KENORA - Two Winnipeg residents have been fined a total of $3,000 for Fisheries Act violations.
Kyle Nichols pleaded guilty and was fined $2,000 for obstructing a fishery officer and $250 for fishing without a licence. Nichols also received a one-year fishing licence suspension.
Drew Riddolls pleaded guilty and was fined $750 for making a false or misleading statement to a fishery officer.
Court heard that on February 26, 2017, a conservation officer on patrol contacted the men while they were fishing together on Lake of the Woods. Upon inspection, Nichols claimed to have purchased a fishing licence but did not have it with him. Nichols also verbally communicated false identification and contact information to the conservation officer. Riddolls confirmed that same information with the officer. During a subsequent investigation, in which conservation officers had to go to Nichols’ workplace in Winnipeg to identify him in person, Nichols’ real identity was confirmed.
Justice of the Peace Roger C. McCraw Jr. heard the case in the Ontario Court of Justice, Kenora, on March 6, 2018.
To report a natural resources violation, call the MNRF TIPS line at 1-877-847-7667 toll-free any time or contact your local ministry office during regular business hours. You can also call Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
