Alaska. During the routine boarding, Christopher Phillips, 38; Khanh Tran, 44; and Duc Vo, 51, all of Washington, failed to provide an Alaska commercial crewmember license. All three individuals were issued citations with bail set at $260 each. David Strand, 63, of Washington, the skipper of the F/V Seafreeze Alaska, also was issued a citation for employing unlicensed crewmembers. Bail was set at $260.

Petersburg man cited over undersized king crab

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Petersburg
Type: Undersized king crab
On 5/20/16 Yancey Nilsen, 43, of Petersburg, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for retaining undersized commercial golden king crab. Nilsen, the captain and permit holder aboard the F/V Aleutian Dream, retained and delivered golden king crab that were not 7 inches in width of shell. Arraignment scheduled for 6/14/16 in Petersburg.

Sitka troller cited, six king salmon seized

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 5/26/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted the F/V Hunter Bay commercial trolling for king salmon in the Western Channel area of Sitka Sound when that area was closed to commercial trolling. Permit holder James LeCrone, 47, of Sitka, was issued a summons to appear in court and six king salmon were seized.

Bering Sea crabber nets $1,500 fine

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Conviction
On 5/5/16 Richard Morton, 62, of Mukilteo, Wash., pled guilty in Unalaska District Court to unlawfully possessing and/or delivering commercially caught opilio Tanner crab during a closed season in the eastern Bering Sea District. The court imposed a $3,000 fine with $1,500 suspended and one year of probation.

Bering Sea crabber fined, forfeits nearly $14K

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Dutch Harbor
Type: Conviction
On 5/5/16 Robert J. Perkey, 53, of Sublimity, Ore., pled guilty in Unalaska District Court to unlawfully possessing and/or delivering commercially caught opilio Tanner crab during a closed season in the eastern Bering Sea District. The court imposed a $2,000 fine and a check in the amount of $13,992.29 was forfeited to the state for the value of illegal shellfish.

Troopers cite Ketchikan salmon troller

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Commercial fish closed season
On 4/29/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Aaron Anderson, 30, of Ketchikan, for commercial trolling for salmon in the West Clarence Strait management area when the season was closed. The charge requires a mandatory appearance in Ketchikan District Court.

Child's call for help spawns big search at Wrangell

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Wrangell
Type: Search and rescue
On 4/20/16 at 1424 hours, Alaska State Troopers received a report from the U.S. Coast Guard of a request for help on marine radio channel 16. USCG determined the call for help was from a young child who failed to describe their position. USCG sent a vessel and a helicopter to Wrangell to search for any boaters in need of assistance. Wrangell Search and Rescue deployed a float plane to search the area. All search efforts were unsuccessful in locating any boaters in distress in the area. AST has confirmed there have been no reports of anyone overdue in Wrangell. At 2119 hours all search efforts were suspended due to darkness and no boaters in distress were located.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Assistance rendered, March 29, 0112 hours — Officer assisted with an EMS call in which an intoxicated individual had fallen off of his boat and into the water. The waterlogged drunkard belligerently declined medical attention while his rescuer, having lacerated his finger, was transported to the clinic.

Drunk disturbance, March 29, 0303 hours — Officers investigated a report that the wet and belligerent individual who was pulled from the water after falling off his vessel had been pushed into the water. The report could not be substantiated.

Sexual assault, March 29 — Jorge Rivera, 32, of Kennewick, Wash., was arrested on sexual assault charges after an investigation showed he attacked a female aboard a vessel.

Environmental, April 1 — Officers investigated a suspicious blue and green tinted discoloration running over the concrete and draining towards the ocean. The information was forwarded to the U.S. Coast Guard.

Theft, April 2 — Caller reported the theft of approximately 45 cans of whipped cream. Inspection of the video surveillance system revealed two suspects. Investigation continues.

Welfare check, April 2 — Caller reported her son had been abandoned by his fishing vessel in Dutch Harbor. Officers assisted her in comforting her forlorn baby boy.

Crabber nets $5,000 fine at Unalaska

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Unalaska
Type: Conviction
On 4/5/16 James E. Wolkoff, 60, of Anchorage, pled no contest in Unalaska District Court to illegally possessing and/or delivering undersized bairdi Tanner crab. The court imposed a $10,000 fine with $5,000 suspended and a year's probation.

Togiak fisherman ordered to pay $25,000

Radio station KDLG has the story.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Environmental, Feb. 7 — Caller reported what appeared to be a large oil spill in the water near Hog Island. Substance was found to be a sootlike substance and not oil.

Suspicious activity, Feb. 7, 2138 hours — A false report of an individual in possession of a side arm was reported at a local lounge by a man who claimed to be knighted by the queen of England. The gentleman and his two coworkers later started shouting at each other. An officer advised the inebriated parties to go to their separate rooms and warned them he didn't want to get a call back for them.

Drunk disturbance, Feb. 7, 2217 hours — A man was reported shouting and roaming the halls of the Grand Aleutian hotel. Officers found the inebriated gentleman and coworkers creating a noise disturbance in a room. They were again advised to stay in separate rooms and to keep the noise down.

Welfare check, Feb. 10 — Concerned Seattle mom requested officer assistance in contacting her son. Son was contacted and informed about his new nephew.

Environmental, Feb. 10 — Caller reported a "foamy, stinky smelling, not appealing" amount of water was running off from an area near a local processing plant into the bay. Officer investigated but could not locate the substance. Coast Guard was notified.

Liquor law violation, Feb. 10 — Local fisherman dropped off an extremely intoxicated fisherman in a wheelchair into the Grand Aleutian hotel lobby where he proceeded to cause a scene. Officers responded and advised the inebriate that he was too intoxicated to enter liquor establishments for the rest of the evening.

Drunk disturbance, Feb. 10 — Boat captain requested that a drunk fisherman be removed from his vessel. Officers convinced the captain to let the inebriated male sleep it off as he was not able to care for himself. Captain stated that he would be firing the deckhand in the morning.

Ambulance request, Feb. 11 — EMS personnel responded to a local processing plant for a 50-year-old female who tripped and hit her head, leaving her unconscious.

Theft, Feb. 12 — Fisherman reported that his vessel sent a $5,000 check to his residence in Washington state. Subject stated that someone in Washington cashed the check at a Wells Fargo Bank and that he has never gotten it. Officer advised the subject to get a copy of the stolen paycheck and a statement from his employer.

Assist other agency, Feb. 12 — Officer served a local fisherman civil paperwork on behalf of the Alaska State Troopers.

Found property, Feb. 13 — Wallet found at the UniSea galley.

Troopers cite troller at Sitka

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 3/6/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Christopher Nash, 28, of Juneau, near Cape Edgecumbe after observing his vessel, the F/V Orion, operating commercial troll gear in waters west of the Sitka Sound winter troll boundary during a closed period. Nash was issued a summons to appear in Sitka District Court.

Crabber cited, undersized catch released alive

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Undersized king crab
On 2/21/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers conducted a commercial golden king crab dockside inspection of the F/V Steller at the Alaska Glacier Seafoods dock in Juneau. Investigation showed skipper Daniel Foley, 68, of Gustavus, had caught and retained 23 undersized golden king crab out of a total of 151 crab. Foley was issued a summons for the violation. After documenting the undersized crab, troopers were able to return them to the sea alive. Arraignment set for 3/18/16 in Juneau District Court.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Environmental, Feb. 1 — The Coast Guard reported an oil spill at a local dock. The Coast Guard contacted all the necessary parties and had the spill under control.

Harassment, Feb. 6 — Two females were reportedly exposed to male genitalia while they were cooking in the common space of a local bunkhouse. The accused exposer stated he recently used the restroom and was unaware of his privates being displayed. An officer gave him a stern warning.

Troller fined, charge against crewman dropped

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Commercial fish closed period
On 2/8/16 Braden Jay pled guilty in Sitka District Court after a plea agreement was reached with the Juneau District Attorney's Office. In exchange for a guilty plea the charge against deckhand Justin Swindler was dismissed. Jay was found guilty and sentenced to a fine of $4,000 with $2,000 suspended, 30 days in jail with 30 days suspended, and two years of probation. The proceeds of the seized king salmon were forfeited to the state. On 6/30/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers patrolling the summer troll fishery observed the F/V Brena in the area of Puffin Bay engaged in fishing. Investigation revealed Jay, 28, and deckhand Swindler, 33, both of Sitka, were attempting to catch king salmon prior to the legal opening of the season. Five king salmon were seized and both men were cited for fishing in a closed period.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Harassment, Jan. 24 — Officers investigated a report that a dancer touched the gluteus maximus of another dancer while dancing. None of the involved wished to pursue charges.

Assist other agency, Jan. 30 — Officers responded to a report of flashing lights aboard a docked vessel. The vessel was found to be fine.

Two cited at Sitka over improper salmon sale

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Permit, fish ticket
On 2/6/16 Sitka Wildlife Troopers contacted Bruce Ulrich, 63, of Sitka, as he attempted to sell king salmon at Sitka Sound Seafoods. Investigation revealed Ulrich was not a valid permit holder and was attempting to sell fish that were caught by George Jackson, 75, of Sitka. Ulrich had removed the fish from the F/V Lady Savage in ANB Harbor and transported them to Sitka Sound Seafoods for sale. Only fishermen holding a valid permit may sell salmon, and a fish ticket must be completed at the time of delivery, which is the time the fish are removed from the vessel to be transported for sale. Ulrich was issued a summons for failing to possess a permit, and Jackson was issued a summons for failing to complete a fish ticket as required. Both subjects must appear in Sitka District Court.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Animal, Jan. 18 — Caller reported an injured eagle on the side of the roadway. Officer responded and captured the wounded eagle. Prior to the eagle being moved to Public Safety for transport to Anchorage, it escaped and flew away.

Trespass, Jan. 22 — Caller requested assistance with removing a problem employee from his vessel. Officers responded and assisted in removing the employee, who appeared to be having mental health issues. He was referred to people who could possibly assist him.

Assistance rendered, Jan. 22 — Caller requested advice on how to deal with a former crewmember having issues with methamphetamine.

Kodiak police make arrest in shooting on vessel

Details in this Alaska Dispatch News story.

Californian fined for unlawful shellfish possession

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Prince of Wales Island
Type: Conviction
On 11/16/15 Alaska Wildlife Troopers based on the P/V Enforcer contacted Sidney McGuire, 27, of California, in Hetta Inlet near Prince of Wales Island. McGuire was onboard the commercial fishing vessel Sea Hunt and was participating in the commercial sea cucumber dive fishery. Investigation revealed McGuire was in unlawful possession of rock scallops while in possession of commercially harvested sea cucumbers. McGuire was issued a summons to appear in Craig District Court. A bench trial was held on 2/3/16 and McGuire was found guilty of the offense of unlawful possession of miscellaneous shellfish aboard a vessel. McGuire was sentenced to a fine of $400 with $200 suspended and one year of probation.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Trespass, Jan. 10 — Officers assisted in trespassing a crewmember from a vessel after the crewmember was fired for drunkenness.

Public safety, Jan. 12, 0207 hours — Officer contacted an individual wading in the Iliuliuk River. The officer was concerned because the individual was not dressed to be wading in the water and the weather was not conducive to this type of activity. The individual stated he was just going for a walk. It was suggested that wading in cold water, at night, during the winter, without proper gear, was probably not a good idea.

Environmental, Jan. 16 — Caller reported that the Resolve Marine barge that was usually moored in the bay in front of APL had broken loose and was adrift and nearing the Bayview Avenue beach area. The barge eventually ran aground and was later successfully pulled from the beach.

Juneau troopers cite Dungeness crabber

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Juneau
Type: Unlawful possession
On 1/25/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Juneau Post, issued Rudolf Ziel, 37, of Tenakee, a summons for possessing commercial Dungeness crab more than 24 hours past the fishery closure on 11/30/15. Arraignment set for 2/19/16 in Juneau District Court.

Geoduck harvester cited at Ketchikan

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Ketchikan
Type: Geoduck violations
On 1/14/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Andrew Lindner, the permit holder of the F/V Mary Lou, for failing to attach a Department of Environmental Conservation tag to each container of geoducks. He also was cited for failing to complete his dive logbook prior to leaving the harvest site. A mandatory appearance is set for 2/15/16 in Ketchikan District Court.

Kodiak man arrested as he disembarks vessel

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Kodiak
Type: Warrant arrest
On 1/17/16 at approximately 2229 hours, Kodiak Crime Stoppers received a report that Darin Wolfe, 49, of Kodiak, was traveling to Kodiak onboard a fishing vessel. On 1/18/16 Alaska troopers and Kodiak police officers made contact with Wolfe as he disembarked from the vessel. Wolfe was arrested on two bench warrants regarding his failure to comply with conditions of adult probation. He was taken into custody without incident and remanded to the Kodiak jail on $7,500 cash bail.

Southeast buyers in trouble over fish tickets

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Petersburg
Type: Late fish tickets
On 1/19/16 Gregory Einerson, 64, of Petersburg, was cited by Alaska Wildlife Troopers for not submitting Alaska Department of Fish and Game fish tickets as required. Einerson, the owner and operator of Coastal Cold Storage, failed to submit multiple fish tickets to the department within seven days of the purchase of fish. Arraignment set for 2/23/16 in Petersburg District Court.

Location: Sitka
Type: Fail to submit fish tickets, imprint permit card
On 1/18/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Sitka Salmon Alaska Holdings for failing to submit fish tickets within seven days and for failing to imprint a permit card on fish tickets. The violations stemmed from commercial troll-caught king salmon bought by the company in December 2015. Arraignment set for 2/9/16 in Sitka District Court.

Sitka fisherman cited for excess of troll gurdies

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Overlimit troll gurdies
On 1/18/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers cited Todd Smith, 45, of Sitka, after investigation showed he was commercial salmon trolling with more than six power troll gurdies installed on the F/V Ocean Roar. The additional gurdies were not in actual use at the time of the violation. Smith was cited with a strict liability offense and an arraignment is set in Sitka District Court.

Sitka troller charged, small salmon seized

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 1/15/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted permit holder Kelly Durgan, 54, of Sitka, during an offload of commercial troll-caught king salmon from the F/V Satellite. Investigation revealed Durgan had retained a king salmon less than 28 inches in length. The fish was seized and Durgan was issued a summons to appear on 2/9/16 in Sitka District Court.

Fisherman cited at Sitka over undersized king

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: Undersized king salmon
On 1/15/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Troy K. Mutz, 48, of Sitka, during a commercial salmon offload. Investigation revealed Mutz had retained an undersized king salmon while fishing as the permit holder onboard the F/V Northern Star. The fish was seized and Mutz was cited. Arraignment set for 2/9/16 in Sitka District Court.

Skipper nets $5K fine over king crab takes

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Petersburg
Type: Conviction
On 1/11/16 William G. Wahl, 41, of Bend, Ore., pled guilty to one misdemeanor count of prohibited conduct. The charge was the result of an investigation which revealed Wahl, the captain and commercial permit holder aboard the F/V Victory, unlawfully took approximately 93 red king crab when there was no open season to harvest king crab. Wahl was sentenced to a fine of $10,000 with $5,000 suspended and placed on probation for two years. National Marine Fisheries Service enforcement officers aided in the investigation and pursued several halibut-related charges against a crewmember aboard the vessel.

Dutch Harbor report

From the local police blotter:

Animal, Dec. 28 — An injured crested auklet was brought to the Department of Public Safety. Despite valiant efforts the auklet succumbed to its injuries.

Drunk disturbance, Dec. 30 — Officer saw three individuals in front of a local drinking establishment who appeared to be getting ready to engage in a pugilistic event. The officer intervened and sent the ruffians on their way.

Other services, Dec. 31 — Fire and EMS volunteers stood by for the city's fireworks display.

Trespass, Jan. 1 — Officers assisted in removing a drunk and disorderly crewman from a fishing vessel.

Sitka troller charged with DUI

From the Alaska State Troopers:

Location: Sitka
Type: DUI watercraft
On 1/2/16 Alaska Wildlife Troopers contacted Kelly Durgan, 54, of Sitka, during a routine commercial salmon troll boarding at Eliason Harbor. Investigation revealed Durgan was operating the F/V Satellite, a 45-foot commercial troller, under the influence of alcohol and prescription medications. Durgan was arrested for DUI and remanded to the Sitka jail.