03-23-2010, 11:11 AM
John Earl Hasson (DOB 05/25/68) of Kenansville landed in the Osceola County jail Feb. 5, charged with illegally selling freshwater game fish (bluegill), frog legs and alligator meat to Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) undercover investigators.
The sting came after an FWC officer developed information about a year ago regarding someone killing alligators and selling the meat, as well as selling freshwater game fish and frog legs. It is illegal to sell alligator meat or frog legs without permits, and illegal to sell game fish at all. Each charge is a second-degree misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and $500 fine.
"Freshwater game fish, in particular crappie and some panfish, are easy to catch when they congregate on beds to spawn during certain times of the year. Unfortunately, a few unscrupulous people try to profit from this by catching their limit and more, and then selling them," said Lt. Don McMillen, FWC investigative lieutenant. "This is stealing from anglers who abide by the laws in place to protect the resource so all can enjoy them."
Anyone with information about illegal fishing, hunting or other violations involving fish and wildlife should call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 right away. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest. The hotline is open 24 hours a day.
Contact:<br />
Joy Hill, 352-258-3426
The sting came after an FWC officer developed information about a year ago regarding someone killing alligators and selling the meat, as well as selling freshwater game fish and frog legs. It is illegal to sell alligator meat or frog legs without permits, and illegal to sell game fish at all. Each charge is a second-degree misdemeanor and carries a maximum penalty of 60 days in jail and $500 fine.
"Freshwater game fish, in particular crappie and some panfish, are easy to catch when they congregate on beds to spawn during certain times of the year. Unfortunately, a few unscrupulous people try to profit from this by catching their limit and more, and then selling them," said Lt. Don McMillen, FWC investigative lieutenant. "This is stealing from anglers who abide by the laws in place to protect the resource so all can enjoy them."
Anyone with information about illegal fishing, hunting or other violations involving fish and wildlife should call the FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922 right away. Callers may remain anonymous and may be eligible for a reward if their information leads to an arrest. The hotline is open 24 hours a day.
Contact:<br />
Joy Hill, 352-258-3426