Jonathan D. Ross U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas
As summer approaches, the importance of adhering to federal laws governing public lands and waters is underscored by recent legal actions against four Arkansas residents. These individuals have pleaded guilty to multiple federal violations related to the illegal snagging of paddlefish from the Little Red River in the Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service led a three-year investigation into this activity, resulting in charges against Matthew “Cole” Harken, Andrew Jennings, Dakota Wilson, and Steven Lawrence. They were sentenced by U.S. Magistrate Judge Joe J. Volpe for illegally taking and transporting 29 paddlefish over approximately three years. The penalties imposed include fines and restitution amounting to $14,190.
The investigation revealed that these men targeted paddlefish for their eggs or "roe," which are highly valued as caviar both domestically and internationally. Paddlefish are migratory and can live up to 50 years, making them vulnerable during their spawning season when they migrate through areas like the Bald Knob National Wildlife Refuge.
Patrol Captain Brandon Bland expressed pride in the officers involved: “We are extremely proud of the Officers of United States Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Refuge Law Enforcement and Arkansas Game and Fish Commission whose devotion to the protection of our natural resources made this investigation successful.”
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Katie Hinojosa with assistance from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
