3-year probe of illegal fish sales ends in arrest

State wildlife and fisheries agents have arrested a Bridge City man for alleged commercial finfish violations, ending a three-year investigation into the illegal sale of red snapper.

Agents cited 26-year-old Yoan C. Hernandez on Sunday.

Undercover agents bought 655 pounds of illegal red snapper from Hernandez. Officials say he was cited with six counts of violating individual reef fish quota allotment, three counts of selling fish without a wholesale/retail dealer permit, three counts each of failing to maintain records, failing to fill out trip tickets and failing to report commercial fisheries data.

Violating individual reef fish quotas carries a fine up to $350 and 60 days in jail for each count. The other charges bring up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail on each count.