Charles J. Petticrew Sr. and Charles J. Petticrew Jr., Lacey Act Violation, Alaska 2010

Anchorage, AK – In a shocking case of fishy business, a father-son duo from Wrangell, Alaska, has been sentenced for violating the Lacey Act in a halibut fishing scam worth over $23,000. Charles ‘Chuck’ J. Petticrew Sr., 70, and Charles ‘Jeff’ J. Petticrew Jr., 42, were found guilty of falsifying fishing locations on Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) Longline Fishery Logbook entries, IFQ landing permits, and ADF&G Halibut Tickets.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Jack S. Schmidt, the defendants conspired to conceal their true fishing locations from June 28, 2010, to May 20, 2013. They claimed to have fished in Management Area 3A, when in reality, they had only fished in Management Area 2C. The illicit catch was valued at over $23,000, and the defendants falsified Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) records to cover their tracks.

Petticrew Sr. was sentenced to pay a $90,000 fine and placed on probation for five years for his role in the conspiracy. Petticrew Jr. received a $10,000 fine and five years of probation for his misdemeanor count of violating the Lacey Act. As part of their sentences, both defendants agreed to install and pay for a Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) for the vessel used in the scam.

Chief U.S. District Judge Timothy M. Burgess emphasized the seriousness of the crime, noting that it was a deliberate attempt to deceive the authorities and undermine the integrity of the fishing industry. The judge also highlighted the need to deter similar crimes and protect Alaska’s valuable fishery resources.

The investigation was led by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Law Enforcement, Alaska Enforcement Division. The case serves as a warning to those who would seek to exploit Alaska’s natural resources for personal gain.

The sentences handed down in this case are a reminder that the law will not tolerate such brazen attempts to cheat the system. As we continue to monitor the situation, it is clear that the authorities will leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this case, we will provide updates and insights into the world of white-collar crime and the efforts of law enforcement to bring perpetrators to justice.

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