Posted by shark-92107 on November 14, 2001 at 15:40:04:
Marc Sosnowski, the diver/poacher arrested in late June 2001 (see archives), entered a guilty plea this morning to three counts of violation of the Fish & Game Code (sections 7121, 5521, and 2002). He received this sentence:
1 - 180 days jail time (actually work-furlough, so just nights and weekends in jail).
2 - $15,000 fine.
3 - Forfeiture of dive gear seized by DFG (20 tanks, some drysuits, 4 or 5 regulator setups, wetsuits, other misc. dive gear).
4 - Three years probation. As a condition of probation, Sosnowski is prohibited from being at the ocean or shoreline with scuba gear or any sort of fishing equipment. Violation of probation will send him to jail for up to 2 years.
Sosnowski's personalized license plates are "PB DIVER." (PB = poacher boy?) If you see him, check for a probation violation.
This appears to be one of the most significant sentences handed down in San Diego for misdemeanor violation of the Fish & Game laws. DFG and the San Diego City Attorney's Office are to be commended.
On a related matter, charges have been filed against Jasmine, an Asian restaurant in the Kearney Mesa area of San Diego, for possession of Sosnowski's lobsters in violation of the Fish & Game laws.