Jeffery S. Adams, Lacey Act Violation, Virginia 2013
Grimy Times has obtained information about a high-stakes case of wildlife trafficking in Virginia.
Jeffery S. Adams, 41, of Hudgins, Va., has pleaded guilty to trafficking in illegally-harvested striped bass, in violation of the Lacey Act.
According to court documents, Adams and his corporation, Adams Fishing Adventures Inc., were indicted on Nov. 8, 2012, by a federal grand jury on charges of conspiracy, Lacey Act violations and false statements.
Adams faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine, as well as forfeiture of the fishing vessel used during the commission of the crimes.
Adams Fishing Adventures Inc. faces a maximum fine of $500,000, as well as forfeiture of the fishing vessels used during the commission of the crimes.
Sentencing is set for April 18, 2013.
As part of a plea agreement, Adams admitted that on Jan. 19, 2010, he sold a charter striped bass fishing trip for $800, which involved taking his clients into the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) to harvest striped bass, in violation of federal law.
The investigation was conducted by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Fisheries, Office for Law Enforcement, and the Virginia Marine Police with assistance from the Federal Communications Commission Enforcement Bureau, Norfolk, Va. Office.
Adams' attorney has declined to comment on the case.
The case highlights the ongoing issue of wildlife trafficking in Virginia and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to crack down on these crimes.
Key Facts
- State: Federal
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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