Case library · Busted!
More Fish, Less Weight
United States v. Crowder (2009)
Charge: Striped-bass records fraudCourt: U.S. District Court, D. MarylandState: MarylandDocket: Busted!
Did under-reporting weight and over-reporting fish counts on harvest returns make the catch itself unlawful?
The facts
Over five seasons a group of commercial fishermen filed harvest returns for striped bass that did not match what came out of the water. They wrote down less weight than they had landed while claiming more individual fish, so the paperwork always showed them under quota. A check-in station helped. The state then issued fresh tags covering catches never reported.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Crowder (D. Md. 2009)
Read more at justice.gov. The source reveals the outcome.